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Another, Too Young: Rest in Peace, Heath Ledger, 28

posted by Esther Kustanowitz | 5:05pm Tuesday January 22, 2008

ledger.jpgFirst we lost Brad Renfro, and now the New York Times reports that actor Heath Ledger, critically lauded for his performance in the groundbreaking “Brokeback Mountain,” has been found dead in his SoHo apartment. Pills were found near his body, but no cause of death has been reported yet.
Heath Ledger most recently gave one of the critically acclaimed performances in the Bob Dylan biopic “I’m Not There” and will be seen shortly as the Joker in the second Batman prequel, “The Dark Knight“, which is now in post-production. He was filming Terry Gilliam’s “Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus,” which was due in 2009.
In September, Ledger and actress Michelle Williams ended their three-year relationship. They had one daughter, Matilda Rose. Heath Ledger was 28. Our thoughts are with his family as the world mourns the loss of another promising young actor.



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Anonymous

posted January 22, 2008 at 9:43 pm


I feel so sad. I pray for his loved ones and family members. May the Lord give them strength in this sad time.



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Sum1whocares

posted January 23, 2008 at 9:46 am


What a wonderful performermance he did in “Brokeback Mountain”. That movie was awesome and one that needed to be made showing how realistic the gay lifestyle is in the USA. My heart and prayers go out to his family and friends..what a tragedy! God bless!



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Xander

posted January 23, 2008 at 9:47 am


I was so shocked and saddened by the news. Yesterday was my wife’s birthday and we had just come home from a nice dinner out when I heard the news. Not a great way to end the evening. Heath Ledgers career was something I had been following eagerly and this was never how it was supposed to end.
I took a few moments to blog a little something about the young star and I hope it honors him, his memory and his entire family. What a tragic loss!
May God bless and keep him.



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Susan

posted January 23, 2008 at 9:59 am


This young man’s death only cements the fact that it is so important to live one’s life in the present and make every moment count..
I feel so badly for his little girl who will grow up without her loving Father…



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Susan

posted January 23, 2008 at 10:01 am


p.s.
A message for Michelle and Mathilda…May you both have a good life and remember Heath and hold him in your highest esteem…
God bless both of you…
Susan



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Chulo

posted January 23, 2008 at 10:10 am


What can anyone say. He lived life in the fast lane. The movie industry puts many in the limelight and it is for them to stay focus on reality. Plus I personally do not agree about the movie Brokeback Mountain. Maybe God has something to do with it.



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joe brown

posted January 23, 2008 at 10:15 am


for,his family we are only here for a short time.so dont be so sad about his passing,just continue to be strong and keep trusting in GOD AND HIS SON JESUS THE CHRIST.



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Sharon

posted January 23, 2008 at 10:16 am


I am saddened of the loss of Heath Ledger. Sometimes when we think somebody has it all–they, too, can fall. I did not know how hurt he was inside because Hollywood has a way of doing what it does best–make actors!
Life is fleeting and I wish Heath eternal peace, and his family that is left behind–solace. And remember all the beautiful things this man accomplished in his brief life. He will be truly missed.



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anonymous

posted January 23, 2008 at 10:18 am


Chulo, do you really think God killed Heath (or caused him to kill himself) because he portayed a gay man in a movie?! Get real! Have some compassion for his family and friends. That’s the Christian thing to do. Stop throwing out theories about God’s wrath upon Hollywood.



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KWinn

posted January 23, 2008 at 10:31 am


Died much too soon but God knew best. God rest your soul Mr. Ledger. To the family I offer my condolences and pray that thru your grief you will find solace in knowing we are all praying for you too.



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Stephanie

posted January 23, 2008 at 10:32 am


When I heard the news this morning my heart went out to his family. I too thought of no matter how famous you are or how much you have we all deal with strong holds in our lives, I do not question God anymore I just ask for his forgiveness and help. It is such a loss, I am 28 my self and the new definalty made me think of how I deal with my strong holds. I will keep his family in my prays.
Stephanie



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East Coast Texan

posted January 23, 2008 at 10:41 am


Truly Tragic – I do wish those with addictions would “get it”, unfortunately, I think most will just pop another pill. I am so saddened by it – that young, beautiful life. I pray SOMEONE WILL GET IT so it won’t be totally in vain.



