On January 22, 2008, Hollywood and the rest of the world was shocked and saddened by the death of Heath Ledger. The 28-year old actor, who was found in his New York apartment, died of prescription medication overdose several months before the movie “The Dark Knight” opened to audiences worldwide.
Last Sunday, February 22, 2009, Heath Ledger’s performance as Joker in the movie was honored with an Oscar statuette for the best supporting actor category. On hand to accept only the second posthumous Oscar were the actor’s family: Kim Ledger (father), Sally Bell (mother), and the late actor’s sister Kate Ledger. Amidst a standing ovation and solemn silence, the family accepted the award on behalf of Matilda, Heath Ledger’s daughter with actress Michelle Williams. The Oscar statuette will be handed over to Matilda when she turns 18 years old.
After the movie was shown last 2008, movie critics unanimously agreed that Heath Ledger’s interpretation of the villain was both chilling and shocking. Many praised his performance as being original. The late actor’s Joker was ugly and monster-like as compared to earlier interpretations like the one by Jack Nicholson in the Tim Burton helmed “Batman” in 1989.
During the filming of “The Dark Knight,” Heath Ledger admitted that he was suffering from bouts of insomnia. He took prescription medications to help him counter the problem.
Prior to reaping praises in “The Dark Knight”, Heath Ledger received an Oscar best actor nomination for his performance as Ennis Del Mar in Director Ang Lee’s “Brokeback Mountain” way back 2001.
Heath Ledger’s other film credits include “10 Things I Hate About You” (1999), “The Patriot” in 2000, and “Monster’s Ball” and “A Knight’s Tale which both came out in 2001.
CNN report on the death of Heath Ledger.
A tribute to Heath Ledger.