Freddy

Australian actor Heath Ledger has been found dead in his New York apartment.

He was 28 and police say he died of a drug overdose.

I enjoyed A Knights Tale great fun.

midnight sheep

What a waste of talent and good looks.

Dave Rattigan

Stunned by the news. He was one of these low-key stars you just assumed had everything "together".

Marky B

I agree,Dave. He was getting good reviews about his portrayal of the Joker in the new Batman film. A tragic loss and waste.
Ta Ta
Marky B

I once shot an elephant in my pyjamas - how he got in my pyjamas,I'll never know

Windthrop

I had to re-read the thread title several times - very sad news

That's the joke that killed the Music Hall

batman

Heath was one of the more talented young actors in films. A very sad loss. RIP.

Bats.

Don't miss out on a chance to win a rare film in Bat-Quiz 13 closing date - 31/8/8.

Dame Starry

Oh, dear God - not another one! Will they never learn?

YDSL x.

David Brent

As you can imagine this news is getting huge coverage in Australia.

Heath's family in Perth WA believe that he died accidentally. The full findings I imagine will come out in time.
Although he was known to have suffered from substance abuse in the past he was not the type of "party animal" seen around the clubs and dives. He kept very much to himself. He appeared to be nervous around the media.

A sad death at such a young age and before he'd really reached his prime in acting. Greater things had been expected of him.

It is also very sad that he leaves a two year old daughter behind who will grow up not knowing her father.

Dave.

deckard

Yes, very sad indeed.....could it be that another young talent has taken the drug road due to the ever increasing demands by the media? Or is it because they come into the business with no idea what will be demanded from them? I wonder if drama schools/talent scouts/agents attempt to, or have the courage to instill into young actors/actresses some of the pitfalls of our most treasured profession? Decks.

"and what did that produce? The cuckoo clock"

Steve Crook

Why should drama schools tell people about the perils of being a chocolatier?
Isn't that our most treasured profession?

Steve

Rennie

Recently he has been very outspoken about his serious bouts of insomnia, so let's not be too hasty to condemn his called life style.

Dame Starry

It is being said that he was having trouble coming to terms with the break up of a relationship - which failed because he was using drugs. He then, seemingly, chose to follow that route as a way of dealing with it.
It's a vicious circle really. As a reformed smoker, I must not be too quick to condemn. I once gave it up, along with my partner (at the time), for two years. When his mother was diagnosed as having terminal lung cancer, we both started smoking again; there's no logic to what we do sometimes. Thankfully, I have now been 'smoke-free' for 27 months.

I hope that, wherever he is, Heath's found some peace now.

YDSL x.

smiffy

RIP Heath ledger , He was one of my daughters favourite actors.
I Always feel a sense of loss when a young person dies , his family must be distraught .Early reports include a mention of Illness (Pneumonia?) .Speculating that he may have been taking medication for his insomnia ,with an illness ,may well point to a tragic accident . I Do hope it's not another waste of life due to substance abuse .

I May be getting older ,but I refuse to grow up

Lord Brett

It was a real shock when Lady Sinclair and myself saw the news on BBC News 24 at 11.00pm last night. Almost as shocking was the clueless Showbusiness 'reporter' drafted in to comment on the story, who clearly knew no more about the poor bloke than she had read in Heat magazine, while all concerned repeated for ten minutes the three established facts that were known at that stage.

smiffy

Mrs Smiffy was watching THIS MORNING on TV when Fern Britten referred to him as Heath Lodger , the saving grace was that Philip Schofield didn't burst into a fit of giggles

I May be getting older ,but I refuse to grow up