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Tish

posted January 23, 2008 at 10:54 am


I wish I could talk with his mother. I just lost my 21yr old son on the 4th of July this year on his way to work. There are no words for the agony and pain, God is holding our family up, just as He holds everyone up. God Bless his family, what a nice looking guy.



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Leslie

posted January 23, 2008 at 10:57 am


My heart goes out to Heath Ledger’s family, especially his young daughter. She and her mother, Michelle Williams, will need a lot of support from their friends and family to get through this difficult time. What his family DOES NOT need is the public passing judgement on him, regardless of the circumstances of his death. He was a son, brother, father, husband, nephew and dear friend to many, many people. These celebrities are still human beings, like you and me. God is the Judge of our lives and nobody else has that right. Shame on anyone who resorts to damaging words rather than healing words at a time like this! Compassion and a shoulder to cry on is the appropriate message to send. What a tragic loss to the entertainment industry, but especially to Heath’s family.
Leslie-Tulsa, OK



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Anonymous

posted January 23, 2008 at 11:00 am


I still can’t believe that he is gone. He was one of my favorite actor’s and when I found out yesterday that he had died, I was shocked because I don’t believe that it was a suicide at all.
by Artur Hawkwing
On my own, but mostly the savannah,
Where the tumbleweeds fade away and die,
Before the glassy sun burns a summer of crystals,
The glistering waters of the high seas
Of which was so far a place as of where vultures roam.
I looked around but you weren’t anywhere…
You used to say that you would never die,
But I took the wrong meaning into my heart.
Now the sea is wild with despair,
Deep blue like a prairie of flowers blue,
Where all children of God rest in eternal peace.
I saw you at the end,
You and I, brother and sister of nature,
Brother and sister of heaven and earth,
Your usually calm and heavenly eyes full of tears,
Bitterly falling one after one into a river,
Then the river of life turned red in blood.
My eyes watched in horror.
Slowly and deadly your heart became poisoned,
You disappeared without saying good-bye,
Not a word came out of your mouth.
You became like desolation in its grave.
When once the skies were a realm of stars
And the sun shone brightly in summer skies,
You were there to share the calmness;
But now I stand here in midst of the tall grass
And only the savannah remains.



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Elana

posted January 23, 2008 at 11:02 am


I admired his acting and what a good looking boy! But I feel there was a very deep seated sadness inside of him. I know he loved his daughter and girlfrien very much. Maybe that is what caused him to take his own life, even with all his successes. Family and love are still the most important things in life, after God, of course.
He will be missed/



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Dolores

posted January 23, 2008 at 11:17 am


God rest your soul. My prayers are with him and his family.



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Catherine

posted January 23, 2008 at 11:31 am


Heath was so gifted. I own every one of his films that have come to DVD and had been so looking forward to those that are to be released.I enjoyed viewing the rare interviews he gave that brought others in the larger world away from him at least a glimpse perhaps of the private person. I hate to imagine suicide as possible for him. I hate to think that he would feel such emptiness in the midst of what appeared to be a positive life. They say he has suffered from sleep deprivation. We know that it can push anyone over the edge. I only wish that there had been someone there to catch him when he fell.



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hoosier47

posted January 23, 2008 at 11:49 am


Immediately after the holidays is a hard time for a lot of people, famous and non-famous alike. There’s something about making yourself hold it together thru Thanksgiving and then Christmas, that when there’s finally a chance to breathe and think a person who had been thinking about gurting themselves may finally have the nerve to do it.
My sympathies to his family and friends; rest in peace.



