Wednesday, January 23, 2008

There ain't no reins on this one.

That was Heath, never bound by convention or conviction, he did not follow or lead, but just found his way through this world his own way and on his own terms. Heath was a free spirit, with hippy sensibilities, with shyness, a gentle heart and a sensitive soul. It was his vulnerability and sensitivity that he tapped into to create one of the most iconic images of the new modern cinema, Ennis Del Mar.

I'm not good at future planning. I don't plan at all. I don't know what I'm doing tomorrow. I don't have a day planner and I don't have a diary. I completely live in the now, not in the past, not in the future.
Heath did live in the now, from the company he kept, the clothes he wore, the roles he took. He never looked back, nor worried about the future but live in the moment. The road he traveled was not one everyone would take, it was not easy or straight or always clear, but it was his road and he traveled it his way.

He was a loving son, brother and especially a father. Devoted to his family and so close so to the women in his life he kept them with him with a reminder that literally was part of him. His daughter, Matilda was the joy of his life.
"Fatherhood has changed me as an artist because I feel things on a deeper level," he said. "I think my performances will grow simultaneously."

It was all about acting and not the trappings of Hollywood that were important to Heath. The performance, not the perks or paparazzi.

From his early role in "Sweat" in his homeland of Australia, to his American debut in 10 Things I Hate About You , he went on to find roles that he wanted to play, not what Hollywood felt he should play. He turned down many roles rather than be typecast, looking for the chance to do something interesting, even if it wasn't as successful as some expected him to be.

He did A Knight's Tale, Four Feathers, Ned Kelly, Cassanova, Lords of Dogtown, Brother's Grim, bringing notices to his role in The Patriot and his portrayal as Sonny Grotowski in Monster's Ball really caught many eyes to see his depth and range as an actor. But it was Brokeback when world stopped looked and truly saw the incredible actor Heath was.


Brokeback Mountain has moved beyond the love story that at it's heart is. It has touched so many in so many ways, words of one are inadequate to capture it's meaning. The universality of it message "Love is a force of nature" has touched, transformed, and forever changed the world in which we live.

Heath was on to something - it is the acting, the story, the role that rise above all.


Our hearts, thoughts and prayers to go to his parents Kim and Sally, amd his sisters, Kate, Olivia and Ashleigh, at their loss. And to those who
came to love Heath during his short life, friends and more. But especially to his daughter Matilda, the love of his life, the twinkle in his eye, and the bit of immortality that lives on.

May the rest of us be comforted his spirit that will live on in his work.

93 comments:

Anonymous said...

As if we are not sad enough...

was just gonna post this in the last post.

some baptist church assholes are planning to picket Heath's furneral... jesus... how evil can these people be?

from ohnotheydidnt

Special K said...

Winterbird

It would be the greatest testament to Heath's work that their voices of hate be drown out in love of his fans.

norwegian girl said...

This is such a sad, sad day:( Like the rest of you, i just still can`t really believe he`s gone. So young, so talented...
I will always love him for daring giving the world Ennis!
Rest in peace, Heath.

Wicked said...

Winterbird and all who post here- I saw that press release that Fred Phelps and his cronies will try to picket Heath's funeral. I think there is something we CAN do about that. That press release includes the address, phone number, and website for Westboro Baptist Church. Maybe we should get in touch with them and let them know how we feel. It would be easy enough to do. I'm going to.

Anonymous said...

I might just do that, wicked... but not right now. I just can't deal with people like that right now....

man... that song always reduces me to a sobbing mess.

Florida Tom said...

We know what people are capable of. We saw what happened at Matthew Sheppards funeral. I am sure Heath's parents will bring their son back home and the people who loved Heath will not have to be exposed to the kind of hate we have in this country.

I am sure that I dont have to preach to anyone here at OMG but if anyone hasn't read the Book of Leviticus please do. The man was hateful. I certainly dont believe he spoke for God.

Anonymous said...

What a tragic waste of a young life - it adds another layer of sadness to an almost unbearably sad movie (BBM). It's his young daughter I feel most sorry for - he genuinely seemed to adore her.

