Early in the spring of 2001 an up-and-coming young actor named Heath Ledger sat in the bar of a NYC hotel, talking to an entertainment reporter for EW.com. He had a new new movie coming out, The Knight's Tale and while talking about it he told the reporter that, "'I'm on a journey,'' he said. ''I'm on a walkabout. A lot of people think ambition or success, and they think dollars.... My success is getting underneath that. At the end of the day, that's the only thing you're going to carry with you when you die.''
Sadly, yesterday at the far-too-tender age of 28, Heath Ledger passed away in his New York City apartment, carrying with him a great deal of success in reaching people and touching lives through the honesty and charm of the characters he'd portrayed.
Whether you remember him from his very early days, starring in Roar, or his first big movie, 10 Things I Hate About You,, or perhaps his turn as the iconic Australian Hero Ned Kelly, by the time he delivered his incredible performance as Ennis Del Mar in Brokeback Mountain, you most likely knew that when you went to a Heath Ledger movie you were in for a performance that would be true, vibrant, and full of life. Nominated for an Oscar at the tender age of 26 for his portrayal of a cowboy struggling with his sexuality in Ang Lee's Brokeback Mountain Hollywood insiders had predicted a long career, full of many triumphs for Heath.
Sadly, that promise will be unfulfilled. We won't get to see him go on to discover new roles, won't get to see what new triumphs would be just around the corner for him. His final role, playing The Joker in the The Dark Knight will be a bittersweet experience for his fans: joy that we can see him do what he did best one more time, deep sadness that this will be the last time his grace and spirit light up the silver screen.
Again we will miss what might have been, and mourn for what was lost.
But what we do have is much more depth and variety than many actors achieve in a full lifetime of Hollywood fame. I think Heath would be proud of what he achieved at the end of the day; I hope so, anyway.
RIP, Heath Ledger 1979-2008
A new Free Gift is avaiable now.
The Toy Box has a new Ned Kelly Figurine for sale.
The Accessory Bin has discarded Laughing Masks and mysterious Mountain Rocks in stock now, though I don't know why you'd really want a piece of broken mountain rock?
Posted by Keith
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Love your words, Keith.
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great actor, yes, RIP and all. he brought people joy by doing what he did. I still think there are other people who did a lot more for humanity who died silent and unmentioned. I find all this media attention overdone, but hey, that's what you get as a popular actor.
Thank you keith.. i felt lonely with my mourning.. i was really fond of him and his movies.. ;_;..
I'm from Belgium, and even I was touched by this loss. Art is universal, it doesn't matter which country he was from. I think it's heartwarming, thank you for posting this.
He was paid more attention to because he was Australian. And to my knowledge Australian's celebrate some sort of holiday soon. Not to mention he was well known and even the Prime Minister acknowledged it. I can guarantee that if someone like Johnny Depp had died and there were items in his memory no one would be questioning it. Just enjoy the items if you don't get the point, I suppose.
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RIP, Heath Ledger 1979-2008<br />
I passed my adolescence to see the films of him. It is very sad that he has died.<br />
(<img src="http://images.subeta.org/smilies/6398_emoticon_sigh.gif" border="0" />)
I passed my adolescence to see the films of him. It is very sad that he has died.<br />
(<img src="http://images.subeta.org/smilies/6398_emoticon_sigh.gif" border="0" />)
Well, I understand... He was young, and I guess it was almost like Kurt Cobain's death to his fans... Was a small kid when Kurt died, but feels sorry about this<br />
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And about other celebrities, Keith paid homage to most, in one way or another, I guess. I mean, there are other celebrity-based items and such, the Starlet hairstyle is based in Marylin Monroe's, for example.
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And about other celebrities, Keith paid homage to most, in one way or another, I guess. I mean, there are other celebrity-based items and such, the Starlet hairstyle is based in Marylin Monroe's, for example.
