By Melanie Chupein, Co-Editor in Chief
On January 22, Heath Ledger was found dead in his Manhattan apartment, allegedly because of an overdose on sleeping pills. The world was shocked when the 28-year-old actor passed away.
News of this tragedy spread faster than anything I’d ever seen. I was stuck in my apartment, without cable or Internet, but I still managed to hear the news from my father, who is completely oblivious to mainstream celebrity gossip but heard it on the radio and thought I would like to know. Seconds later, my friend texted me and broke the news. She was sure she’d be the first one to let me know since I was so technologically deprived.
Right after it happened, reports quoted Ledger’s father as saying that it was just an accident. There was also speculation that his upcoming role in The Dark Knight as the Joker was psychologically draining and messed with his head. Magazines also published stories linking Mary Kate Olson to Ledger, no doubt in hopes of benefiting financially off of this unexpected and untimely death.
I remember back when Ledger starred in 10 Things I Hate About You with Julia Stiles. He was so charming with his nice smile and long, unruly hair. His character was so lovable. Then there’s A Knight’s Tale, which I must admit is not one of my favorite of Ledger’s movies but he fit the period role well.
Then there’s The Brothers Grimm where Ledger acted alongside Matt Damon as two brothers who ripped people off with their scams and were later faced with the challenge of bracing an enchanted curse.
Shortly after came 2005’s now infamous Brokeback Mountain where Ledger played Ennis Del Mar opposite of Jake Gyllenhaal who played Jack Twist. The two were working on a mountain where their sexual relationship ignited. I don’t care what anyone says. At the heart of it, Brokeback Mountain was a love story and being obsessed with a good chic flick, I could appreciate it for what it was. Also, the acting was phenomenal by the entire ensemble.
The last movie I saw that Ledger acted in was Casanova where he plays the famous womanizer. He was so suave that you couldn’t help but root for his character to get the girl despite his lying, cheating and manipulating ways.
Ledger’s last movie will be The Dark Knight, which will be released this July. Many believe that he won’t be able to hold a candle to Jack Nicholson’s Joker, but in spite of this, fans will go to pay homage and watch the Batman saga continue.
Heath Ledger, may you rest in peace.