I can’t tell you how much I truly, truly hate writing this story. According to CNN Heath Ledger was found dead in his Manhattan Apartment today.
Ledger’s housekeeper found him dead in his Manhattan apartment, New York police said.
He died at 3:26 p.m., they said.
The New York Fire Department received a call at 2:27 today responding to a “cardiac arrest call” in New York.
They found an unresponsive male dead at the scene.
At just 28 years old the actor was turning into one of the finest actors in Hollywood. Having been already nominated for an Academy Award for his role in “Brokeback Mountian” he had carved out an eccentric and fascinating career. I personally first noticed him when I saw “10 Things I Hate About You” one Easter Sunday in theaters. I enjoyed the movie, but the first thing I said when leaving was, “That guy is going to be a huge star.” He was also the best thing about “Monster’s Ball”.
I am deeply saddened as a movie fan and a fan of his that we will not see what could have become of this incredibly talented young actor. I am deeply saddened as a human being that he leaves behind a young daughter.
Ledger’s next screen role is that of The Joker in the upcoming Batman film “The Dark Knight”, possibly the most anticipated movie of 2008, and one of the most anticipated performances in recent memory. I have heard that it is nothing short of amazing. He leaves behind a truly remarkable legacy for such a young actor. May he rest in peace.
***UPDATE***
From the Sydney Morning Herald:
The sleeping pills Heath Ledger was reportedly taking have been embroiled in controversy in Australia, where hundreds have had bizarre and potentially dangerous reactions to the drug.
Called Ambien in the US, the tablet is marketed as Stilnox in Australia…
In November, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) reduced pack sizes and updated its warnings on the drug to protect people from its “worrying and potentially dangerous adverse effects”…
Reports suggest that Ledger may have been suffering for pneumonia at the time of his death, with some speculating the drug may have reacted with his condition…
But Sydney general practitioner Dr John Gullotta, of the Australian Medical Association, said such a reaction with Stilnox would be “extremely rare”.
“In the product information (for Stilnox) they do actually caution against use in people with severe respiratory conditions, and pneumonia can obviously cause respiratory problems,” said Dr Gullotta, who could not comment on the specific case.
So, there is one theory.
Written by: Gillman on Tue, Jan 22, 2008