Y'know, at times last summer I wondered if we would hear similar news about Jake, but I think he has enough of a support system to not go down the self-medication route.

Anonymous said...

There's been several tributes to Heath over here in Australia. I think the news in starting to sink in.

They just said that the Ledger family were on their way to NY to bring Heath's body home so it looks like he'll be buried in Western Australia.

I imagine they'll have some sort of memorial service in Hollywood too.

Tom, I'm pretty sure there is plenty of hate in my country as well, unfortunately, but those people from that group are real nutjobs.

Heath wouldn't have stood for it (he played two gay men over his career) and I hope his family and friends don't either.

Anonymous said...

Heath,.... I swear.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for your beautiful tribute to Heath, special. The sadness and loss is so deep, I really don't have the words for it yet. It's been comforting to be among so many fans and admirers of Heath over several sites, however. What he brought to the world of acting and the way he highlighted what can be precious and important in this world has clearly struck an immense chord. I miss him so much. :'( Be at rest, sweet Heath.

Wicked said...

What I think of when I think of Heath is how it was his idea to switch the shirts. When Ennis finds the shirts, his shirt is tucked inside Jack's. They would have stayed that way except Heath had the idea to switch them, so that Jack's shirt would be inside Ennis's. Just shows how well he understood Ennis and how much he brought to the character.

Anonymous said...

Heath just tried to live his life, he was never part of Hollywood, and remember Michelle said he was an "old soul".

This is such a loss. There is a recent picture of Heath looking all scruffy and Matilda standing next to him and clinging to his leg. Heath's hand on her hair is so tender.

Music Luvah said...

Good Morning, OMG'ers -

Thanks for such a beautiful and comforting tribute to Heath, Special and Wicked, and everyone's words, Guisi's tribute, and how AG must feel too. :*

Nope, ain't any better today, neither. Still feel like I was hit by a truck by this news. These were all of the things I, and I'm sure many others, loved about Heath - free spirited, shy and uncomfortable in interviews and with fame, it was just about the acting for the shy young man from Perth with the commanding voice.

I didn't know Heath Ledger, but he touched and made a connection with me through his unforgettable portrayal of Ennis del Mar. It was nice to read that it was his idea to put Jack's shirt inside of Ennis', Wicked. :(

Max, I agree as well that I'm glad Jake has a strong support system. He must be devastated as well.

Re the Phelps idiots, that is evil, to hurt family and friends and compound their grief with evil, and flat-out nonsense IMO, picketing. I've read about them picketing the funerals of fallen soldiers in my area too. I hope their influence is limited and doesn't reach as far as Australia.

Hugs to all -

Anonymous said...

NETB, I think a bunch of glbt should have a "love-in" outside of the Phelps compound. See how they like it!

Really they are such nuts.

I too am still finding it hard to believe today that Heath is gone and have been listening to my Brokeback Mountain CD as a small comfort and way of remembering him.

Blue Velvet said...

Thanks for your beautiful words, Special on this very, very sad day. I still can't believe that it's true. I didn't know Heath, but I feel as though I've lost someone very special to me. My heart goes out to his family, friends and his countless fans whose lives were changed by BBM. What a terrible loss.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the nice tribute Spesh.

This morning it was on the radio, where people lamented the loss of such a great talent. And in all the newspapers. In the bus and subway, everywhere I looked he was there looking back from each and every front page. There was no escaping it and yet it still feels so surreal...

Michelle, Matilda and other members of his family are in my thoughts and prayers. It's a comfort to be able to share with you guys. See you later.

Florida Tom said...

ag said...
There's been several tributes to Heath over here in Australia. I think the news in starting to sink in.

They just said that the Ledger family were on their way to NY to bring Heath's body home so it looks like he'll be buried in Western Australia.

My bet is that Jake is on his way to NY and will accompany Heath and Matilda back to Australia. I believe that the producers of "Brothers" will give him the time he needs. I feel he must be devasted. How could he work right now. Jake is a close friend of Heath's and Matilda Godfather. I will be shocked if Jake doesnt head to NY and then off to Australia. One thing I hope is that Heaths friends and family get the privacy they need right now. I feel so bad for his Mom and Dad and Matilda.

