Heath Ledger found dead [Archive] - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

comedyfreak

01-22-2008, 11:33 PM

NEW YORK - Heath Ledger, the talented 28-year-old actor who gravitated toward dark, brooding roles that defied his leading-man looks, was found dead Tuesday in a Manhattan apartment, facedown at the foot of his bed with prescription sleeping pills nearby, police said.

There was no obvious indication that the Australian-born Ledger had committed suicide, NYPD spokesman Paul Browne said.

Ledger had an appointment for a massage at the SoHo apartment that is believed to be the home of the "Brokeback Mountain" actor, Browne said. The massage therapist and a housekeeper found his naked body at about 3:30 p.m. They tried to revive him, but he was already dead.

"We are all deeply saddened and shocked by this accident," Ledger's publicist, Mara Buxbaum, said in a statement Tuesday night. "This is an extremely difficult time for his loved ones and we are asking the media to please respect the family's privacy and avoid speculation until the facts are known."

Outside the building on an upscale street, paparazzi and gawkers gathered, and several police officers put up barricades to control the crowd of about 300. Onlookers craned their necks as officers brought out a black bodybag on a gurney, took it across the sidewalk and put it into a medical examiner's office van.

As the door opened, bystanders snapped pictures with camera phones, rolled video and said, "He's coming out!"

An autopsy was planned for Wednesday, medical examiner's office spokeswoman Ellen Borakove said.

While not a marquee movie star, Ledger was an award-winning actor who chose his roles carefully rather than cashing in on big-money parts. He was nominated for an Oscar for his performance as a gay cowboy in "Brokeback Mountain." During filming, he met Michelle Williams, who played his wife in the film. The two had a daughter, now 2-year-old Matilda, and lived together in Brooklyn until they split up last year.

It was a shocking and unforeseen conclusion for one of Hollywood's bright young stars. Though his leading man looks propelled him to early stardom in films like "10 Things I Hate About You" and "A Knight's Tale," his career took a notable turn toward dramatic and brooding roles with 2001's "Monster's Ball."

"I had such great hope for him," said Mel Gibson, who played Ledger's vengeful father in "The Patriot," in a statement. "He was just taking off and to lose his life at such a young age is a tragic loss."

In the Australian city of Perth, where Ledger was born and raised, his father called the actor's death "tragic, untimely and accidental."

"He was (a) down-to-earth, generous, kind-hearted, life-loving, unselfish individual, extremely inspirational to many," Kim Ledger said, reading from a prepared statement. "Heath has touched so many people on so many different levels during his short life."

Ledger eschewed Hollywood glitz in favor of a bohemian life in Brooklyn, where he became one of the borough's most famous residents. "Brokeback" would be his breakthrough role, establishing him as one of his generation's finest talents and an actor willing to take risks.

Ledger began to gravitate more toward independent fare, including Lasse Hallstrom's "Casanova" and Terry Gilliam's "The Brothers Grimm," both released in 2005. His 2006 film "Candy" now seems destined to have an especially haunting quality: In a particularly realistic performance, Ledger played a poet wrestling with a heroin addiction along with his girlfriend, played by Abbie Cornish.

But Ledger's most recent choices were arguably the boldest yet: He costarred in "I'm Not There," in which he played one of the many incarnations of Bob Dylan ƒƒ‚‚ as did Cate Blanchett, whose performance in that film earned an Oscar nomination Tuesday for best supporting actress.

And in what may be his final finished performance, Ledger proved that he wouldn't be intimidated by taking on a character as iconic as Jack Nicholson's Joker. Ledger's version of the "Batman" villain, glimpsed in early teaser trailers, made it clear that his Joker would be more depraved and dark.

Curiosity about Ledger's final performance will likely stoke further interest in the summer blockbuster. "Dark Knight" director Christopher Nolan said this month that Ledger's Joker would be wildly different from Nicholson's.

"It was a very great challenge for Heath," Nolan said. "He's extremely original, extremely frightening, tremendously edgy. A very young character, a very anarchic presence that taps into a lot of our basic fears and panic."

Ledger told The New York Times in a November interview that he "stressed out a little too much" during the Dylan film and had trouble sleeping while portraying the Joker, whom he called a "psychopathic, mass-murdering, schizophrenic clown with zero empathy."

"Last week I probably slept an average of two hours a night," Ledger told the newspaper. "I couldn't stop thinking. My body was exhausted, and my mind was still going." He said he took two Ambien pills, which worked for only an hour, the paper said.

Ledger was a widely recognized figure in his Manhattan neighborhood, where he used to shop at a home and children's store. Michelle Vella, an employee there, said she had frequently seen Ledger with his daughter ƒƒ‚‚ carrying the toddler on his shoulders, or having ice cream with her.

"It's so sad. They were really close," Vella said. "He's a very down-to-earth guy and an amazing father."

Before settling down with Williams, Ledger had relationships with actresses Heather Graham and Naomi Watts. He met Watts while working on "The Lords of Dogtown," a fictionalized version of a cult classic skateboarding documentary, in 2004.

Ledger was born in 1979 to a mining engineer and a French teacher and got his first acting role playing Peter Pan at age 10 in a local theater company. He began acting in independent films as a 16-year-old in Sydney and played a cyclist hoping to land a spot on an Olympic team in a 1996 television show, "Seat."

After several independent films, Ledger moved to Los Angeles at age 19 and starred opposite Julia Stiles in "10 Things I Hate About You." Offers for other teen flicks soon came his way, but Ledger turned them down, preferring to remain idle than sign on for projects he didn't like.

"It wasn't a hard decision for me," Ledger told the Associated Press in 2001. "It was hard for everyone else around me to understand. Agents were like, 'You're crazy,' my parents were like, 'Come on, you have to eat.'"

Janice

01-22-2008, 11:38 PM

Already posted.

http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/showthread.php?t=218048

ABlairican Pie

01-23-2008, 12:19 AM

That's understandable. We all know how common it is for actors to get murdered because of roles they've played. I forget, when was the last killing of that nature?

What's-his-name, that would be Owen Wilson.I was wondering if it was "gay-related" for probably about a second or two, but I was thinking that it was most likely an accidental/intentional? overdose. In the MSN caption, they would have clearly alluded to the possibility of a murder right off, but of course this wasn't the case. Of course, anything is possible in this day and age, but not likely.

Billy Crystal is one actor whose role as a gay man on "Soap" sparked a lot of outrage as the first (heterosexual) actor to play in a gay role.

I didn't want to sound like Owen Wilson was a "nobody" when I couldn't remember his name, his name escaped me (and I even have a copy of "Wedding Crashers").

TripperFan

01-23-2008, 12:25 AM

Holy crap!!! Not to be self-centered but first my dog died this morning and now this!!!:(

I'm really sorry to hear about your dog. You have my condolences. :(

catlover79

01-23-2008, 12:27 AM

I'm really sorry to hear about your dog. You have my condolences. :(
Same here. :(

Dean Winchester

01-23-2008, 12:29 AM

I'm really sorry to hear about your dog. You have my condolences. :(
me too

friendsfan77

01-23-2008, 12:30 AM

Mine also. Sorry about your dog, sunshinefizzy. :(

MaydayMalonesGirl

01-23-2008, 01:29 AM

i can't believe this. this afternoon my dad came in my room and was like "who is keith ledger? they just said that he died". heh.

rip heath, 10 things i hate about you was pretty sweet. :rip:

Janice

01-23-2008, 01:36 AM

Mr. Television

01-23-2008, 01:40 AM

I think Heath Ledger's death is beyond tragic. With that said, I don't agree that he'll have the status of John Ritter, Curt Cobain or James Dean. Those men were legends. I don't think Heath was or will be a legend, but that's my opinion. I told my aunt on the phone earlier, and she had no idea who he was. The news was showing clips from Brokeback Mountain, and my husband asked me which one Heath was, and we saw the movie.
Yea I agree. What happened was really a tragedy and who knows what he could have been but he wasn't in their company. They were legends. The only movie of his I think I ever saw was The Patriot although he was very good in that movie.

Janice

01-23-2008, 02:33 AM

http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20173182,00.html?xid=rss-topheadlines (http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20173182,00.html?xid=rss-topheadlines)

Michelle Williams 'Devastated' by Heath's Death

http://img2.timeinc.net/people/i/2007/news/070917/heath_ledger.jpg

Michelle Williams was on location in Sweden, believed to be with 2-year-old daughter Matilda, when she got the news: Heath Ledger was found dead in New York at age 28.

"She's devastated," says a source close to the 27-year-old actress.

Although their three-year relationship didn't last, Williams and Ledger could always agree that their daughter comes first.

"He was absolutely in love with his daughter," says another source. "And he really liked what he did [acting]. He spoiled [Matilda] rotten. He was playful and very funny with her."

The source adds: "I can't believe Matilda is going to grow up without a dad, without knowing her father. And that Michelle will have to deal with having a daughter who's lost her father. She's a survivor. She'll make it, but it's going to be hard. Her first concern is going to be Matilda."