Keith
STAFF
As I said - For one country (that makes up a portion of SUbeta users) he was one of their lead actors, so much that the prime minister spoke out about the tragedy. <br />
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He was also very young, and had a 2 year old daughter. :/
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He was also very young, and had a 2 year old daughter. :/
That's nice of you subeta ^^ ! I love the rocks and the mask is amazing. What great memory items <img src="http://images.subeta.org/smilies/6398_emoticon_heart.gif" border="0" />.
Living in NYC I find it hard to escape any big news story, tragedy or otherwise, that happens in the city. This has been especially strange for me, just as he is the first actor around my age/generation who has passed away. Very real.<br />
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As for the protests at funerals I would just like to say that I feel absolutely sick to think of that. Not only is it a disgusting abuse of "freedom", but Heath was just an actor, playing a part in a movie. Those people are stretching their ignorance and bigotry to the extreme.
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As for the protests at funerals I would just like to say that I feel absolutely sick to think of that. Not only is it a disgusting abuse of "freedom", but Heath was just an actor, playing a part in a movie. Those people are stretching their ignorance and bigotry to the extreme.
Rah
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Because he was young, and such an important person to his country, and it's coming up to Australia day and all that <img src="http://images.subeta.org/smilies/6398_emoticon_smile.gif" border="0" /> A few reasons, really. And we have done something like this before, with Steve Irwin <img src="http://images.subeta.org/smilies/6398_emoticon_smile.gif" border="0" />
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<b>Quote:</b><blockquote style="padding:5px; line-height:15px; background-color: #FAFFFF; border: 1px solid #000000; font-family: georgia; font-size: 10;">Believe it or not, Akjara, the people behind subeta are affected by what happens in real life, and sometimes want to show their respect in a way that is possible for them.</blockquote><br />
Yeah, I get that. But why Heath Ledger and not any of the other celebrities who died before him? I guess I just don't get what makes him so special. shrug
Yeah, I get that. But why Heath Ledger and not any of the other celebrities who died before him? I guess I just don't get what makes him so special. shrug
aww, sweet.<br />
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Heard about that yesterday, poor thing.<br />
movies gonna be in a bit of trouble too, never nice to lose an actor like that when 90% of the movie had him in it. : /<br />
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Lovely of the site to do things like this.<br />
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RIP
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Heard about that yesterday, poor thing.<br />
movies gonna be in a bit of trouble too, never nice to lose an actor like that when 90% of the movie had him in it. : /<br />
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Lovely of the site to do things like this.<br />
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RIP
I would not think a celeb's death would stay on my mind more than 3 seconds. Heath's death is only the second celeb passing that has stayed on my mind (the first being Johnny Cash) more than I wanted it to.<br />
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I only wished you guys had some item representing in his role in "The Patriot". That was my favorite movie he played in. -is not complaining-
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I only wished you guys had some item representing in his role in "The Patriot". That was my favorite movie he played in. -is not complaining-
<b>Quote:</b><blockquote style="padding:5px; line-height:15px; background-color: #FAFFFF; border: 1px solid #000000; font-family: georgia; font-size: 10;">Posted by Trojah<br />
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I think the worst about death is, beside the obvious part, is that there is so many cruel people who pops up.<br />
They just said on the radio here that at his funeral, there will be protests against homosexuals. Don't people know the word empathy anymore? Just makes me so sad what kind of ignorance and most of all, lack of inteligence to look at the big picture the human race displays at times. </blockquote><br />
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That's disgusting. People that are that low don't deserve the Right of Free Speech. No respect for anyone or anything but their own feeble opinions and causes.<br />
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Keith~ Thank you so much for this. Beautifully written. Many of us needed a place to sob in silence(or aloud)
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I think the worst about death is, beside the obvious part, is that there is so many cruel people who pops up.<br />
They just said on the radio here that at his funeral, there will be protests against homosexuals. Don't people know the word empathy anymore? Just makes me so sad what kind of ignorance and most of all, lack of inteligence to look at the big picture the human race displays at times. </blockquote><br />
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That's disgusting. People that are that low don't deserve the Right of Free Speech. No respect for anyone or anything but their own feeble opinions and causes.<br />
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Keith~ Thank you so much for this. Beautifully written. Many of us needed a place to sob in silence(or aloud)
I cried when I was watching Brokeback Mountain. Rest in peace <img src="http://images.subeta.org/smilies/6398_emoticon_sad.gif" border="0" /><br />
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RIP Heath, someone was talking about ''That guy from Brokeback Mountain died'' in a distant conversation. I know some Subeta people might not know her but, Fabulous Moolah died a while ago, my family are fans.