Florida Tom said...

^devastated

Anonymous said...

Thank You for your wonderful words this morning. I know this blog is not really about Heath but I also know we are ALL in the fandom community devestated from this horrible news. I know Jake must be be greiving terribly at this time. Many prayers for Heaths family and friends and all of us (his fans).

we love you Heath..and we'll miss you..
RIP

Thanks again for giving us a place to grieve.

Wicked said...

NETB, I think a bunch of glbt should have a "love-in" outside of the Phelps compound. See how they like it!

I have to say, I like this idea!

Anonymous said...

My bet is that Jake is on his way to NY and will accompany Heath and Matilda back to Australia."

That I doubt very much especially because he has filming obligations. And remember, Heath's drug assocation might reflect poorly on Reese via Heath's association with Jake. (Groan--but this is a reality-that woman is a monster and only thinks of herself). ALso, Matilda is too young to go to her father's funeral.

Anonymous said...

Thank you Special for the beautiful tribute, and thank you Guisi for your post in the previous thread. They are deeply moving.

Wicked said...

Matilda is too young to go to her father's funeral.

Not everyone thinks like this. Sean Taylor, the Washington Redskins' player who was shot, had a two year old daughter. She was at her father's funeral.

Heath's autopsy inconclusive

Anonymous said...

Beautiful tribute to a wonderful man. His independent spirit and talent was evident in everything he did. Could not sleep at all last night thinking about this tragic loss. We all looked forward to seeing him for many years to come.

Anonymous said...

"And remember, Heath's drug assocation might reflect poorly on Reese via Heath's association with Jake. (Groan--but this is a reality-that woman is a monster and only thinks of herself)."

i have no word reading this pathetic comment

oh yes SHUT UP

Anonymous said...

NETB, I think a bunch of glbt should have a "love-in" outside of the Phelps compound. See how they like it!

I agree, Tinhat and Wicked -

That, and a good boot in the ass to them wouldn't hurt, neither! ;)

Stubborn TB said...

Thank you for the wonderful tribute, Special.

I haven't yet been able to grasp that this really happened.
All I know is, that I feel incredibly sorry for Matilda and the rest of Heaths family and friends.

I wish the press would leave them alone for a while now so they can grieve in peace.
I'm shocked that they just showed a video of Heaths body being removed from his apartement on TV here and how many paparazzi seem to be there.
It must be horrible for Heaths family to be bombarded with things like that.

Wicked said...

When I saw that press release from Westboro Baptist, I thought, maybe we should launch a massive e-mail campaign where people send them e-mails to let them know how decent people feel about them picketing Heath's (or anybody else's for that matter!) funeral. It would be especially great if all these e-mails happened at the same time! All it would take would be to pick the date and time and get the word out. I am currently working on this. Stay tuned.

Anonymous said...

Sounds good, Wicked.

Anonymous said...

CNN keeps playing and replaying that video of Heath's body being removed from his building and taken to the coroner.

Sigh...

Anonymous said...

Gay people who were gay before it was remotely okay to come out

I did not know Grandpa Walton was gay!

Wicked said...

Perez reporting illegal drugs found in Heath's apt

I am getting serious River Phoenix deja vu!

Florida Tom said...

Destiny if you can get over to Heaths little memorial please put down a flower for me. It would be awesome. I dont know how everyone else feels but if it isnt too inconvenient Destiny and you intend to go over maybe you could put down a bouquet for OMG. What does everybody think?

Anonymous said...

Awesome idea, Tom, if it's ok with Destiny. :')

Wicked said...

Destiny, if you are planning on going over and would be able to pick up a bouquet, I will give you some money for it on behalf of the blog.

Special K said...

What a wonderful thing to do. Thanks Tom for the suggestion.

Anonymous said...

Oh Destiny if you are going to Heath's little memorial,please leave a bouquet on behalf of OMG--it would feel like we aren't so far away and would give us a concrete way to express our love for him and our support for his family and friends.