Karen*

01-23-2008, 02:36 AM

This is unbelievable and undeniably tragic. I first found out during a break at work today and I just couldn't believe it. I'm not really a fan of movie actors, but the guy was a true talent and he seemed so level-headed by going under the radar and staying away from all the Hollywood drama. I don't know what else to say. He was just taken away from us way too soon. ohno: :crying: May he rest in peace. He will be missed. :rip:

Janice

01-23-2008, 02:37 AM

http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20173180,00.html (http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20173180,00.html)

Heath Ledger's Family Speaks Out on His Death

http://img2.timeinc.net/people/i/2005/news/051226/hledger1.jpg

Heath Ledger's father Kim has spoken out following the shocking death of the 28-year-old actor Tuesday in New York. According to a statement from the family:

Heath's family confirms the very tragic, untimely and accidental passing of our dearly loved son, brother and doting father of Matilda. He was found peacefully asleep in his New York apartment by his housekeeper at 3:30 p.m. U.S. time.

We would like to thank our friends and everyone around the world for their well wishes and kind thoughts at this time. Heath has touched so many people on so many different levels during his short life but few had the pleasure of truly knowing him.

He was a down to earth, generous, kind-hearted, life-loving and selfless individual who was extremely inspirational to many. Please now respect our family's need to grieve and come to terms with our loss privately.

Max Whittaker

01-23-2008, 02:38 AM

How horrible! Such a shock! I was really looking forward to seeing his version of the Joker, played out over a series of films. So young, and so much talent wasted!

Janice

01-23-2008, 02:39 AM

Ledger Family Says His Death Accidental

SYDNEY, Australia (AP) - Heath Ledger's family rejected any suggestion Wednesday that the actor killed himself and joined fellow Australians in mourning one of their rising stars after he was found dead in a New York apartment.

The Australian-born actor was found face-down and naked at the foot of a bed in a Manhattan apartment Tuesday. Police said there were prescription sleeping pills near Ledger's body, but there was no obvious sign he had committed suicide.

Ledger's family members faced a throng of journalists in the actor's hometown of Perth in western Australia and read a statement saying his death was purely accidental, though they did not say whether he died of an overdose.

"We, Heath's family, can confirm the very tragic, untimely and accidental passing of our dearly loved son, brother and doting father of Matilda," Ledger's father Kim told reporters. "He was found peacefully asleep in his New York apartment by his housekeeper at 3:30 p.m. U.S. time."

Kim Ledger remembered his 28-year-old son as a "down to earth, generous, kindhearted, life-loving, unselfish individual" who was "extremely inspirational" to those who knew him.

"Heath has touched so many people on so many different levels during his short life but few had the pleasure of truly knowing him," Kim Ledger said. "Please now respect our family's need to grieve and come to terms with our loss privately."

Meanwhile, tributes from fellow Australians flooded in Wednesday, with actress Nicole Kidman called Ledger's death a "terrible tragedy."

Cate Blanchett, who starred with Ledger in the Bob Dylan bio-flick "I'm Not There," a role that earned her an Oscar nomination Tuesday for best supporting actress, said she was "shocked and saddened" at the news.

"I deeply respect Heath's work and always admired his continuing development as an artist," Blanchett said in a statement published by News Ltd. newspapers online. "My thoughts are with his family and close friends."

Australia's Prime Minister Kevin Rudd expressed shock over losing "one of our nation's finest actors in the prime of his life."

Arts and Environment Minister Peter Garrett, former lead singer of the rock band Midnight Oil, called it "a terribly sad day" for Australia.

"This bloke was a great actor, a young talent and he had so much more to give," Garrett told reporters in Canberra. "So it's a shock that he's gone and a moment of sadness, I think, which will last for us in Australia and also for the film community as well."

Ledger received an Oscar nomination for his role as a troubled gay cowboy in the 2006 film, "Brokeback Mountain," where he met Michelle Williams, who played his wife in the film. The two had a daughter, now 2-year-old Matilda, and lived together in New York until they split up last year.

Williams' father, Larry, a prominent stock trader currently in Australia fighting extradition to the United States on tax evasion charges, remembered Ledger as "a great talent."

"My heart goes out to everyone in his family and my family," Williams told Sydney's The Daily Telegraph.

Neil Armfield, who directed Ledger in his last Australian film, "Candy," said the actor had "handled his career incredibly well," steering himself toward more challenging roles.

"He made a decision about four years ago to stop being led by producers and managers and to forge his own way," Armfield told Australian Broadcasting Corp. radio. "He started working with the most interesting directors. He was so successful at breaking out of the teen idol image."

Holly

01-23-2008, 10:58 AM

The News said he was only 28 years old...:( He's got my thoughts and prayers out to him , Family, and friends!!

:rip: :crying:

TripperFan

01-23-2008, 11:31 AM

I was watching Ellen this morning and at the end of her show she did a tribute to Heath that was so moving and sad. She showed a clip of his last visit on her show February of 2006.

It will be interesting to hear the autopsy results. At first I thought it could be suicide with the recent breakup of his marriage and all, but who knows. I won't venture a guess until we hear officially.

I agree with Janice, he won't be remembered like Ritter, etc.. In fact, really the only way I do know of him is from all the hype of Brokeback Mountain (which I haven't seen). It's still sad though to see anyone die an untimely death - especially THAT young.

Faith_27

01-23-2008, 01:11 PM

He's a big lost in Entertainment industry and to his family....

waichingliu81

01-23-2008, 01:24 PM

i just found out on the internet about this. talk about shocking, i'm almost speechless:eek: . plus he had a great future ahead of him too. about what people have said in regards to that the role of the joker may have played a factor in his death, well i'd agree with you guys on that one. he wasn't suited to that role, i didn't care who played that character, as long as it wasn't heath.

hell, michael urie could've made a great joker, or a younger riddler in the batman films for eg.

anyhow, its shocking that so far two actors- of whom have yet to reach 30- have died already this year. goes to show how fame can screw up and destroy people's lives. the price of fame itself can have devastating consequences, as we've seen with brad renfro and now, heath ledger

freshprinceofLA

01-23-2008, 01:34 PM

Sad I diddn't even see this on tv at all I found out when I was going to comment my friend on myspace and saw that someone had commented too bad heath ledger died then I looked it up myself and found out :( . R.I.P. I wish his family well....

Scoobiedoo30

01-23-2008, 02:09 PM

rest in peace

RoryGilmore

01-23-2008, 03:26 PM

This is sad! I was listening to the radio this morning and they said Heath Ledger had the flu and thats why he was taking pills and that it was an accidental overdose.

Really sad though, I loved him in 10 Things I Hate About You

Dean Winchester

01-23-2008, 03:47 PM

****ing sickening!!!

http://perezhilton.com/2008-01-23-hate-church-to-picket-ledgers-funeral

The "Reverend" Fred Phelps's Westboro Baptist Church announced plans to protest at the funeral of Heath Ledger.

Why?

The "God Hates ****" hatemongers will picket the decease Aussie actor's funeral because he is a pervert who promoted homosexuality by appearing as a gay man in Brokeback Mountain.

We wish we could laugh at this stupidity, but it just makes us angry!

Heath may not have been perfect, but he doesn't deserve this.

Why doesn't Phelps just die himself already? the man must be 90. And I think it's almost hilarious someone who is known to inbreed picks on other "sexual perversions".

junecleaver

01-23-2008, 03:55 PM

I wish the "God hates ****" losers all get killed when that happens. I wish they'd all just die. They are worthless excuses for people for saying such a thing, not to mention at someone's funeral.

Dean Winchester

01-23-2008, 03:58 PM

Either way, what's the big deal? I cannot wait to see the tables turn the day that old sack of **** dies. Let's see how that family of backwoods inbred trash feels when people are protesting, picketing and cheering his death.... and judging from his age, could be any year now.

I personally didn't think Brokeback lived up to it's hype, but... I know a lot of people who were moved by the movie, and especially for the gay community, the movie was a huge step forward. I can understand why some people didn't want to see it (or at least think they're ready to see it) but to picket his funeral over the movie is preposterous. A lot of people really loved that movie and it even made #1 on Logo's vote-in list of the greatest gay-related movies in history. So you didn't like what the movie was about, then don't watch it when it comes on television. If anything, Brokeback cemented Heath and is the movie he's taken to his grave that people will always remember. Even the headline in my local paper today said "Brokeback star Heath Ledger dies".

friendsfan77

01-23-2008, 04:31 PM

oh my god those Westboro Baptist people make me sick, it's just sad that they have all that hate harbored into them. Talk about disrespect. That just makes me angry.

catlover79

01-23-2008, 04:39 PM

Wasn't it Jesus who said, "He who is without sin cast the first stone?" :mad: Heath's family and friends feel terrible enough as it is - why make things worse??

TripperFan

01-23-2008, 04:48 PM

Wasn't it Jesus who said, "He who is without sin cast the first stone?" :mad: Heath's family and friends feel terrible enough as it is - why make things worse??