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William Curtis Gooden

posted January 23, 2008 at 11:53 am


Heath Died blocks away from me and I can tell you there are a lot of sad faces today. He was alone, and you feel that with all the lonely people in the world there was no need for him to go that way.
That what being on the cover does for an individual. It sets you apart, and leaves you in a lonely place, where you cannot be reached. If I were a celebrity I would not seek a partnership with another celebrity, there are so many people in this world that could have changed his life, and made a difference.
Rest in Peace.



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Jackie

posted January 23, 2008 at 12:28 pm


Some people are assuming that this was a deliberate act, but it seems to me that it was accidental, as he`d been having trouble sleeping. It`s not that hard to overdose when you`re sleep-deprived, & you just want a good night`s sleep, & OTCM`s can be just as lethal as the prescribed ones. Everybody should wait until the final reports are out before jumping to conclusions. I think we can all agree, however, that this is a tragedy for his family & especially for his little girl who he will not be there to see grow up. My prayers are with Matilda, Michelle, & his family. How sad to see another star die so young, but it reminds us all of our own mortality, & that life can be very short & fleeting…….



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pamela pryor

posted January 23, 2008 at 1:07 pm


SO’ SO YOUNG! BLESS YOUR HART HEATH !!YOU ARE NOW WITH GOD”LOOKING DOWN AND WATCHING YOUR BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTER MATILDA GROW AND LIVE HER LIFE !!!!



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Robin Lard

posted January 23, 2008 at 1:19 pm


I pray that his daughter grows up happy and well adjusted and knows she is loved. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this time. My heart goes out to Michelle Williams. I do not envy a young girl having to explain this sort of thing to a child. May God Bless them.



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Slouie Knight

posted January 23, 2008 at 1:21 pm


Thought an unfathomable loss, Heather did not die invain. His passing calls to all peoples to be more sensitive to others, to reach out to those who are in emotional stress, as we all are at one time or another. We must listen to ohters and touch them with our caring and hope.
I pray God holds Heahter in His arms forever.



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Karen

posted January 23, 2008 at 3:09 pm


I feel for his family, esp those closest to him. I lost my daughter, Amber, 2 1/2 years ago. I miss her everyday. My life has changed and will I will never be the same. I mourn everyday. Still today, I wake up and think about her and remember that I will never be able to hold and kiss her again in this life. I still cry and cry with my heart ever breaking. The only thing that helps is knowing that we have her beautiful 4 year old daughter to love and cherish and that she is in the arms of Lord Jesus Christ, but still I am selfish and want her back here with me.
The pain of losing a child is feels unbearable. I pray that his parent trust in the Lord for comfort.
I pray – Please Jesus, put your arms around Heaths loved ones and comfort them in this time of pain and mourning.



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Stacey

posted January 23, 2008 at 4:02 pm


I lost my son, 27, in Oct. of last year. It is still so raw. My heart goes out to Heath’s parent’s and family. My heart really goes out to Michelle William’s as I remember how my daughter-in-law had to tell my precious grandchildren how their father died in a tragic car accident. It is all so unnecessary. How awful that we will never see our loved ones again until we pass. But they will never, ever be forgotten. Heath, you will be thought of every day for the rest of our lives. May you rest in peace and watch over all who loved you.



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Linda Estrin

posted January 23, 2008 at 6:01 pm


Heath Ledger was an enormous talent and his untimely loss is felt personally. I will never forget his brilliant performance in Brokeback
Mountain.His sensitivity and love shone in every scene. God Bless Heath Ledger!( someone tell me why does God take the most talented?



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Karen Cooper

posted January 23, 2008 at 6:41 pm


I to was saddened to hear about the loss of this fine talented actor.
I have only seen him in Brokeback Mountain, a great and very moving performance, and made one feel like you knew him personally…
It is a tragedy when something like this happens to someone so young, my daughters friend only 17 died to of drink and drugs. Went to hospital and didn’t wake up… and a thought when people die quiet young like Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, Marc Bolan,Princess Diana we remember them at the height of their lives and for being the Special and unique people they are at that time of our lives, For we remember in that special way. I pray for Heath Ledger and my daughters friend Dan and their families… and we can pray they will find Peace with God…



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Lori Kruse

posted January 23, 2008 at 7:05 pm


My heart is saddened by the loss of such a soulful young man….Heath has touched my heart and soul in Brokeback Mountain….I will miss his screen appearances so very much, may you rest in peace Heath…God be with you onto a new journey….