And Wicked I would be glad to join in an email campaign to let Westboro Baptist know of our feelings about picketing Heath's (or anyone's) funeral. Let us know the details when you get them worked out, and thanks for the idea.

Anonymous said...

A beautiful thought Tom. And if Destiny can't make it, how about keeping yesterday's and today's tributes in the permanent posts at OMG?

Bring on the details about that campaign Wicked. I'll be joining too.

Anonymous said...

The San Francisco Chronicle

Guest Book for Heath Ledger

Wicked said...

US reporting production is shut down for Heath's last movie

Sounds like it could be a permanent shutdown.

Anonymous said...

I don't think it's unrealistic for Jake to be given time off of his film.

Unless he is godfather in name only, then he should be a central part of Matilda's life.
That's what godfathers are supposed to be.
Matilda's godmother is already in NY waiting for Michelle and Matilda.

I also think it will be interesting how Jake reacts publically to this.
Some of Heath's other co stars have commented. Will Jake?

Some of our Aussie reporters have gone over to the US and they were saying that an MTV reporter they met on the plane was saying that Heath was the last actor they expected to hear this kind of story about.
So it seems like everyone is so shocked by this.

I just hope that Heath's family and Michelle and Matilda are left alone by the press enough to get on with the process of grieving.

Anonymous said...

Page Six talks about Godfather Jake. We haven't heard from Jake, Maggie or Christian Bale, among others. Don't know if Jake will make a statement. i would understand either way. I think everyone should be allowed to grieve in their own way.

Anonymous said...

Some of our Aussie reporters have gone over to the US and they were saying that an MTV reporter they met on the plane was saying that Heath was the last actor they expected to hear this kind of story about.

Then they didn't read blind items, because the buzz was out on Heath.

Looks like pneumonia was not the cause of death

Anonymous said...

I would be happy to leave flowers on behalf of everyone, although I don't think there is anyway I can get down there before Saturday because work is hellish right now and I have appointments at the other end of town tomorrow and Friday night. And don't worry about kicking in Wicked, it's the least I can do given all the work you and Special do.

FYI on the media front my gf got a media alert this afternoon saying that People has exclusive rights to a cover story, which will come out on Friday. It strikes me as odd that since this is news that they could get an exclusive like that.

Special K said...

Totally OT, but a little news that could bring some cheer:

But it seems like there are a few more steps forward for Jodie.


Today's NY Daily News:
Report from Sundance

When she first started out, Jodie Foster wasn't sure she wanted to be an actress. "I thought it was kind of a dumb job until I was about 12," she told us at Variety's 10 Directors to Watch party. "I thought I would be like a writer or a lawyer or work in broadcasting or politics. I'm very intellectual and I just didn't think there was any room for that." Foster and longtime girlfriend Cydney Bernard showed at the event to cheer pal Daniel Barnz, who knows a thing or two about working with actors under 12. His Sundance premiere, "Phoebe in Wonderland," follows 9-year-old actress Elle Fanning (sister of Dakota) as a hyper-imaginative tyke who wants a role in the school play, "Alice in Wonderland." "Daniel is a great dad," said Foster, "and a lot of the lessons for being a great director for a child come from being a really respectful parent. He already had that."

Step Step Step.

Wicked said...

Destiny, it would be fabulous if you could do that. We would really appreciate it.

Spesh, great to see that reference to Cydney. Jodie reminds me of the movie What About Bob?. Baby stepping.

Anonymous said...

People has exclusive rights to a cover story, which will come out on Friday.

Entertainment Weekly also has Heath on the cover. Perez has both EW and People's Heath covers posted.

Wicked said...

Statement from Ang-

-- Ang Lee, who directed Ledger in "Brokeback Mountain," said. "Working with Heath was one of the purest joys of my life. He brought to the role of Ennis more than any of us could have imagined -- a thirst for life, for love and for truth, and a vulnerability that made everyone who knew him love him. His death is heartbreaking."

from NY Post

Anonymous said...