And it's that exact line in the Bible that's made me never understand this anti-gay thinking in "Christianity"! It makes me sick how hypocritical it is.

Have they also ever heard of "Live and Let Live".

Why aren't they protesting Hilary Swank who onced played a transgender? Or Robin Williams for his role in The Bird Cage? No, they wait until the actor can't even defend himself and protest at a funeral.

Oh how I wish swearing were allowed on this board. For some reason, a series of stars just doesn't say what I'd love to say. (so just picture about 3 inches of asterisks below this sentence).

waichingliu81

01-23-2008, 04:49 PM

****ing sickening!!!

http://perezhilton.com/2008-01-23-hate-church-to-picket-ledgers-funeral

Why doesn't Phelps just die himself already? the man must be 90. And I think it's almost hilarious someone who is known to inbreed picks on other "sexual perversions".

****ing bigot. what's with all this god hates **** bull **** that the likes of him have to spout out? :mad: the guy should shut up and respect him for the fact that heath was a good man. what does him having played a gay character in a film got to do with it, and him? nothing. his level of ignorance is evident of this pathetic rant of his

waichingliu81

01-23-2008, 04:52 PM

... So you didn't like what the movie was about, then don't watch it when it comes on television. If anything, Brokeback cemented Heath and is the movie he's taken to his grave that people will always remember. Even the headline in my local paper today said "Brokeback star Heath Ledger dies".

you rightly echoed everyone's sentiments here, john. good for you :clap

Scoobiedoo30

01-23-2008, 04:53 PM

I did not here that again rest in peace

*ClassicPinUp*

01-23-2008, 05:20 PM

http://perezhilton.com/2008-01-23-hate-church-to-picket-ledgers-funeral

I wonder if this Reverend Fred Phelps's realizes that by causing more pain and grief for Heath's family... he is committing the very thing he believes he's protesting against...sin. If you don't agree with the role Heath chose.. that's fine but to have such hate for the man that you would picket his funeral? Sounds as if the Ole Reverend is living by his rules and not those of God/Christianity.

Dean Winchester

01-23-2008, 05:45 PM

Phelps is known to have incestuous relationships with women in his family, the inbreeding keeps his "Church" alive. He's not even recognized as a real minister and Westboro is seen as a cult. I know people hate the assumption, but if someone is THAT obsessed with the issue of homosexuality, makes you wonder what he's done in his past, since there is a vast difference with not necessarily agreeing with them and what he pulls. He almost reminds me of Cartman on South Park in the sense that Cartman will start a holy war on a group of people and it turns out he's one himself :lol:.

Crimson and Clover

01-23-2008, 06:20 PM

wow, now this one shocked me.

isiahthomas

01-23-2008, 06:22 PM

I read a article about his death today. I remember him in Monster's Ball movie with Halle Berry and Billy Bob Thornton. He was Billy's son and he would have sex with the same prostitute that Billy had sex with hahahahahahahahaha. Everytime Heath and the prostitute got together, she would always bend over and Heath would hit it from the back hahahahahahahahahahahaha. I never wanted to see Brokeback Mountain because i don't like gays. Plus i heard there was a explicit sex scene between Heath and Jake.

Dean Winchester

01-23-2008, 06:31 PM

I never wanted to see Brokeback Mountain because i don't like gays. Plus i heard there was a explicit sex scene between Heath and Jake.
and they don't like you either :rolleyes:

I actually didn't even care much for Brokeback, but it is funny that everyone points out the controversy of that movie, what about Monster's Ball? that wasn't controversial?

*ClassicPinUp*

01-23-2008, 06:32 PM

Dean Winchester

01-23-2008, 06:34 PM

I agree. There are people out there who didn't want to watch Monster's Ball either because they believe interracial relationships are evil too. Keep that in mind.

isiahthomas

01-23-2008, 06:36 PM

isiahthomas

01-23-2008, 06:37 PM

Monster's Ball was so wack. I didn't like the movie at all. The sexual chemistry between Halle and Billy was so phony. How is it that Billy all of a sudden had a attraction for Halle when he hated blacks? Halle shouldn't have won a oscar for that wack movie.

Dean Winchester

01-23-2008, 06:44 PM

Yes i have class and respect. I'm just mentioning a scene that happened in Monster's Ball with Heath. What's wrong with that? Heath is the one who overdosed on drugs which led to his death so why are you getting on my case? Dean Winchester, i don't care if gays don't like me. Am i supposed to like gays when i like women? LOL. God intended for men to like women, not for men to like men and women like women.
rofl. There is a difference between being gay, and being straight but understanding some people are different. You see many straight people who are tolerant of gay causes, etc... but it doesn't mean you're any less straight. Actually, a straight person having gay friends is actually a sign that he's comfortable in his own skin. It means he doesn't have any hangups and knows that he's straight and that he's not going to suddenly go gay because of osmosis around a gay person.

You're a minority yourself, imagine if someone said "I never wanted to see Monsters Ball because I don't like blacks" and you'll understand. Minorities who bash other minorities are no better than the straight white men who started the segregating and discrimination in the first place.

Jo_Luvs_Ketchup

01-23-2008, 06:44 PM

Dean Winchester

01-23-2008, 06:52 PM

my apologies for the rest of the posters here. I just thought it was in poor taste and disrespectful to someone who just passed by bashing the role that he'll still be remembered for 30 years from now. If you don't agree with gay rights or whatever, more power to you, but I think it was in poor taste to say you never wanted to see Brokeback because you hate gay people when it's not only disrespectful to Heath's most famous role (and he also met his wife and never would've been a father if not for taking that movie), but also to many posters here who are either gay/bi or openminded.

So I'm sorry

Number 9 Dream

01-23-2008, 06:54 PM

I hear a lot of people saying he overdosed (not necessarily on here, but in other forums), but I don't understand where they're getting that from. They're making him out to be some druggie, but that's just a rumor as far as I'm concerned. Nobody knows the facts right now--it looks like it may have been an accident (news reports are saying he might've taken too many prescriptive sleeping pills). Whether he intended to kill himself with those pills or not is anyone's guess.

Oh, and for those of you worried about Dark Knight--apparently it's already in post production, so it should still come out in the summer...that will be Heath's last role :(

Dean Winchester

01-23-2008, 07:32 PM

I agree with you it's not your fault. I like Heath too and i can't believe people can be so disrepectful to him. I just wish people could respect him and let him rest in peace no matter what movie he acted in. I'm still shocked and I know it was yesterday and I bet everybody else is too. I think it was an accident and it's really sad because I thought he was talented.
I agree. Sometimes you need to watch what you say because you never know the company you're in. I don't think it's wrong if someone never wanted to see the movie, but when you say it's because you hate gay people, you may forget there are a number of gay and bisexual people who post here, and not just that, others who have close gay family members (Irene is the mother of a lesbian and Janice has a gay brother), that there's no point in saying something like that because it's disrespectful to a number of posters here. While I'm white, I would definately go off on someone who was stupid enough in 2008 to say they hate black people. You can't complain about prejudice when you have prejudice in your own system, it's hypocritical.

junecleaver

01-23-2008, 07:46 PM

You're a minority yourself, imagine if someone said "I never wanted to see Monsters Ball because I don't like blacks" and you'll understand. Minorities who bash other minorities are no better than the straight white men who started the segregating and discrimination in the first place.

I was actually going to write something like that, but you took the words out of my mouth :lol: I dont see how bashing gay people is any different than bashing black people. There's no reason for people to hate black people right? So why should people hate gay people?

I'm so glad to see on this board there are a lot of good people, who are not stupid enough to think being gay is wrong. The very people who are saying "God wouldn't like gay people" are totally wrong, because if there is a God, God would never push anyone away because of their race or sexual orientation. I'm not trying to start any religious stuff here lol i'm just making a comment.

My friend told me he was gay a few years ago. I remember feeling sad when he asked "So do you care that i'm gay?" I said "No, why on earth would I judge anyone, it's your life, and whatever makes you happy, makes me happy"

TripperFan

01-23-2008, 07:49 PM

rofl. There is a difference between being gay, and being straight but understanding some people are different. You see many straight people who are tolerant of gay causes, etc... but it doesn't mean you're any less straight. Actually, a straight person having gay friends is actually a sign that he's comfortable in his own skin. It means he doesn't have any hangups and knows that he's straight and that he's not going to suddenly go gay because of osmosis around a gay person.

You're a minority yourself, imagine if someone said "I never wanted to see Monsters Ball because I don't like blacks" and you'll understand. Minorities who bash other minorities are no better than the straight white men who started the segregating and discrimination in the first place.

Beautifully and perfectly stated John. ;)

isiah - you know that I like you and normally respect your opinion, but I think if you reread that post, it DOES come across poorly. It wasn't towards the movie - you did say you didn't like gays.

