HEATH LEDGER - The 'now' he lived in ended

HEATH LEDGER

Although he was having a great deal of fun, the 28-year-old actor walked away and he'll never again come back. It was him who really adored life that had to leave it in way that yet remains unclear. Family and friends, celebrities and fans, they all mourn for him. Daniel Day-Lewis spoke highly of him while being offered the award for the male leading role in There Will Be Blood, praising him for his brilliant interpretation and dedicating his trophy to the late actor whom he "admired very much". Among others, the Australians Nicole Kidman and Mel Gibson also regard the event as a tragedy.

Heath Ledger was born on April 4, 1979, in Perth, Western Australia. He began practicing drama while in junior high, where his talent passed somehow unnoticed. He left school at 17, when leaving home he headed to Sydney in the hope he will achieve recognition out there. After playing some trivial roles in Blackrock (1997), Sweat (1996), Home and Away (1988), Paws (1997), Two Hands (1999), he went to America, trying to audition for film roles. With the help of the Australian director Gregor Jordan he got the lead in Two Hands (1999), which helped him secure a role in 10 Things I Hate About You (1999). After being typecast as a teen hunk, which he did not like, Heath accepted a role in a very serious war drama The Patriot (2000). It was followed by some no-frills roles, which he accepted whole-heartedly only to avoid being typecast. Some met with praise, like his short role in Monster's Ball (2001), but his version of Ned Kelly (2003) was a disastrous flop, which led distributors hesitant to even release it outside Australia. Heath finally acquired success with his role in Brokeback Mountain (2005), for which he was nominated for an Oscar and a BAFTA.

Well, it all ended Thursday, January 22, when he was found that in a Manhattan apartment in SoHo. The cause of his death remains yet unclear, though the prescription sleeping pills found in the room bring into questions the theories of an overdose or a suicide. Heath Ledger's family rejected any suggestion that the actor killed himself, stating that his death was purely accidental, though they did not say whether he died of an overdose. Heath was "down to earth, generous, kindhearted, life-loving, unselfish individual", states Kim Ledger, his father. The family opted for a private ceremony, attended only by relatives and close friends, including his former girlfriend Naomi Watts. The service was held in Los Angeles on Saturday night at Westwood Village Memorial Park.

Ledger had an active life, full of provocations, among which his 2-year-old daughter Matilda Rose, whose mother is Michelle Williams, definitely has a special place. "It's the most remarkable experience I've ever had - it's marvelous." , once said the enthusiastic father. He undoubtedly leaves behind priceless achievements, which can be nothing but praised.

Article by Lorena Slevoaca