I want to know how Jake feels and how he's doing as well, but that's just me being nosy... i think the guy should be allowed to grieve in private, if he wants to do so.

Wicked said...

Okay, folks, here is my plan- on Friday at noon we bombard Phelps and Westboro with e-mails letting them know how we feel about his plan to picket Heath's funeral. The website is godhatesfags.com. They don't have a proper e-mail but do have a contact form that is clickable from the main site. Please don't be angry or hateful- Phelps does a good enough job of that himself! Let's show those haters we don't agree.

Anonymous said...

Tom, wicked, destiny, Spesh - thank you for your ideas, actions and posts.

Anonymous said...

I will take part in the e-mailing Wicked. Count me in. I am tired of so-called religeous people spewing Hate..

Wicked said...

London, I need your help! I am not a member of DCF and I'd like to get the word out to them about our Phelps e-mail campaign. Would you be able to put a message over there? The more people who do it at the same time, the more likely it is that Westboro's server will crash!

Wicked said...

Thanks, Eastcoastfan! Everyone, please spread the word about this. If we can cause the slightest bit of discomfort to the Rev. Phelps and his ilk, I am all for causing it!

Music Luvah said...

Great guys, I can barely stand to look at that disgusting name of a website of Phelps'.

Nice to read about Jody and Cydney.

Also comforting to read the statements from those who had the privilege of working with Heath, but I also do agree that everyone needs to grieve in private, and in their own way.

It's just so sad - I have moments when I'm ok, and then am upset again. :'( Would be happy to contribute to flowers, and don't worry Destiny, whenever is convenient for you is ok with me. :*

Anonymous said...

I'll e- you wicked.

Wicked said...

Thanks, London.

Anonymous said...

"My bet is that Jake is on his way to NY and will accompany Heath and Matilda back to Australia. I believe that the producers of "Brothers" will give him the time he needs. I feel he must be devasted. How could he work right now. Jake is a close friend of Heath's and Matilda Godfather. I will be shocked if Jake doesnt head to NY and then off to Australia. "

Heath's death was tragic (if expected), but I don't think that we should over-state his relationship with Jake. Heath shut Jake out of his public life soon after the Oscars. and BBM. From all indications, they were not close. The fact that Heath named Jake Matilda's godfather means nothing. There is no indication that Jake spent a significant amount of the time with child, and there's every indication that he hardly spent any time with Ledger after BBM, probably at Heath's urging because, as we all remember, Heath wanted 'move on' after BBM. Whatever.

Mourn the man's passing, but don't engage in posthumous revisionism.

Anonymous said...

Special and Wicked - could you please delete this comment? It's offensive, and extremely insensitive at this sad time. There's no indication of what this poster is claiming either, and now is not the time for this. I knew certain people couldn't wati to spew venom, couldn't even put differences behind them at this time.

Anonymous said...

^^Sorry, I meant please delete the dispassionate Observer's comment at 5:04. It's just inappropriate and bad manners at a difficult time.

Anonymous said...

My thanks to everyone for their excellent ideas for a bouquet tribute from the site (it made me cry) and for a plan of action - you have my support on that one.

Anonymous said...

count me in for the emailing campaign, wicked... just tell me what to do.

at least we know heath's family is taking him back to Australia for burial, hopefully the funeral would be kept as a private and family affair.

Anonymous said...

how trustworthy is the herald sun in Australia? they have mentioned that Jake is helping Michelle in NYC (or implies... they didn't make it that clear) and hints (or assumes?) that Matilda will have an extended family in the Gyllenhaals, including maggie...

there's still no direct statement from Jake in the article, they were only quoting what Jake said about Heath before... so I don't know.

here

Anonymous said...

This article mentions Jake is on his way to NYC as is Naomi Watts to be with Michelle and family. It's at the bottom of the page. Not sure how accurate this all is.

Anonymous said...

I read that too. Naomi being there too is especially touching because she was Heath's ex. But again, who knows if that's accurate. But Michelle needs people around her right now. I think she arrived in NYC just a short time ago.

norwegian girl said...