Dean Winchester

01-23-2008, 07:58 PM

Beautifully and perfectly stated John. ;)

isiah - you know that I like you and normally respect your opinion, but I think if you reread that post, it DOES come across poorly. It wasn't towards the movie - you did say you didn't like gays.
that is true. Isaiah is entitled to his opinion, but... he should watch his words. He doesn't have to like gay people, but it is very disrespectful to say those words bluntly on a message board because there are actually gay and bisexual people who post here, and others who have gay friends and relatives. Considering their feelings, you wouldn't like it any more if someone made a racist remark. One of my dad's friends is a real racist and I used to get sick around him because he still spewed the N-word like it was okay, and I told him that he is never to use that word again when I'm anywhere nearby.

Imagine if I said "I am sick of all the tv shows filmed in California, I hate Californians, they piss me off" (no, I don't feel that way at all, I'm indifferent to what state or country someone is from lol), that's about the same way. There are people here from CA who are going to get offended by that comment. I personally thought Brokeback was a very overrated movie, but there were a lot of gays as well as straight people who saw the movie and were touched by the story, that it doesn't seem right when someone comes out and outright bashes what they never gave a chance to begin with, knowing that Brokeback was a very important movie for what it was, even if it's one I'm fine never seeing again.

Ohio8

01-23-2008, 08:00 PM

The autopsy is inconclusive and won't be in from another ten days, according to TV news reports.

TripperFan

01-23-2008, 08:55 PM

The autopsy is inconclusive and won't be in from another ten days, according to TV news reports.
Which means they're looking at toxicology which does point to overdose. Very sad.

Janice

01-23-2008, 08:56 PM

Janice

01-23-2008, 09:20 PM

I don't know. I sort of agree and disagree about it because I think he will be remembered a lot by my generation. I understand John Ritter etc. meant a lot to an older generation and that's why they probably didn't know too much about Heath Ledger and he was in a lot more than just Brokeback Mountain. I understand your opinion but I'm 25 years old so i guess what i mean is I think his death means a lot to me but that's my opinion of course. I really feel bad for Michelle and their daughter. He was in The Patriot, 10 Things I Hate About You, A Knight's Tale etc.
I've seen all of Heath's movies. He was very talented, and had a long career ahead of him. Age has nothing to do with it, as we've seen on this thread where young members stated they weren't big fans, but feel bad just the same. When John Lennon, Princess Diana, Marilyn Monroe, John Wayne, Clark Gable, James Dean, Elvis Presley, John Ritter....when they died, whether a person was 10 or 100 years old, they knew who they were. The truth is that many people don't know who Heath was or sort of know. I think River Phoenix got a bit of a legendary status, but as time goes on, I don't think it's going to stick as it has and will with the people I named.

coffield3

01-23-2008, 09:23 PM

Janice

01-23-2008, 09:24 PM

Which means they're looking at toxicology which does point to overdose. Very sad.
He took the breakup with his girlfriend very bad. I've been seeing a lot of their pictures, and they look so adorable together.

Zoneboy

01-23-2008, 09:25 PM

NEW YORK - A massage therapist who discovered a lifeless Heath Ledger in his Manhattan apartment made her first call to Mary-Kate Olsen, according to an in-depth timeline police released Wednesday of the moments surrounding the Australian-born actor's death.

Police said Ledger probably died sometime between 1 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. on Tuesday of what authorities say may be an accidental drug overdose.

Authorities found six different types of prescription drugs in Ledger's apartment, including pills to treat insomnia and anxiety, according to two law enforcement officials who spoke on condition of anonymity because the investigation is ongoing. Three of the drugs were prescribed in Europe.

Ledger's housekeeper, Teresa Solomon, arrived at his apartment with her own key and let herself in. At 1 p.m., she went to his bedroom to change a light bulb, and saw Ledger sleeping and heard him snoring. She left the room without thinking anything was wrong.

At 2:45 p.m., massage therapist Diana Wolozin showed up for her appointment with Ledger, who didn't answer when she knocked on his door. She then tried to call him on his cell phone, but again got no response. She went into the bedroom, set up her massage table and again tried to wake Ledger.

Wolozin told police that Ledger was cold to the touch, but she just assumed he was unconscious. She proceeded to grab his cell phone and call Mary Kate Olsen, whose number is programmed into the phone. Wolozin knew that the "Full House" star and Ledger were friends, and she asked Olsen for advice on what she should do next.

Olsen, who also lives in Manhattan but was in California at the time, responded by saying she would send over her private security guards to help deal with the situation. In the ensuing moments, Wolozin realized that Ledger might be dead, and called 911.

The emergency operator provided Wolozin directions on how to do CPR, but it was too late.

Paramedics arrived minutes later — at about the same time as Olsen's security guards.

Numerous messages left at telephone numbers listed to Wolozin and Solomon were not returned Wednesday.

coffield3

01-23-2008, 09:29 PM

They shouldnt dish out drugs like candy!!
Insomnia and anxiety geez.

dawsongirl

01-23-2008, 09:33 PM

****ing sickening!!!

http://perezhilton.com/2008-01-23-hate-church-to-picket-ledgers-funeral

Why doesn't Phelps just die himself already? the man must be 90. And I think it's almost hilarious someone who is known to inbreed picks on other "sexual perversions".
K, I don't know who this Phelps guy is, but he sounds like a ****** and all the people who follow him are ******** as well. How is it that people like this live forever?? Heaven and Hell can't decide who has to take them?

Janice

01-23-2008, 09:33 PM

Authorities found six different types of prescription drugs in Ledger's apartment, including pills to treat insomnia and anxiety, according to two law enforcement officials who spoke on condition of anonymity because the investigation is ongoing. Three of the drugs were prescribed in Europe.
Those fatal drug interactions with prescription drugs are horrifying. The meds he got in Europe may have been unknown to his doctor here, so it wasn't in the database. It can happen so innocently. Take Benadryl with a few meds, and Tylenol kills often kills people. It's literally murder on the liver.

dawsongirl

01-23-2008, 09:35 PM

I wonder if this Reverend Fred Phelps's realizes that by causing more pain and grief for Heath's family... he is committing the very thing he believes he's protesting against...sin. If you don't agree with the role Heath chose.. that's fine but to have such hate for the man that you would picket his funeral? Sounds as if the Ole Reverend is living by his rules and not those of God/Christianity.
Nah. Those morons think they're perfect.

dawsongirl

01-23-2008, 09:37 PM

*ClassicPinUp*

01-23-2008, 09:40 PM

Nah. Those morons think they're perfect.
Ha, so true.

Janice

01-23-2008, 09:40 PM

I understand what your saying but I think his death had a big impact on me and I have been crying a lot today and I still can't get over it. I guess it had a big effect on me. I just think people in my age group might feel more effected by it. I understand not all the members will agree. I don't want to argue about it. I guess it's just my opinion. I wasn't alive during John Lennon, Marilyn Monroe, John Wayne etc. so I guess that's why there deaths don't have a big impact on me I understand they do for other people. Also i guess i am very sad because he is only 28 years old and I'm 25 and i have a cousin who's 28 and he also has a 2 year old daughter.
We're all sad about it. I lost two sisters to drugs and alcohol, so these stories put me over the edge. Nobody wants to argue. I'm discussing the legend aspect of his death. It's not even so much how bad a person takes someone's death that makes them a legend. I didn't take all of those celebs deaths bad myself, or wasn't alive for some of them. It's that certain something that makes a person a legend, and it's my opinion that Heath Ledger will not be a legend. I think he'll be remembered as a sad story of a talented actor who died much too young. It's heartbreaking.

Zoneboy

01-23-2008, 09:41 PM

What I don't get is why Mary-Kate Olsen was the first person called and why ask for her advice on what to do? Common sense would tell anyone that 911 should've been called first.

dawsongirl

01-23-2008, 09:43 PM

dawsongirl

01-23-2008, 09:46 PM

I'm 28 too, and it's always unnerving when someone your age dies. Brings us too down to earth, you know.

Janice

01-23-2008, 09:49 PM

well i didn't call him a legend and i don't know who did.
I never said you did. He was being compared to legends, and when I stated why I didn't think so, you made a case that you agreed and disagreed or something like that, lol. You were replying to someone, without quoting anyone.

ilovethe80s

01-23-2008, 09:49 PM

I'm 28 too, and it's always unnerving when someone your age dies. Brings us too down to earth, you know.

yeah i understand my cousin is too. I'm 25 and i will be 26 next Monday and I think it's so sad that something can happen to someone that young. I feel so bad for Michelle Williams right now. I hope her and her daughter are doing alright.

ilovethe80s

01-23-2008, 09:51 PM

I never said you did. He was being compared to legends, and when I stated why I didn't think so, you made a case that you agreed and disagreed or something like that, lol. You were replying to someone, without quoting anyone.

I thought he was a normal guy just like everyone else actually.

coffield3

01-23-2008, 09:55 PM

I think The Dark Knight will make him a legend, he is suppose to be great in that movie.