I think this is a wonderful memorial to a great actor. Well done staff <img src="http://images.subeta.org/smilies/6398_emoticon_smile.gif" border="0" /><br />
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RIP Heath
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RIP Heath
I was shocked when I heard about it, he really was so young.. I never saw Brokeback Mountain (though I heard a lot about it), but I did see 10 Things I Hate About You, and I saw him as a great actor thanks to that. It's terrible he died.
Rah
STAFF
Believe it or not, Akjara, the people behind subeta are affected by what happens in real life, and sometimes want to show their respect in a way that is possible for them.
awesome tribute Keith.. thank you.. he will be missed very much from all his family and friends and fans<br />
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Rest In Peace.. A Knights Tale
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Rest In Peace.. A Knights Tale
Read about it at work the only we have accesse to npr.org which is public radio website when the news came out .He was such a talented actor.
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Oookaaay. And what has this to do with Subeta?
That was really thoughtful, thank you Keith.<br />
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A Knights Tale was one of my favourite movies, rest in peace Heath Ledger. <img src="http://images.subeta.org/smilies/6398_emoticon_sad.gif" border="0" />
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A Knights Tale was one of my favourite movies, rest in peace Heath Ledger. <img src="http://images.subeta.org/smilies/6398_emoticon_sad.gif" border="0" />
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this is pathetic, just looking at the little chunk of rock is about to make me start crying. i have never cried as hard over a movie as i did brokeback, and that's saying something because i am an easy crier <img src="http://images.subeta.org/smilies/6398_emoticon_raspberry.gif" border="0" />
I'm rarely effected by (or take interest in) the goings-on of celebrities either, but have found myself deeply moved by the loss of Heath and really appreciate Subeta recognizing and honouring that loss. Thank you.
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oh my god that's so sad i was like watching it on the today show i feel soo bad for him he was a great actor it was so cool that he could become the characters the way he did i feel soo bad <img src="http://images.subeta.org/smilies/6398_emoticon_sad.gif" border="0" /><br />
RIP Heath Ledger...
RIP Heath Ledger...
Thanks for this Keith. I've kept my eyes pinned on the news lately and have the issue of the NYT that covered it. He was one of my favorite actors and I tend to own all the movies they are in.<br />
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Hopefully Batman: The Dark Knight...will be dedicated to him.
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Hopefully Batman: The Dark Knight...will be dedicated to him.
My boyfriend told me about this and I was so shocked.<br />
Really, this tribute is AMAZING, I'm really touched by all this details.<br />
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hugs Keith and all the staff.<br />
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Rest in peace, Heath.
Really, this tribute is AMAZING, I'm really touched by all this details.<br />
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hugs Keith and all the staff.<br />
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Rest in peace, Heath.
just hope his daughter grows-up to know what a good actor and good person he was. <br />
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RIP Heath...
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RIP Heath...
