Heath Ledger: A Tribute
The old saying 'the flame that burns twice as bright burns twice as fast' is perhaps twice as true in Hollywood. Talented actors like James Dean and River Phoenix have become immortalized in the films they left behind. On the 22nd January 2008, the entertainment world was rocked by news that one of its brightest young stars had unexpectedly died. Heath Ledger had passed away in his hotel room, leaving behind a beautiful daughter Matilda, a legion of fans, and most recently a remarkable performance as The Joker in Batman® - The Dark Knight; a role for which he earned the Oscar® and Golden Globe® Award for best supporting actor. Heath Andrew Ledger was born on the 4th April 1979 in Perth, Australia. Thanks to his talent and heart-throb good looks, Ledger was able to secure roles in popular soap operas 'Home & Away' and 'Sweat'. He made his US debut in '10 Things I Hate About You', and from there went on to star alongside major Hollywood actors in a raft of films. Heath's chance to prove himself as a heavy-weight actor came along in 'Monsters Ball'. This role led him to play repressed gay cowboy Ennis Del Mar in 'Brokeback Mountain' a controversial and captivating performance. Respected among his peers, and loved by fans the world over, the legacy of Heath Ledger one of those 'bright flames' who passed away before their 30th birthday - will endure through his films, his daughter and his memory. Heath Ledger: 'A Tribute' is a commemorative special dedicated to the life and works of this complex and unique talent who died before his time.