Janice

01-23-2008, 10:01 PM

Is it just me, or should this massage therapist win some moron award?? This guy doesn't look right, so let's call a friend?? WTH?
And OLSEN didn't even call 911. The Dingbat Brigade. :crazy:

ilovethe80s

01-23-2008, 10:13 PM

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Heath+Ledger+tribute

Here are some tributes people made. I hope you like them. I hope you don't mind me sharing them.

dawsongirl

01-23-2008, 10:18 PM

And OLSEN didn't even call 911. The Dingbat Brigade. :crazy:
Big ole DUH there.

Dean Winchester

01-23-2008, 10:33 PM

I heard Olsen was in Colorado at the Sundance Film Festival when all of this took place

Dean Winchester

01-23-2008, 10:34 PM

I don't think Heath is a "legend", but I do forsee him being viewed in retrospect like River Phoenix is today.

Mr. Television

01-23-2008, 10:42 PM

I don't think Heath is a "legend", but I do forsee him being viewed in retrospect like River Phoenix is today.
Yea I agree. River Phoenix was a huge tragedy and he died far too soon. If he had lived he might have been one of our great actors. The only actor I ever heard of that became a legend after only a few movies was James Dean. He became larger in death than he was when he was alive. Although all 3 of his movies are classics.

coffield3

01-23-2008, 10:46 PM

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Heath+Ledger+tribute

Here are some tributes people made. I hope you like them. I hope you don't mind me sharing them.

Thank-you

TripperFan

01-23-2008, 10:51 PM

He took the breakup with his girlfriend very bad. I've been seeing a lot of their pictures, and they look so adorable together.

I've wondered that myself (as you know I probably would). I can certainly feel for the guy - especially with a baby girl involved. Makes me wonder just who and how many truly close friends he had that he could count on.

Mr. Television

01-23-2008, 10:57 PM

http://www.canada.com/reginaleaderpost/news/story.html?id=ca00f3a4-9c3e-48a6-bd64-b2957cee3ee1&k=89469

Williams "devastated" by Ledger's death
Jen McDonnell, canada.com
Published: Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Michelle Williams was on location in Sweden when she got the news that Heath Ledger - her ex-boyfriend and the father of her two-year-old daughter - was found dead in his New York apartment on Tuesday afternoon.

"She's devastated," a source close to the 27-year-old actress tells People magazine.

TMZ reports Williams, who split from Ledger last September, boarded a plane back to New York Wednesday morning. According to her IMDB profile page, the actress was filming Mammoth in Sweden with Gael García Bernal. The couple's child, Matilda, is believed to be with her.

Michelle Williams was on location in Sweden when she got the news her ex-boyfriend was found dead in his New York apartment on Tuesday afternoon. (Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Ledger's friends and family continue to express their belief that his sudden death was not a suicide. In a statement Tuesday, the actor's father, Kim, discussed his son's "tragic, untimely and accidental passing," while Ledger's rep, Mara Buxbaum, said in a statement, "We are deeply saddened and shocked by this accident."

Though the initial autopsy proved inconclusive, TMZ is citing sources in the New York City Police Department who say their current "operating theory" is the death was accidental, not a suicide.

Prescription sleeping pills were found near Ledger's body. In an interview with the New York Times in November, the actor admitted to taking Ambien and discussed the difficulty he was having with portraying The Dark Knight's Joker, a character he described as a "psychopathic, mass-murdering, schizophrenic clown with zero empathy."

"Last week I probably slept an average of two hours a night," Ledger told the Times. "I couldn't stop thinking. My body was exhausted and my mind was still going."

coffield3

01-23-2008, 11:02 PM

Dean Winchester

01-24-2008, 01:08 AM

Poor guy, so do you people think that if he didnt take the part of the joker then he still would be alive now?
good question, I remember thinking that casting him as The Joker would be a mistake. But at the time I figured he was just too young for the part, not that he would spiral downhill and die afterwards.

You can see the toll Joker took on him from shots of him in the movie vs. how young he looked in the first half of Brokeback Mountain (before his character aged) and it was only 2 1/2 year difference.

catlover79

01-24-2008, 01:12 AM

I'm 28 too, and it's always unnerving when someone your age dies. Brings us too down to earth, you know.
Same here. River Phoenix was the one this situation reminded me of - both young, talented Oscar-nominated actors who had bright careers and futures. Such a shame. ohno:

Dean Winchester

01-24-2008, 01:55 AM

This is a condolence thread, not a thread to bash gays, or to bash posters who don't agree with the lifestyle. I don't want to close this thread, but please get back on topic. I knew it would go this way. I told a friend that yesterday. Heath Ledger wasn't gay, so this shouldn't turn into a gay rights thread. Maybe someone could start a separate thread about that. Can members just reflect on his memory, discuss his career, the impact of his death, things like that.

You're right, and it's why I apologized to the board as soon as I told Isaiah off.

But it seems like everyone always wishes to condemn the fact that he did Brokeback Mountain, such as Westboro Baptist (who is picketing his funeral over it) and a poster here. And yes, in a way it is kind of sad that people still have so much hate in them in 2008. I'm sure you didn't read what I wrote, but I said Isaiah is free to his opinion, but to state what he did in such words is in bad taste because it's not only disrespectful to Heath's career (and BBM is a movie he'll still be remembered for in 20-30 years) but also other posters on the board who may be gay or have relatives/friends who are (but then I ended up remembering that there's been lots of white-bashing from said person, and at least half of SO is white, and the same person bashing gays as sexual devients has listed his own fetishes before).

Why do people need to be so morally uptight because he played a gay character in a movie? Even when he was alive people were worried about him "ruining" and "gaying" The Joker because of his Brokeback association. It was one of maybe fifteen movies he did in his career. Granted, it was the most commercially successful (Batman will probably gross more, but I mean now) and also had the biggest pop culture impact, but I don't get why he is being condemned by hate groups like Phelps' church because he decided to take on that role. I mean, he's going to be a killer in the new Batman movie, but more people are okay that he did The Joker, even tho that role may have led to his demise, than they were with the role of Ennis.

friendsfan77

01-24-2008, 02:08 AM

^ Well said. I agree.

Wow, it didn't even occur to me that people were going to bash Heath playing the Joker simply because he had played a gay guy in a previous movie. That is just sad.

*Pleasant Tomorrow*

01-24-2008, 08:49 AM

But it seems like everyone always wishes to condemn the fact that he did Brokeback Mountain, such as Westboro Baptist (who is picketing his funeral over it) and a poster here.You've got to be kidding me. That is absolutely disgusting. What is wrong with people? Someone has died and all they can think about is their obnoxious views. I'm sure God would totally go for that. :rolleyes:

Brian Damage

01-24-2008, 09:22 AM

You're right, and it's why I apologized to the board as soon as I told Isaiah off.

But it seems like everyone always wishes to condemn the fact that he did Brokeback Mountain, such as Westboro Baptist (who is picketing his funeral over it) and a poster here. And yes, in a way it is kind of sad that people still have so much hate in them in 2008. I'm sure you didn't read what I wrote, but I said Isaiah is free to his opinion, but to state what he did in such words is in bad taste because it's not only disrespectful to Heath's career (and BBM is a movie he'll still be remembered for in 20-30 years) but also other posters on the board who may be gay or have relatives/friends who are (but then I ended up remembering that there's been lots of white-bashing from said person, and at least half of SO is white, and the same person bashing gays as sexual devients has listed his own fetishes before).

Why do people need to be so morally uptight because he played a gay character in a movie? Even when he was alive people were worried about him "ruining" and "gaying" The Joker because of his Brokeback association. It was one of maybe fifteen movies he did in his career. Granted, it was the most commercially successful (Batman will probably gross more, but I mean now) and also had the biggest pop culture impact, but I don't get why he is being condemned by hate groups like Phelps' church because he decided to take on that role. I mean, he's going to be a killer in the new Batman movie, but more people are okay that he did The Joker, even tho that role may have led to his demise, than they were with the role of Ennis.

Hey John, could you please spare us the gay lectures? Isiahthomas of all people doesn't speak for the board and the same thing goes for that preacher.
Enough, you made your point. You don't have to make it over and over again. This is a condolence thread for Heaven's sake.

RoryGilmore

01-24-2008, 10:57 AM

The autopsy is inconclusive and won't be in from another ten days, according to TV news reports.

great meaning we get to hear more rumors for ten days

Sterling Holobyte

01-24-2008, 11:43 AM

In an interview with the New York Times in November, the actor admitted to taking Ambien and discussed the difficulty he was having with portraying The Dark Knight's Joker, a character he described as a "psychopathic, mass-murdering, schizophrenic clown with zero empathy."

Does anyone think that could have been a calculated move, to create more buzz for the movie? Just putting that thought out there.

I mean, all this talk of the "trouble" he had playing the part. The guy was an accomplished actor, for crying out loud.

Not to add more fire for a conspiracy theory, but does anyone find it eerie how much his Joker character resembles The Crow, as portrayed by Brandon Lee, who also died before the film came out, under questionable circumstances?