I have talked about Heath with my husband and mother all night. We all adored "Brokeback". It`s so very, very sad. I will do what you ask for , Wicked...with some more information. I also hope everybody will make a clear statement why you disagree without being hateful, even though it`s hard. Being hateful just don`t help. Too much in this world already.

Music Luvah said...

I think it's wonderful. I have no doubt that Jake is a decent and caring person, a faithful friend to Heath, and will be there to support Michelle and step up as Matilda's godfather. It's nice about Naomi too. :(

frenchy said...

Thanks Destiny for taking care of our little tribute and to Special for this little ray of sun from Jodie and Cydney.

You can count on me on Friday.

After watching Heath on the CNN segment last night my sister finally realized how beautiful he was and now she wants to watch BBM. I told her I wasn't ready yet but this made me think about one of the things I had come to cherish in Heath: his deep, rich voice. Since I would have to watch a dubbed version, Ennis would not be quite Ennis as Heath would not quite be there. Maybe this could create the necessary distance to make that watching bearable but I really don't know.

I couldn't stop thinking about him today.

frenchy said...

I second Delete Please's request.

Please delete the comment from Observer at 5:04 PM

Anonymous said...

NYTimes:
"The officials, who provided new details about Mr. Ledger’s death, emphasized that no illegal drugs were found in the apartment and that there were no obvious signs of suicide. Tests on a rolled-up $20 bill that was found in the apartment found no evidence that the bill had been used to handle drugs, they said."

Anonymous said...

I'm in agreement with you frenchy about Health's voice; it was absolutely gorgeous, gentle but strong at the same time. I'll deeply miss hearing him talk anew, but we will always have lots of interviews in which to enjoy it forever, bittersweet as that is.

I'm very warmed by the thought of everyone gathering in NY to be with Michelle and Matilda. I want the world to stop a little for them while they're together. And I don't see why Jake wouldn't be afforded plenty of time to do what he needs to.

Anonymous said...

^ of course I meant Heath. : /

Wicked said...

I am looking for someone who can spread the word about our little e-mail campaign at the DC Forum. If you can do this, please let me know. I don't know how much I will be online in the next 24+ hours, though. We are having serious problems with our internet connection. I'm posting this from work. I came in to get some work to do tomorrow while I wait for the internet guy.

Music Luvah said...

I'm very warmed by the thought of everyone gathering in NY to be with Michelle and Matilda. I want the world to stop a little for them while they're together.

Me too, BLTB. :')

And thanks for the backup, Frenchy, that was me at Delete Please. It's just disrespectful to Heath's memory at this time I feel, not to mention Jake.

frenchy said...

Wicked, I took a chance and posted your invitation at FCC on the Heath thread.

Florida Tom said...

I will be at work on Friday but you can bet I will be on the internet at 12 noon. Hopefully we can show these people that there are those who believe in love and acceptance and not hate. I am not the most religious guy in the world but I bet the Lord will be on line at 12PM Friday.

Destiny it is awesome that you can visit Heath's little Memorial and leave a small gift from OMG. You are the best.

Wicked said...

Thanks Frenchy! I was able to make contact with DCF, thanks to London's instructions.

Anonymous said...

Jake Very Upset

Anonymous said...

TMZ: Where Is Jake Gyllenhaal:

Jake Gyllenhaal has yet to be seen or heard from since the death of his close friend, Heath Ledger -- and people on the set of his new film are working hard to keep it that way.

Gyllenhaal is in New Mexico, currently filming his new movie, "Brothers." We're told there are no plans to shut down production, but Jake is very upset and doesn't want to talk to the media -- so the set has been closed to non-crew members and extra security has been hired.

Jake is the godfather to Heath's daughter, Matilda Rose."

www.tmz.com

Special K said...

Thanks ME and TMZ for the Jake information.

It is good to hear that those on the Brothers set are rallying around Jake and protecting him from the onslaught of the media.

Maybe it is a godsend that long time friend Natalie is on this particular project with Jake going through all of this.

Anonymous said...

We should save a few of those emails for Fox News

Music Luvah said...

