Heath Ledger RIP

[NoHall]

I was totally stunned when Gord called me yesterday to tell me of Heath's passing. He knows I'm a huge fan of is work.

I agree with SJ....it's strange that "we" have this uncanny ability to connect with the character an actor portrays rather than WHO that person truly is.

To me, it was his age...his talent...and the fact....the reminder that everything can change in the "blink of an eye". Events like this, always put a perspective on my life that I otherwise tend to forget.

We only have one life...this isn't a dress rehersal.

I had a friend lose her son last week to a heart attack. 41 years old, no prior signs of any heart disease...found him on the floor of his bedroom. And then with two other friends having heart issues recently....

We all need to take the care of ourselves...our bodies...more seriously.

They also mentioned pneumonia in some of the reports. I've known 2 young men from this area, both in their mid-20s to die alone in their apartments of pneumonia in the last 5 years. One was like Ledger--known to have used/abused substances in the past, but was believed to be clean at the time. The autopsy confirmed it. The other had no history with drug abuse. Very strange. And a former classmate of mine died Christmas day from what they think was a massive heart attack. She was 36, and had a history of high blood pressure. But she was also about 5 feet tall and probably no more than 105 pounds...

Life is terribly short sometimes.

 

[Rudyjohn]

And while I have the floor, I'll just say what a waste of human life it is. You mentioned how we would react to "the local nobody"'s death by overdose--I've always taken that seriously. I know that some folks will disagree, but to me it is deeply saddening to see a life--any life--wasted and ended because of drug abuse.

ditto. I try not to associate with people who have no tolerance or understanding of those suffering from addiction. Local nobody or not, it's still sad & it affects me.

 

[LightWorker]

I must be living in the woods, because I've never heard of this guy. I find it interesting that so many people are so saddened by someone dying when they know only the characters he plays in movies, and not the real guy. I'm not pointing fingers at you, as we all are in the same boat when it comes to most actors. We tend to connect with a character they portray, and like them based on the character, not the real person. Can you imagine your reaction to a local nobody, who had a little drug problem with Heroin? We'd probably put them down and kick em' around, or avoid them completely. Somehow, being a celebrity changes all of that.

Just an observation, not a criticism. ;-)

I would hope that the death of anyone would be shown the respect we all deserve.​

 

[Teresa]

I must be living in the woods, because I've never heard of this guy. I find it interesting that so many people are so saddened by someone dying when they know only the characters he plays in movies, and not the real guy. I'm not pointing fingers at you, as we all are in the same boat when it comes to most actors. We tend to connect with a character they portray, and like them based on the character, not the real person. Can you imagine your reaction to a local nobody, who had a little drug problem with Heroin? We'd probably put them down and kick em' around, or avoid them completely. Somehow, being a celebrity changes all of that.

Just an observation, not a criticism. ;-)

you didn't see brokeback mountain? loved it!!! "I can't quit you... " that guy was quite an actor.

well, I know who Heath is because he is on my list of celebs I would like to know and date.

but truly, I could not believe the news yesterday. I was watching CNN and they were analyzing why people cared so much about the news of Heath's death. People cared about this news, more than usual. and not just for the speculation of cause of death, etc. but because they were so shocked. they had some interesting observations: his young age - yes. but the fact that he was one of those celebs that you liked because you could tell he didn't exactly like the limelight, he would get embarrassed in interviews, he seemed like someone you might know. he isn't like one of those celebs we love to hate. he was truly liked because of his sincerity - and just those eyes and smile are enough to melt any dang body - gal or guy.

 

[Minnie]

I must be living in the woods, because I've never heard of this guy. I find it interesting that so many people are so saddened by someone dying when they know only the characters he plays in movies, and not the real guy.

To me it is no different than if you suddenly passed away. I would be very sad and I don't know you, only the character you play on SoWal.

 

[Rudyjohn]

you didn't see brokeback mountain? loved it!!! "I can't quit you... " that guy was quite an actor.

well, I know who Heath is because he is on my list of celebs I would like to know and date.

but truly, I could not believe the news yesterday. I was watching CNN and they were analyzing why people cared so much about the news of Heath's death. People cared about this news, more than usual. and not just for the speculation of cause of death, etc. but because they were so shocked. they had some interesting observations: his young age - yes. but the fact that he was one of those celebs that you liked because you could tell he didn't exactly like the limelight, he would get embarrassed in interviews, he seemed like someone you might know. he isn't like one of those celebs we love to hate. he was truly liked because of his sincerity - and just those eyes and smile are enough to melt any dang body - gal or guy.

well said, tootsie.

He really wasn't a favorite actor of mine tho I agree, that he was such a regular guy, people couldn't help but like him.

I think most on this board are savvy movie goers and are fairly up to date on actors of our time. We are shocked when something like this happens. He was young, had a precious 2 yr old, and he apparently died alone.

 

[audie]

well said, tootsie.

He really wasn't a favorite actor of mine tho I agree, that he was such a regular guy, people couldn't help but like him.

I think most on this board are savvy movie goers and are fairly up to date on actors of our time. We are shocked when something like this happens. He was young, had a precious 2 yr old, and he apparently died alone.

well put jr - i am saddened when anyone dies alone in these circumstances, not just because someone is a famous actor etc.

To me it is no different than if you suddenly passed away. I would be very sad and I don't know you, only the character you play on SoWal.

excellent point

 

[beachmouse]

Reports say he's had insomnia and pneumonia recently. And I've also heard that any type of sleeping aid, even one Ambien, can be a bad idea when you're dealing with an illness involving the lungs because it can cause problems in the body's ability to regulate breathing.

 

[Matt J]

To me it is no different than if you suddenly passed away. I would be very sad and I don't know you, only the character you play on SoWal.

 

[Beachlover2]

Number 1 - we still do not know what the cause of death was.

Number 2 - I have lost a close family member to heroin at the age of 22. I saw the battle in his life to fight this addiction - rehab - relapse - how it effected everyone around him. I know he would not have done that to people he loved if he could have controlled his addiction. I also see the child he left behind that will only know his father through pictures.

A year and half after his death (9-11-06) I cried when I heard of Heath Ledger - did I know him - no - but all the old feelings came running back (as they still do every so often).

Please show a little compassion - if not for him - for the people he left behind.