Janice

01-24-2008, 11:47 AM

I mean, all this talk of the "trouble" he had playing the part. The guy was an accomplished actor, for crying out loud.
I agree. There's no way a role in a movie caused his death. It could have been an accidental overdose, suicide, or a heart attack for all we know. It's too soon to tell.

Janice

01-24-2008, 11:49 AM

Hey John, could you please spare us the gay lectures? Isiahthomas of all people doesn't speak for the board and the same thing goes for that preacher.
Enough, you made your point. You don't have to make it over and over again. This is a condolence thread for Heaven's sake.
Isiahthomas and that freak Phelps do not speak for this board, you're right. Everyone on this thread has been respectful, with one exception, and this isn't a gay rally. Heath played a gay man in a movie. End of story. Nobody should use a tragic death to get on their soapbox to advance their agendas. Those that did, had their say. No need to slam it into the ground. I called this the other night to a member, and I was right. It stops here though.

Sterling Holobyte

01-24-2008, 12:00 PM

I agree. There's no way a role in a movie caused his death. It could have been an accidental overdose, suicide, or a heart attack for all we know. It's too soon to tell.
Well, that's exactly it. Some people may try to associate a suicide with, and due to, the stress of doing the movie. The thought of which to me, is kind of ridiculous. He had everything to live for, and he seemed pretty grounded.

TripperFan

01-24-2008, 12:05 PM

Well, that's exactly it. Some people may try to associate a suicide with, and due to, the stress of doing the movie. The thought of which to me, is kind of ridiculous. He had everything to live for, and he seemed pretty grounded.

I'm sure the stress of his recent breakup was way more than that of any movie role. It's probably been eating at him for months, he was run down and they found 6 different prescription drugs all that could interact poorly with each other. I'm almost positive it was just a tragic accidental overdose.

What was sad was to see a picture of him with Joquin (bad spelling) Phoenix laughing together back in November. Here now he's dead from an overdose and Joquin lost his brother to the same thing. It seems rampant in Hollywood these days.

RoryGilmore

01-24-2008, 12:09 PM

my teacher was just talking about it and she said they are now saying that he was sick and had overdoes on perscription meds.

Janice

01-24-2008, 12:22 PM

Police Sort Out Clues Into Ledger's Death

Six Different Prescription Drugs Found in Home; Autopsy Inconclusive

(http://movies.aol.com/news/main)
NEW YORK (Jan. 24) - Six different types of prescription drugs were found in Heath Ledger's apartment - including anti-anxiety medications and sleeping pills - though the cause of his death won't be known for several days after a preliminary autopsy Wednesday came back inconclusive, authorities said.

The stoop of a house where Heath Ledger and Michelle Williams lived together in Brooklyn became a memorial site on Wednesday, a day after the actor was found dead in his Manhattan apartment. An initial autopsy was inconclusive, and the medical examiner says a complete report will take about 10 days.

A rolled-up $20 bill was also found on the floor near the Australian actor's bed, but lab tests detected no traces of drug residue. Police also said no illegal drugs were found in the apartment.

Among the prescription medications found were pills to treat insomnia and anxiety, and an antihistamine, according to two law enforcement officials who spoke on condition of anonymity because the investigation is ongoing. Three of the drugs were prescribed in Europe, the sources said. Ledger had recently been filming in London.

The $20 bill was found on the floor near Ledger's bed, and New York Police Department spokesman Paul Browne said lab tests found nothing to indicate it had been used to snort drugs.

The actor was found dead Tuesday by his housekeeper and a massage therapist - lying naked and face-down on his bed, police said. The pills were found in bottles in Ledger's bedroom and bathroom, and police said the death was caused by a possible drug overdose and appeared to be accidental.

Ellen Borakove, a spokeswoman for the medical examiner's office, said that the autopsy on the 28-year-old actor was inconclusive and that more would be known in about 10 days, when more tests were completed.

Police said Ledger probably died Tuesday between 1 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. At 1 p.m., the housekeeper went into his bedroom to change a light bulb, saw him sleeping and heard him snoring.

At 2:45 p.m., the massage therapist showed up for Ledger's appointment, knocked on his door and got no answer. She later noticed Ledger was unconscious and called actress Mary-Kate Olsen, whose number was programmed into Ledger's cell phone, to seek advice.

Olsen said she would send over her private security. In the ensuing moments, the massage therapist realized that Ledger might be dead, called Olsen again, then called 911. Paramedics - and Olsen's security people - arrived minutes later.

News of the death stunned relatives, fans and colleagues.

"Working with Heath was one of the purest joys of my life," said Ang Lee, who directed Ledger in "Brokeback Mountain." "He brought to the role of Ennis more than any of us could have imagined - a thirst for life, for love and for truth, and a vulnerability that made everyone who knew him love him. His death is heartbreaking."

Lee Daniels, who produced the critically acclaimed "Monster's Ball," in which Ledger starred, strongly disputed any notion that Ledger had a drug problem.

"The definition of substance abuse is really up to one's perspective," Daniels said. "I didn't see him as a drug addict. I saw him as someone who enjoyed life. I know drug addicts; he was not a drug addict."

Ledger's Star Flames Out

He said that he saw Ledger a couple months ago and that he was in great spirits. "He was in a good mood, he was in a great place ... he was excited about living in New York."

Before moving to Manhattan, Ledger lived in Brooklyn with then-girlfriend Michelle Williams in a four-story, sage-green brownstone with a black wrought-iron fence. Yellow tulips with red stripes were among the bouquets left by well-wishers Wednesday.

At the Brawta Caribbean Cafe two blocks from the residence, owner Jennifer Ewers said Ledger was a frequent guest who always ordered jerk chicken, rice and beans, and sorrel.

"He was a perfect gentleman. He comes in here with his hoodie on, reads a book, and gives you a peace sign," she said. "He was always with his daughter, playing hide-and-seek among the plants, or on his skateboard, peeking his head in."

Fans left flowers and candles Wednesday outside Ledger's apartment in the tony SoHo neighborhood of Manhattan on Wednesday. Khaled Ali, 41, a stage manager for a Broadway show, dropped off a candle on his way to work, saying he and fellow cast members were devastated.

"I felt a connection with him as an actor, as a fellow in the theater community," he said. "With `Brokeback Mountain' he touched me personally in telling the story of my community. It was very touching."

Ledger was known for grueling, intense roles that became his trademark after he got his start in teen movies like "10 Things I Hate About You." Thereafter, he avoided the easy path in favor of roles that forced him to bury his Australian accent and downplay his leading-man looks: the tormented gay cowboy Ennis Del Mar in "Brokeback Mountain"; a drug addict in "Candy"; an incarnation of Bob Dylan in "I'm Not There."

Playing the Joker in the upcoming Batman movie "The Dark Knight" may be his final finished performance.

Ledger split last year from Williams, who played his wife in "Brokeback." The two had a daughter, the now 2-year-old Matilda. Wednesday evening, Williams and Matilda returned to their Brooklyn home from Trollhattan, Sweden. The 27-year-old actress had been shooting scenes for the film "Mammoth," said Martin Stromberg, a spokesman for film production company Memfis Film.

"She received the news at her hotel late last night," Stromberg said, adding he had not spoken to the actress after she learned of Ledger's death.

A day after Ledger's death, at least six TV satellite trucks were parked on the block or around the corner from his Manhattan apartment, with a stream of TV reporters doing their standups. There were bouquets, letters and candles piled in front of the building.

A handwritten letter on plain white paper anchored by votive candles read:

"Heath, how could anyone hate 10 things about you. We couldn't find one bad thing about you. God bless your soul, you're in our prayers."

ilovethe80s

01-24-2008, 02:01 PM

[A handwritten letter on plain white paper anchored by votive candles read:

"Heath, how could anyone hate 10 things about you. We couldn't find one bad thing about you. God bless your soul, you're in our prayers."

That's so sweet :)

Janice

01-24-2008, 02:42 PM

Here's an interview from two years ago. Apparently, poor Heath suffered from terrible insomnia, which caused him to be jumpy and sort of out of it. I can only imagine what he was going through. I went through a terrible bout with insomina recently, and even made a thread about it. The difference was that I don't work, and could relax all day, while Heath had to work, and get out there in the world. It just breaks my heart. No sleep really can drive a person crazy. I know what it did to me for a couple of weeks, much less all the time. Maybe he was taking pills to just get some sleep. Maybe mixed a few. We'll know soon enough.

http://wcbstv.com/entertainment/heath.ledger.brokeback.2.636481.html

waichingliu81

01-24-2008, 03:03 PM

waichingliu81

01-24-2008, 03:07 PM

Janice

01-24-2008, 03:08 PM

i understand isiah that you can be very outspoken and yes we all are entitled to our opinions, but i'm sorry to say you crossed the line and this is not the place to hate people because of their sexuality, or race or age or anything that discriminates other people
Isaiah is being told the error of his ways, by management. This issue is over, please. I'm getting close to just deleting and cleaning up this entire mess. The next post which keeps this keeps this going, that's what I'll do. It will be like it never happened. It will wipe out probably three pages. This would be a good thing, to rid the thread of isiah's comments and the subsequent discussion. He was way out of line getting on his soapbox. However, we don't need pages upon pages of people telling him off, and ruining this thread. Heath Ledger's death had nothing to do with homosexuality. Nothing.

