Goodbye to a beautiful soul...
As everyone knows by now...Heath Ledger passed away on Tuesday, January 22 at the age of 28. He leaves behind a wealth of family, friends, fans and, sadly, a two-year-old daughter who will never get to grow up with her wonderful father.
I know lots of people have been talking about his death this week with shock, and a bit of disbelief. Like many, I still (three days later) feel deep sadness about his death.
But why should I? I never knew him, I was likely to never even be in the same geographical area as him...so why do I care so much?
I think the answer lies in the very intense relationship I've always had with film. Of course many people are fans of this or that star, or have those few movies that they could watch a thousand times and not grow tired of.
But for me - it has always been about the emotional connection I have with films. They have by no means shaped my life, but they have certainly been a constant, and often comforting, part of it.
Heath was one of those actors that I adored from the beginning. Unlike many young teenagers who discovered him first through "Ten Things I Hate About You", I remember getting to know Heath from "A Knight's Tale." I have this weird and very vivid memory of going to see that film one hot summer day with my sister, the two of us goggling over his good looks and charm.
Ever since then I have followed his career, and respected the choices he made. To me, it all led up to the day I saw "Brokeback Mountain," a film that will forever be etched into my psyche, and my heart, as one of the most beautiful motion pictures ever made.
Ultimately, it is not just Heath that I mourn - the young, talented actor who was taken from us way too young. I mourn a talented person who was able to reach out to me, and millions of people around the world, through a bright screen in a darkened theatre - and somehow make me feel better about myself in the process.
I will miss Heath Ledger for his style, his talent, his dazzling smile...and most importantly for his bravery. It is not often that someone is able to affect me so deeply, without my ever having met them.
Heath was one of those rare movie "stars" who had more humbleness and heart, than ego and greed. I will miss his presence in my life, however inadvertent it may have been.
Rest in peace Heath. And thanks for the memories.
I know lots of people have been talking about his death this week with shock, and a bit of disbelief. Like many, I still (three days later) feel deep sadness about his death.
But why should I? I never knew him, I was likely to never even be in the same geographical area as him...so why do I care so much?
I think the answer lies in the very intense relationship I've always had with film. Of course many people are fans of this or that star, or have those few movies that they could watch a thousand times and not grow tired of.
But for me - it has always been about the emotional connection I have with films. They have by no means shaped my life, but they have certainly been a constant, and often comforting, part of it.
Heath was one of those actors that I adored from the beginning. Unlike many young teenagers who discovered him first through "Ten Things I Hate About You", I remember getting to know Heath from "A Knight's Tale." I have this weird and very vivid memory of going to see that film one hot summer day with my sister, the two of us goggling over his good looks and charm.
Ever since then I have followed his career, and respected the choices he made. To me, it all led up to the day I saw "Brokeback Mountain," a film that will forever be etched into my psyche, and my heart, as one of the most beautiful motion pictures ever made.
Ultimately, it is not just Heath that I mourn - the young, talented actor who was taken from us way too young. I mourn a talented person who was able to reach out to me, and millions of people around the world, through a bright screen in a darkened theatre - and somehow make me feel better about myself in the process.
I will miss Heath Ledger for his style, his talent, his dazzling smile...and most importantly for his bravery. It is not often that someone is able to affect me so deeply, without my ever having met them.
Heath was one of those rare movie "stars" who had more humbleness and heart, than ego and greed. I will miss his presence in my life, however inadvertent it may have been.
Rest in peace Heath. And thanks for the memories.