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Who is Heath Ledger?

By Sherry Holetzky
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 6,155
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Heath Ledger, a native of Australia, became an American celebrity, an actor who quickly obtained heartthrob status. Fans and loved ones were shocked to learn of his untimely death in January, 2008. Ledger gave very believable performances, and won an award for his controversial role in Brokeback Mountain. He is also well known for films such as The Patriot, A Knight’s Tale, and Ten Things I Hate about You.

Heath Ledger starred in a new Batman movie, The Dark Knight, which had not yet been released at the time of his death. Heath Ledger plays Batman’s longtime nemesis, The Joker. Those who worked with him admired his performance, and thought a lot of the man himself.

Mel Gibson, a fellow Aussie and actor who had worked with Heath Ledger in The Patriot, gave a public statement regarding his sadness over the tragedy. Ledger played Gibson’s son in the movie and the two gave very moving performances. Ledger was a versatile actor, giving his all in poignant as well as humorous roles.

Heath Ledger didn’t mind going out on a limb to take roles that could be seen as controversial, including the Brokeback Mountain role. Rumors concerning his sexuality, possible drug use, and concerns that he may have taken his own life, will likely continue. Many fans show little concern over such rumors or other gossip. They appreciate Heath Ledger for his talent and his openness.

There was some controversy surrounding the death of Heath Ledger in regard to prescription sleeping pills he was said to be taking. Some speculated that he took his own life by overdosing. Others contended that it was accidental overdose, the combination of sleeping pills and pneumonia leading to fatal breathing difficulties. The risk for such an occurrence is greater if one uses more than the recommended dosage of the sleep medication. It’s been said that Ledger had developed a tolerance to the drugs, which may have led him to take more.

Heath Ledger was born in Perth, Australia on April 4, 1979. He passed away January 22, 2008, in New York. He leaves behind a two year old daughter, Matilda. Heath Ledger will be sorely missed by family and friends as well as by his many fans.

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Discussion Comments
By PurpleSpark — On Nov 10, 2010

@chrisinbama: It was said that Ledger suffered from insomnia for many years and took sleep aides to help him get sleep. He told people that he couldn’t stop his mind at night long enough to get some sleep.

On February 6, 2008, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiners of New York released their finding based on an initial autopsy report. “Mr. Heath Ledger dies as a result of an acute intoxication by the combined effects of oxycodone, hydrocodone, diazepam, temazepam, alprazolam and doxylamine”, the report concluded. His death was ruled an accidental overdose of prescription medications.

There were no charges filed against the doctors who wrote the prescriptions, however, they were questioned. It is always sad when the world loses such a talented young man. Heath Ledger died on January 22, 2008 leaving behind his two years old daughter Matilda Rose Ledger.

By chrisinbama — On Nov 10, 2010

what was the cause of Heath Ledger's death?

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