RoryGilmore

01-24-2008, 03:13 PM

I would just like them to find what happened so all the rumors and other crap around it can stop and we can let Heath Ledger rest in peace.

tanquant

01-24-2008, 03:15 PM

Rest in Peace Heath. You will be missed by those that know you and those that don't.

My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, daughter and family.

Janice

01-24-2008, 03:21 PM

I would just like them to find what happened so all the rumors and other crap around it can stop and we can let Heath Ledger rest in peace.
I would too. We know certain facts that the police have released, about the medications. There were no illegal drugs found. It appears Heath suffered from anxiety and insomnia. I think it was a fatal drug interaction or overdose. The poor man probably didn't know that certain medications don't mix. That's my speculation, but we do know that six prescription meds were found. Complete toxicology reports can take two to three months. I'm sure of that. I remember it was months before Chris Penn's report was done and released.

RoryGilmore

01-24-2008, 03:23 PM

I would too. We know certain facts that the police have released, about the medications. There were no illegal drugs found. It appears Heath suffered from anxiety and insomnia. I think it was a fatal drug interaction or overdose. The poor man probably didn't know that certain medications don't mix. That's my speculation, but we do know that six prescription meds were found. Complete toxicology reports can take two to three months. I'm sure of that. I remember it was months when Chris Penn's report was done and released.

I dont want to hear about this for months

But I agree with you he might have taken some together and wasnt supposed to

Janice

01-24-2008, 03:33 PM

Food for thought. Acetaminophen causes over 450 deaths a year in the U.S. That's mainly Tylenol, and other over-the-counter meds. I've heard it described as a hot knife on your liver. My point being that people have to be careful when taking ALL medications.

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/11017.php

*ClassicPinUp*

01-24-2008, 05:12 PM

I still can't believe this happened. To top it off I just saw pictures of Michelle Williams and baby Matilda... Michelle is in a world of grief as you can clearly see in those pictures :( and here those animals (paparazzi) are crowding around taking pictures. Makes me feel so ill.

coffield3

01-24-2008, 05:38 PM

I saw a few pictures of his parents with Michelle and Matilda earlier today, it wasnt nice to see them suffering with such grief and heartache.
Insomnia is a bad thing to suffer from, its a shame that he didnt get good help and actual treatment for it, instead of just been given pill after pill.

Dean Winchester

01-24-2008, 05:53 PM

RoryGilmore

01-24-2008, 05:57 PM

if the movie isnt done probably, it'd be really cool if there was like a dvd bonus like you said though

Janice

01-24-2008, 07:51 PM

I know it's probably too soon that they haven't thought about it, but is there any word about that Terry Gilliam movie he was making in the past week, were they close to finishing or are they going to have to recast the part and put his scenes on the DVD as a bonus feature or something?
Good question, John. I looked at imdb and didn't get much information. The name of it is, The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, and is listed as filming.

http://imdb.com/title/tt1054606/

Janice

01-24-2008, 08:00 PM

http://www.aolcdn.com/aolnews_photos/07/06/20080122180309990008

http://www.aolcdn.com/aolnews_photos/09/00/20080122172909990012

http://www.aolcdn.com/aolnews_photos/00/03/20080122173309990003

http://www.aolcdn.com/aolnews_photos/00/06/20080122173009990081

http://www.aolcdn.com/aolnews_photos/0a/00/20080122180509990026
http://www.aolcdn.com/aolnews_photos/06/06/20080122170609990086

http://www.aolcdn.com/aolnews_photos/0f/01/20080122171909990005

http://www.aolcdn.com/aolnews_photos/0a/03/20080122175209990002

http://www.aolcdn.com/aolnews_photos/0e/05/20080124122809990013

http://www.aolcdn.com/aolnews_photos/0b/05/20080122165909990105

http://www.aolcdn.com/aolnews_photos/09/00/20080122170409990118

Dean Winchester

01-24-2008, 08:06 PM

TripperFan

01-24-2008, 08:10 PM

It sure sounds now like there was at least some sort of (probably early) relationship going on with them.

It doesn't surprise me that she'd think of sending her people over. Probably hoping to protect from any media (rather than the thought of covering anything up).

Nice pics of Heath Janice - he sure took on a lot of different looks didn't he. No wonder I had a tough time placing his face when I first heard the news.

Mr. Television

01-24-2008, 08:14 PM

TripperFan

01-24-2008, 08:17 PM

Their are some reports going around that Heath and Mary Kate were dating. I think it was reported in the NY Post although Mary Kate is denying that.

That's what I'm hearing. It could be that some people could call it dating, but she might have been lending him an ear and some comfort after his breakup and it wasn't a true "relationship" - or maybe at least in her opinion.

(Geez, let's hope it wasn't something like he had fallen for her and she had dumped him and he was medicating more because of how upset he was. Not saying suicide, still an accident but that it added to things.)

Oh well, we can speculate until the cows come home (human nature I suppose) but I feel a bit badly about doing it without the full autospy results in.

dawsongirl

01-24-2008, 11:37 PM

In the ensuing moments, the massage therapist realized that Ledger might be dead, called Olsen again, then called 911.

IDIOT. Three calls and the LAST one was to 911.

I'd try to sue her ass if I were his parents; I swear I'd find a way.

dawsongirl

01-24-2008, 11:41 PM

Dean Winchester

01-24-2008, 11:52 PM

I have to admit that I temporarily have respect for Perez Hilton over this issue. Usually Perez is the biggest media whore and will post anything he can get on Britney, Paris or any celebrity who can get readers, but he is refusing to post any of the Paparazzi shots of Michelle or Heath's parents or the bodybag pics of Heath because it's in incredibly poor taste. Who knew Perez had ethics? :rofl:

dawsongirl

01-25-2008, 12:03 AM

friendsfan77

01-25-2008, 12:25 AM

*ClassicPinUp*

01-25-2008, 12:30 AM

Ugh...someone took body bag pics? That's horrible.
Eh, yeah they've been showing pictures and footage of him being brought out in the body bag. Horrible. I'm sure that makes it 100x's worse for his family.

junecleaver

01-25-2008, 12:33 AM

Ugh...someone took body bag pics? That's horrible.

I believe they took pics of Anna Nicole Smith's body bag also. I can't believe all the morons who surrounded Heath's apartment, taking pictures and gawking at the scene like a bunch of vultures. I can't believe i'm living in the same country as these heartless selfish people. Poor celebrities can't even live in peace, much less rest in peace.

junecleaver

01-25-2008, 12:38 AM

Entertainment Tonight just talked about the phone call between Mary-Kate and the lady who discovered Heath. Mary-Kate was trying to discourage her to call 9-11 and was sending "her people" over.

It's still odd that she factored in to this whole equation. You'd never have figured that Heath and Mary-Kate Olsen were good friends considering the types of movies they do are polar opposites.

I wonder what the heck the lady called Mary-Kate for when she discovered Heath? Is Mary-Kate Olsen a paramedic or something? That was pretty stupid. I dont know about this, but it sounds pretty suspicious to me, like they were trying to hide something. All i know, most of the time when people find someone unconscious or suspect death, their immediate instinct is to dial 911 right away.

Janice

01-25-2008, 02:03 AM

That's what I'm hearing. It could be that some people could call it dating, but she might have been lending him an ear and some comfort after his breakup and it wasn't a true "relationship" - or maybe at least in her opinion.

(Geez, let's hope it wasn't something like he had fallen for her and she had dumped him and he was medicating more because of how upset he was. Not saying suicide, still an accident but that it added to things.)

Oh well, we can speculate until the cows come home (human nature I suppose) but I feel a bit badly about doing it without the full autospy results in.
Yeah, I've been reading that they were good friends. Seems like an odd match, different types. You never know what attracts people to each other, even as friends.

Scoobiedoo30

01-25-2008, 02:38 AM

Access Hollywood reported that Former Full House Acctress Mary Kate Olsen dated Heath Ledger for 3 month's.

LuLu Rogers

01-25-2008, 10:17 AM

This is a video showing Jack Nicholson's reaction to Heath's death:

http://www.foxnews.com/video2/player06.html?012408/012408_ff_jack&FOX_Friends&%27I%20Warned%20Him%27&acc&FOX%20%26%20Friends&-1&Shows&153&&&new

*ClassicPinUp*

01-25-2008, 01:22 PM

I just saw this on my local radio news board. So very touching and sad :(

Heath Ledger's family has put some of their feelings into words.

The actor's parents and sisters each wrote touching tributes in the Friday edition of the West Australian newspaper.

Here's what they said.

His father, Kim, wrote:
"'Heatho,' 'Beef,' . . . my beautiful boy, so loving, so talented, so independent, so caring, so young . . . no more chess games mate . . . this is it, couldn't beat you anyway!

