It has been 17 years since then Heath LedgerHis sudden death and his legacy are still remembered.
The Australian-born actor died at the age of 28 on January 22, 2008, after a drug overdose. A toxicology report released after his sudden death revealed that Ledger died of “acute poisoning due to the combined effects of oxycodone, hydrocodone, diazepam, temazepam, alprazolam, and doxylamine.”
Ledger was found dead after his housekeeper and massage therapist entered his New York City apartment in the late afternoon. Years later, manager Stephen Jagan He revealed that he plans to convert Malcolm Gladwell book Flash: The power of thinking without thinking In a movie. But after the death of Ledger (who was associated with the project), the film was never released.
Jagan received a call from Ledger's father, Kim Ledgeron the day of the actor's death. (Ledger's friend was also on the call.)
“They were there with the body and our script was in bed with it, and your book was on the bedside table,” Gagan recalled while speaking with Gladwell during a February 2024 episode of the show. “Development Hell” podcast.. “I think my number was on the text. These guys, as you can imagine, were in shock, and they called that number, and I don’t know why.
Jagan said that he was at the airport with his wife, Minnie MortimerWhen he got a call about Ledger.
“I wasn't supposed to be a party to the emotions, what they were going through in any way, and yet as a human being or someone who just cared, I was there and I was listening and my wife was looking at me,” the director continued. “I remember her face and I was speechless. I listened.” I just listened and listened and it was really sad and it's still sad.
Ledger rose to fame in the late 1990s after playing the role of Patrick Verona 10 things I hate about you. And he continued to appear in National, Monster ball, A knight's tale and Brothers Grimm Before Ennis del Mar played in Brokeback MountainA role that earned him a 2006 Academy Award nomination in the Best Actor category.
Ledger is also famous for his role as the Joker in the film Christopher Nolan's Dark Knightwhich was released in July 2008 – months after Ledger's death. He was the actor Awarded posthumously Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his role in February 2009, exactly 13 months after his death.
Over the years, Ledger has been remembered favorably by Hollywood stars. His long time girlfriend Michelle Williams He has He spoke at length About his death. (Ledger and Williams dated from 2005 to 2007, after meeting in Brokeback Mountain hiring. They have a daughter, Matilda, who was born in October 2005.)
He stands strong. Michelle Williams is committed to keeping Heath Ledger's legacy alive and making sure their daughter Matilda Rose knows who her father is. Williams and Ledger's relationship began in 2005 after they met on the set of Brokeback Mountain. They welcomed Matilda in October of that year, but separated in October (…)
“Every time I really miss him and wonder where he went, I just look at her,” Williams said. Vogue magazine In September 2009, in reference to their daughter. “I can talk about grief, because it's my grief, and single parenting, and trying to balance work and kids. But what I don't have to talk about is what happened between Heath and I in our relationship. Brokeback Mountain was a once-in-a-lifetime moment, a time “So magical in my life. I was in love. I was in a movie that I was proud to be a part of and with a brand new beautiful baby. Everything was good in that moment.”
10 things I hate about you com. costar Julia Stiles He even remembered his “magnetic presence.” In a previous interview.
“He had a zest for life and was like always, never checked,” the actress recalls. He was always fully engaged with everyone. Really interesting, great person and actor.”
It was clear that Ledger's influence was still significant in Hollywood when director Nolan accepted the offer Best Director Golden Globe to Oppenheimer In 2024.
“The only time I've been on this stage before was to accept one of these on behalf of our dear friend Heath Ledger, and that was complicated and difficult for me,” Nolan said, in part, during his speech. “And in the middle of the conversation, I looked up and… Robert Downey Jr He caught my eye and gave me a look of love and support – the same look he sees me with now, the same love and support he has shown so many people in our community over many years.
