“Mystery surrounded the death today in New York of the Australian-born actor Heath Ledger, best known for his Oscar-nominated role as one of two cowboys in the 2005 film, Brokeback Mountain. Friends and fans alike were shocked to hear of the 28-year-old’s death at a downtown Manhattan apartment.” Read entire article here. More details here.

I was absolutely shocked to hear about Heath Ledger’s death. It’s really a sad event and truly sad loss in Hollywood. Heath Ledger was truly a remarkable actor who had so much more ahead of him, career wise. I won’t speculate on his personal life. It’s none of anyone’s business. All I know is that he was brilliant in all the roles I’d seen him in. He had a special, natural and true talent as an actor that will be very badly missed, especially in a Hollywood seemed hell bent on churning out cookie-cutter “stars” rather than genuine, talented actors and actresses with star qualities. He was a rising star whose light was extinguish way, way, way too soon. Below is a list of some of Ledgers’ best known films. My favorites are in bold:

1. The Dark Knight (2008) …. The Joker
2. I’m Not There. (2007) …. Robbie Clark
3. Candy (2006) …. Dan
4. Casanova (2005) …. Casanova
5. Brokeback Mountain (2005) …. Ennis Del Mar
6. The Brothers Grimm (2005) …. Jacob Grimm
7. Lords of Dogtown (2005) …. Skip
8. The Four Feathers (2002) …. Harry Faversham
9. Monster’s Ball (2001) …. Sonny Grotowski
10. A Knight’s Tale (2001) …. Sir William Thatcher
11. The Patriot (2000) …. Gabriel Martin
    
12. 10 Things I Hate About You (1999) …. Patrick Verona