I think the worst about death is, beside the obvious part, is that there is so many cruel people who pops up.<br />
They just said on the radio here that at his funeral, there will be protests against homosexuals. Don't people know the word empathy anymore? Just makes me so sad what kind of ignorance and most of all, lack of inteligence to look at the big picture the human race displays at times. <img src="http://images.subeta.org/smilies/6398_emoticon_sigh.gif" border="0" /><br />
They just said on the radio here that at his funeral, there will be protests against homosexuals. Don't people know the word empathy anymore? Just makes me so sad what kind of ignorance and most of all, lack of inteligence to look at the big picture the human race displays at times. <img src="http://images.subeta.org/smilies/6398_emoticon_sigh.gif" border="0" /><br />
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beautifully written Keith hugs everybody else who is saddened by this<br />
ugh, i refuse to watch the news about it because the media is just begging for it to be a drug overdose. who cares if it is? it doesn't make it any less tragic <img src="http://images.subeta.org/smilies/6398_emoticon_sad.gif" border="0" /><br />
ugh, i refuse to watch the news about it because the media is just begging for it to be a drug overdose. who cares if it is? it doesn't make it any less tragic <img src="http://images.subeta.org/smilies/6398_emoticon_sad.gif" border="0" /><br />
Nice speech Keith, very thoughtfull <img src="http://images.subeta.org/smilies/6398_emoticon_smile.gif" border="0" />. It's a great loss for sure he was only two years older than myself and although I haven't seen any of his movies I'm sure he was a wonderful and talented actor and will be missed by everyone. What a tragic, shocking way and age to go poor guy.<br />
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I don't really know him, not to sound rude or anything but living in the UK and added to that the fact that I only watch horror movies most of the time and a few comedy's here and there, I don't keep up with celebrity's much either. But still it's a terrible loss and at such a young age, sounds like he was a great actor and I'm sure he will leave a big hole in the movie industry.<br />
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Rest in peace Heath, peace be upon you.
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I don't really know him, not to sound rude or anything but living in the UK and added to that the fact that I only watch horror movies most of the time and a few comedy's here and there, I don't keep up with celebrity's much either. But still it's a terrible loss and at such a young age, sounds like he was a great actor and I'm sure he will leave a big hole in the movie industry.<br />
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Rest in peace Heath, peace be upon you.
It is tragic and saddening.<br />
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What a lovely way to honor him with Subeta items reflecting some of his best on-screen achievements.<br />
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RIP Heath! We'll miss you!!!
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What a lovely way to honor him with Subeta items reflecting some of his best on-screen achievements.<br />
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RIP Heath! We'll miss you!!!
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He'll comes a Waltzing Matilda with me-
Usually I don't get even slightly worried about famous people but.. this is sad. He was such a brilliant actor and really seemed to love being a dad (which most actors do not)- a real loss to that horrible, dog-eat-dog world of entertainment.
I was so shocked to hear of his passing, it is so tragic when a young talented actor leaves us in such a way. My prayers are with is family and friends. May he rest in peace and he will forever live in our hearts and on the screen.
lol-- I didnt have to look him up.. I am saying BEFORE he died I didnt know who he was.. he isnt a ACTOR that I me myself knew about.. people come one its okay.. who is JOHN TAYLOR I would freak if he kicked it.. I am sad this guy died.. he is a father.. but just cant seem to get away from the news.. its okay for me to say so.. <br />
That was an amazing tribute, I am in tears as we speak, well done, I love him so much, a true talent was lost.
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Aussie Aussie Aussie... Oi Oi Oi-<br />
Australian Day January 26- <br />
A day to remember out fallen Hero
Australian Day January 26- <br />
A day to remember out fallen Hero
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Thank you so much! I wouldn't have thought Subeta would recognize Heath Ledger, and in such a nice way. He was such a wonderful actor. I loved him since Roar. I'm actually sad, he died. And I'm usually not touched by something like that.<br />
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Rest in peace Heath Ledger.
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Rest in peace Heath Ledger.
A simple but very beautiful eulogy for a young man that was taken from the world too soon.
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Pshh :/<br />
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Makes me really sad, he was a brilliant actor and a caring person.<br />
At least he can escape torments of the living and await his loved ones in eternal rest and peace of mind.
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Makes me really sad, he was a brilliant actor and a caring person.<br />
At least he can escape torments of the living and await his loved ones in eternal rest and peace of mind.
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RIP Heath