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Karen Beck

posted January 23, 2008 at 8:40 pm


Such a great lost. He was a beautiful, young, talented person. He will be missed. My heart goes out to his daughter, who will never get to grow up with him. The family is my prayers. God be with him.



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Roseann Sanders

posted January 23, 2008 at 11:04 pm


This sudden passing of Heath Ledger was something so unexpected, for his family, friends, and fans.
It seems that sometimes people have so much to give at such a young age that they give it all and we can’t imagine them getting old because of their ability or love they have shown. This seems to be another case in his life. As in Diana and so many others who have died so young. May he rest in peace and may memories of his life keep him with us forever.



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Rosie

posted January 23, 2008 at 11:32 pm


I too feel the depth of the loss of some one so talented, so full of life and admired by so many; my heart goes out to his beautiful baby daughter and family, what a tragic and sad outcome when so much is expected out of life; rest in peace Heath and may your loved ones find comfort in having experience your love and presence in their lives. God bless your soul.
Rosie.



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Carole Taylor

posted January 24, 2008 at 12:44 am


Oh Heath,
You are going to be so missed! Rest in peace. You could have been the next Johnny Depp. I knew there was no way you would have deliberately killed yourself . You had so much to live for.



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SuzanneWA

posted January 24, 2008 at 12:53 am


When I first heard the news on the Internet, I thought someone had made a mistake in the name of the “deceased.” It had the most shocking effect on me; here was a young man, cut down in the very prime of his life. ALWAYS the speculation of alcohol and pills.
Fame hits some people really hard (see Britney), and they lose perspective of real life. But Mr. Ledger seemed so down-to-earth; he had a child who he obviously worshipped (pics in gossip mags); and he had two movies in production for the New Year. Does that sound like someone speculating on ending their life?
First Brad Renfro (another “child” laid low), and now Mr. Ledger. These things happen in three’s – who’s next??!! Must we continually be reminded that stars have feelings, too, and the constant scrutiny of paparazzi and fans open them up to insecurities and lack of privacy.
My heart goes out to his family. May he find peace in his Heavenly Home.



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Jeanette Rorich

posted January 24, 2008 at 12:42 pm


May you rest in peace Heath..May you be with God and God with all of your family, friends and all of us that loved you.



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Donna

posted January 24, 2008 at 1:04 pm


You were truly a wonderful actor and will be missed. I pray that God comforts your family, friends and love ones during this time. God Speed Heath!



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Michele

posted January 24, 2008 at 11:09 pm


You will be missed. You inspired a lot of people. You will live on through your little girl. Rest In Peace.



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Nightshayde

posted January 25, 2008 at 12:57 am


Heath, I loved you in all your movies, especially “A Knight’s Tale.” You were a wonderful actor, and will be greatly missed.
Blessed Be,
Nightshayde



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Joanna Whitehead

posted January 27, 2008 at 2:47 pm


Heath, you were my favorite actor since I was 13 years old. I really enjoyed watching your movies. It was a tragic loss, such a young and talented actor. You will be forever remembered in all our hearts. May you rest in peace.



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Terri Studdard

posted January 28, 2008 at 11:59 am


My heart goes out to Matilda Rose for the loss of her father, I pray that her mother will let her know what she has missed, and to Heath’s family, friends, and to all who loved him through his movies, he is going to be sadly missed.
He had me at 10 Things I Hate About You, I laughed and I cryed. His death is a tragic loss at such a young age, the same age as my oldest son who was born 7-6-79. Heath was such an inspiration, he would take the movie roles that no one else wanted.
May he rest in peace.



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