My body aches for the sound of your voice, our chats, our laughs and our life and times together."

Your truly varied artistic skills, insatiable desire to improve and eclectic abilities set you apart from any other person on the planet . . . it had only just started for you … and for us to further enjoy. We were one, in soul and commitment. Just . . . Father and Son. I will love you forever, Dad."

His mother, Sally, wrote:
"Our darling boy, special in so many ways to all of us. You knew you were so loved. You lived life with courage and daring and we are so grateful for the wonderful times we shared. We will be there for Matilda. Your loving Mamma, Rog and Ash."

His older sister, Katie, wrote:
"I can hardly breathe when I try to write this. We were the ultimate in soul mates. I feel both my heart and life have been torn apart. I loved our special talks, our daily chats from where ever you were in the world.

I especially loved all the precious time we spent together. We were so fortunate to have you as long as we did. You were so many things to so many people, but to me you were just my little brother.

There will never, ever be another "Heath" and I think that in itself is the greatest tragedy.

I will continue to talk with you everyday and love you just as if you were here. You will never leave my thoughts "Roast", ever."

His younger sister, Olivia, wrote:
"You're my idol, my hero, but most importantly, my loving big brother. I'll treasure every moment we spent together. I love you Heath, I miss you and pray every night you're safe."

His entire family wrote:
"How do we describe our sudden and tragic loss? … You were the most amazing individual "old soul" in a young man's body.

You so loved us, as we dearly loved you. As a close knit and very private family unit we have observed you so determined yet quietly travelling in your self-styled path in life, nothing would get in your way … no mountain too tall, no river too wide.

You dreamed your dreams and lived them with passion and intelligent commitment. We have been privileged to accompany you on a ride through life that has simply been amazing and through it all, we have loved each other beyond imagination.

Your true legacy lives on in beautiful little Matilda, who will always remain in the greatest of care. Our hearts are broken . . . Dad and Ines, Mum and Roger, Kate and Nathan, Rori and Scarlett, Ashleigh, Olivia, Elana and Nadia."

*ClassicPinUp*

01-25-2008, 01:29 PM

The Mary Kate Olsen connection from PEOPLE.COM

The masseuse who found Heather Ledger's body called Mary-Kate Olsen a total four times – not twice as originally believed, the Associated Press reports.

Masseuse Diana Wolozin spent nine minutes, making three phone calls to Olsen – and waiting more than a minute between each call – before ever dialing 911, then called Olsen a fourth time after paramedics arrived at Ledger's New York apartment, the AP reports.

Wolozin first called Olsen on Ledger's own phone using the speed dial after the masseuse was unable to wake up the actor.

The additional calls were discovered when police took a closer look at phone records, according to AP.

It was not known why the masseuse called Olsen – though the actress was a friend of Ledger's – or why she did not immediately call authorities.

This is making me feel very suspicious. Why call her like that? If she had called 911 right away could this horrible outcome have been any different?!?! I hope they plan on investigating this.

*ClassicPinUp*

01-25-2008, 02:07 PM

This is a video showing Jack Nicholson's reaction to Heath's death:

The link wouldn't work for me but I did see this on the news... have to say I like Jack Nicholson and I know there was some jealousy and anger from him since Heath is the "new joker" but his "I warned him" was just cold and inappropriate.

junecleaver

01-25-2008, 02:39 PM

RoryGilmore

01-25-2008, 02:59 PM

Their are some reports going around that Heath and Mary Kate were dating. I think it was reported in the NY Post although Mary Kate is denying that.

I heard Mary Kate was dating one of the paramedics or something along those lines, someway tied in with paramedics. But MK was on Ledgers speed dial, which is why she was called.

LuLu Rogers

01-25-2008, 03:24 PM

The link wouldn't work for me but I did see this on the news... have to say I like Jack Nicholson and I know there was some jealousy and anger from him since Heath is the "new joker" but his "I warned him" was just cold and inappropriate.

I don't think that's the way he ment it. He seemed genuinely upset about Heath's death.

*ClassicPinUp*

01-25-2008, 03:52 PM

I don't think that's the way he ment it. He seemed genuinely upset about Heath's death.
Oh yeah, I don't doubt that he was upset... I just felt the comment wasn't really appropriate in the situation. Then again I do realize he was caught off guard so maybe he just reacted etc. As I said I like Jack and didn't mean for my comment to sound "nasty" towards him.. it was just my initial impression.

LuLu Rogers

01-25-2008, 03:58 PM

Oh yeah, I don't doubt that he was upset... I just felt the comment wasn't really appropriate in the situation. Then again I do realize he was caught off guard so maybe he just reacted etc. As I said I like Jack and didn't mean for my comment to sound "nasty" towards him.. it was just my initial impression.

I understand. It was a little strange for him to say, but like you said, I think he may have been caught off guard by it, especially finding out from the paparrazi(sp?) like that.

Dean Winchester

01-25-2008, 05:55 PM

I heard that they are going to keep all funeral arrangements private between Heath's family and closest friends, to keep the Paparazzi out as well as Phelps' church who wishes to picket because of Brokeback Mountain (a film I have a feeling Phelps watched and was turned on by when left alone, LOL).

I think this is a very smart idea, because while Heath was a celebrity, those closest to him deserve to have their privacy respected instead of having to keep up appearences for the cameras when the paparazzi should go to hell since the people closest to him are still in deep shock and mourning

friendsfan77

01-25-2008, 06:03 PM

I agree that the families involved should be left alone and that Heath should rest in peace. Part of me wants to really just seriously boycott any media outlet that swarms Michelle Williams and the respective families and friends. It's sad that celebrities get no peace in life and in numerous cases, even death. ohno:

ilovethe80s

01-25-2008, 08:10 PM

AP
Sales Spike for Heath Ledger Films
Friday January 25, 5:20 pm ET
By Jake Coyle, AP Entertianment Writer
Sales of Heath Ledger Films Spike Following Death of the Young Actor

NEW YORK (AP) -- Heath Ledger's death has spiked sales and interest in the late actor's films.
As often happens after the death of a famous actor or musician, many have sought to revisit or simply discover his work. Three of Ledger's movies charted among the 25 best-selling DVDs on Amazon.com as of Friday afternoon.

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Most have been purchasing copies of Ledger's 1999 comedy "10 Things I Hate About You" and his 2001 period action flick "A Knight's Tale." After those films, Ledger pursued more dramatic, challenging roles, with 2005's "Brokeback Mountain" -- the third most popular of his DVDs on Amazon -- being roundly considered his finest achievement.

The 28-year-old Australia native died Tuesday in a Manhattan apartment. Toxicology tests to determine the cause of death will not be completed for at least a week.

Ledger's latest film to be released, the multi-persona Bob Dylan film "I'm Not There," has mostly completed its theatrical run. It played in only 61 theaters last weekend.

The lone theater it remains playing at in New York is the Film Forum, an art house and repertory theater that has been screening "I'm Not There" since it was released in November.

"The film is doing very well and as long as it does well, we'll play it," said Film Forum first-run programmer Karen Cooper. "I don't imagine that it's going to do better because of his loss. I think it's doing as well as it is because it's a very strong and interesting and unusual film."

The impact of Ledger's death on his last completed project, "The Dark Knight," remains to be seen. The latest installment in the "Batman" series, Ledger plays the Joker, and his dark, twisted take on the villain had been a focal point in the film's advance promotion.

Since Ledger's death, over seven million have flocked to YouTube to watch trailers of "The Dark Knight." Over one million have watched a clip of an interview where Ledger discusses the Joker role.

Warner Bros., the studio distributing "The Dark Knight," has not yet announced any change in schedule for the film, which is planned for a blockbuster summer release on July 18.

"Certainly `The Dark Knight' is one of the most anticipated films of the year," said Paul Dergarabedian, president of box office tracker Media By Numbers. "I think Warners is just going to stay the course and keep marketing the film."

As for its box office performance, Dergarabedian suspects the film is so big that it "kind of transcends almost anything like this that might happen." He adds that the film's release will to a certain degree honor Ledger, whose performance was already expected to impress moviegoers.

At the time of his death, Ledger was in the midst of shooting "The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus," a $30 million film directed by Terry Gilliam. The movie recently completed shooting scenes in London and was soon to resume production in Vancouver, British Columbia. Producers have not said whether the film will continue or not.

In the film, Ledger was to co-star with Christopher Plummer, Lily Cole and Tom Waits. Options open to producers -- depending upon how many scenes Ledger had left to shoot -- include recasting (and thus reshooting) his part, finishing it with the help of a body double (as was done after Brandon Lee died while making 1994's "The Crow") or simply canning production.

Ledger had also been preparing to make his feature directing debut by adapting Walter Tevis' novel "The Queen's Gambit."

In an interview last month with Variety, Gilliam told the trade paper: "Heath is extraordinary. He's just so good, and he's going to be a film director. He's watching everything, and he's going to be a much better director than I will ever be."