I remember every detail of the first time my family and I watched Heath Ledger. We rented "A Knight's Tale" on DVD and immediately fell in love with this carefree, wonderful young actor. My son forced us to watch this movie over and over again until we could recite the dialogue along with the actors. We only pretended to be annoyed. Heath Ledger had a smile that could light up the room and we waited with anticipation to see the next great film he would be cast in.
We watched him as an idealistic young man fighting for his country in "The Patriot" and wept when he was taken before he could savor the victory he had sacrificed so much for.
We covered our eyes in horror as he struggled and became the sin eater in "The Order".
We laughed and applauded his antics in "The Brother's Grimm".
We debated on "Brokeback Mountain" until I finally convinced my husband to ignore the critics and be secure enough in his own masculinity to watch. We were glad that we did.
Heath Ledger had graduated into something more with this film.
He became the character and his pain and anguish in that conflict stirred within us a greater understanding. We are all equal when it comes to love and relationships. We knew that he was on his way to a long and wonderful career. His craft was more perfected with each film and there was no limit to what he could accomplish.
When the news broke that Heath Ledger had died in a New York apartment of a drug overdose, we were stunned and did not accept it. We watched the coverage for days, not wanting to believe this beautiful young man would willingly end his own life. When the confirmation came that he had accidentally overdosed on prescription medication, we were relieved but it did little to assuage the anguish of his passing.
We did not know him personally of course except through interviews and talk shows. We knew him from the adventures that he had in the great films he chose to entertain us with. We knew of his great potential and that he had a loving family. He had hopes and dreams that will now never be fulfilled because of this tragedy. He will never see his little girl grow up or walk down the aisle with her at her wedding. He will never again give that sweet boyish smile that could twist your heart and force you, no matter how unwilling, to smile in response.
We will never forget the heartbreak of his passing. A bright light extinguished much too soon. His memory will live on in his films and delight many more fans in the future. His last full role is said to be his best work yet and we wait for that with anticipation but also with a heavy heart, knowing it is his last.
You will always be remembered.
Goodnight, Heath. Sleep Well.