^^Wow, that is so bad. It's shocking, ME, that someone could be so insensitive. :(

Anonymous said...

Tragic Renfro Had Secret Son


Late actor Brad Renfro had a secret son who lived in Japan with his mother. The Apt Pupil star, 25, was found dead at his Los Angeles apartment last week. And now his family have confirmed that Renfro had a child - who he spent time with in his native Tennessee before his tragic death - but have refused to name the boy or reveal any further details in order to protect his privacy. And Renfro's step-mother Kim is determined to shield her grandson from any press intrusion. She tells TMZ.com, "We did expect this (level of media attention) because people didn't know he had a son. But we're very thankful Brad got to see his son before he died." The Los Angeles County Coroner conducted an autopsy on Renfro on Thursday, but the cause of death has yet to be revealed.

http://www.imdb.com/news/wenn/2008-01-23/

Anonymous said...

damn guys... hold ur loved ones real tight and dont get carried away by everyday silly things...

if anything good at all comes from these things, is that reminder.

take care of urselves and each other

Anonymous said...

John Gibson, Fox "news anchor" apparently mocked Heath's death on his radio show as reported by this excellent Web site:
Towleroad

Feel free to email john.gibson@foxnews.com and let him directly know your thoughts!

You can also email his show at myword@foxnews.com and the network at yourcomments@foxnews.com.

Hard to believe people can get away with this sort of thing without violating some FCC common decency regulation.

Anonymous said...

Heath's funeral is going to be at his old high school. Apparently, he revelled in the drama school there when he was at school and was in everything from Peter Pan to Macbeth.

Over the last few years he has funded the drama school and whenever he would return to his hometown, Heath would workshop the students there. So he really gave back to his community.

One of our channels is playing The Patriot and A Knight's Tale on Saturday night as a tribute to him.

I was wondering if Wicked/Special would think about leaving this thread open for a few more days but start another thread on more general stuff (when they feel up to it). Whilst it's important to tribute this man, it's also important to start to talk about other things (not you know what).

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the beautiful tribute Special and Wicked!

I have been really down since finding out about the news. I was a huge fan of River Phoenix when he died and this feels like everything is happening all over again. It's heartbreaking.

Re Jake: I was glad to hear that he is doing alright since he has been able to work. His grief is his own business and I'm not waiting for any kind of statements. I hope he gets to mourn in peace, likewise with other people close to Heath.

Evidently tragedy can bring out the worst in some people. I intend to ignore idiots like John Gibson.

Anonymous said...

Sorry to go offtopic but I have to laugh at Reese's PR ploy the last few months that kept pushing headlines of how she's the highest paid HW actress, blah blah. Instead of making her sound elite its giving her a total bad name now because now the Writers Guild is using her per movie salary figures to compare how much they're asking for. In a debate today between the WGA and the US Congress:

"It would cost Paramount a total of $4.6 million to give the writers everything they‘re asking for. That‘s half the amount it would take to get Reese Witherspoon into a movie. Now, I ask you, what‘s more important to a movie: a script or half of Reese Witherspoon?"

Special K said...

Hi guys -- there's a new post.

If you wish to leave a thought or two about Heath we will keep this one open for till the weekend.

Anonymous said...

I have had the nickname,password joker for many years, I always thought it kind of special when Heath played that roll in Batman. Now it really is special. I will really miss him. Brokeback was such an important movie for me. Hoping Jake is hanging in there.

Anonymous said...

roll=role

Anonymous said...

(((Joker)))

Anonymous said...

Just to let everyone know: Destiny and I completed a very sad task this evening together. We went to Broome Street and we left blue roses and two 7-day candles outside of Heath's apartment building in NYC. The tributes outside the building were very touching to see. There was a real sense of gravitas, a sense of respect, for the tribute memorial which is growing outside the building. To their credit, the management company has not removed anything outside the apartment building that people are leaving to mark their sadness, shock and deep loss of this amazing actor. What an impression he made in just his few years on earth. Destiny wrote a tribute from OMG on the glass case of the candle she placed down. It all still seems surreal. So sad and so unfair.