Heath Ledger - Dead at 28 · 23 January 2008
It’s a real tragedy when a young person dies; even more tragic is when a young person of such enormous success, talent and notoriety dies. Heath Ledger was not only one of Australia’s best actors, but one of the greatest young actors in the world.
Being from Perth, and going to school at Guildford Grammar School before leaving for Sydney to pursue his acting career, Heath became Perth’s favourite son. Any story, success or failure, was front page news, or at least page 3, because it passed as local news. His nomination for best supporting actor for Brokeback Mountain was the highpoint of his career, and Perth was cheering him on from the sidelines like a crazed Aunt.
It was devastating to hear of his passing this morning. Such a young guy with already such a prolific career, again lost to an overdose of drugs. His sister, Kate, who is a family friend of ours absolutely adored her brother, and I’m sure her and her family will be absolutely devastated at the news.
It’s going to be really strange seeing him play the Joker in the upcoming Batman movie “The Dark Knight”, especially considering the dark nature of his role. Not since Brandon Lee was killed in the shooting of (pardon the pun) “The Crow” will audiences have been watching such a mainstream actor up on screen whom died before the film was released to the public.
This will be his swan song, and I’m sure he would have done his usual amazing job on the role.
Heath’s funeral will be right here in Perth, at the Chapel at Heath’s old High School, Guildford Grammar School.
