Here's Looking at You Kid: A Tribute to Heath Ledger

From the very first time I saw him in "10 Things I Hate About You", I was simply mad about the boy. Heath had it all, even in that early film: charm, edge, talent, screen charisma, a great singing voice. Then there was that impossibly sexy "Vanity Fair" cover with Heath in golden curls, a white t-shirt, faded jeans hanging just low enough on his hips and the hint of a smile. Despite those stunning good looks, he took the path less traveled and I loved him all the more for it. The closest he came to playing a leading man was probably "A Knight's Tale", yet it was with a wink and a grin that he made this campy movie way more fun than it should have been, taking my breath away in one scene with an exhilarating spin around the ballroom floor (partnered with Shannyn Sossamon). Yes, it turned out he could dance too. It seemed that Heath could do everything, except make it to his 29th birthday. It's simply unimaginable that he's already gone. It makes me want to curse fate, shout at the gods, demand a different ending. All I can do is cling to that fabulous legacy of his, those many magical moments of cinema that he's been kind enough to leave for us. I will treasure them all the more, knowing there won't be new Heath performances to look forward to again (except his role as The Joker in the upcoming "Dark Knight").

Thank you, Heath, for all you gave us: the sensitive son of the Revolution in "The Patriot", a devastating portrayal of the tragic son of a racist in "Monster's Ball", an inspired and delightful take on the world of skateboarding in "The Lords of Dogtown", a romantic scoundrel in "Casanova", a young troubled priest in "The Order", a hapless kid involved with small time criminals in the early Australian film "Two Hands". He gave us everything from the outlaw Ned Kelly ("Ned Kelly") to Bob Dylan ("I'm Not There"). He could be dashing in a military uniform ("Four Feathers") and sweetly intellectual behind wire frame glasses ("The Brothers Grimm"). Then, of course, there was "Brokeback Mountain", where he morphed into a craggy cowboy of few words and strong emotions. Who could ask for more? Yet I want more, because who could ever get enough of Heath Ledger? He was so unique, with a slightly bohemian fashion sense, intense yet slightly goofy demeanor, endearing giggle. I attended a tribute to him 2 years ago at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival and marveled at the amazing array of film clips illustrating his impressive body of work at the young age of 26. Yet he seemed like a shy kid, sitting on his hands at one point during the presentation and appearing a bit uncomfortable and nervous at all the attention.

I don't care what actually killed Heath or why he died. I only care that he is gone from us and that I'll miss him more than I can express. Like all actors, he is truly immortal thanks to his movies. Like those few special actors, he is unforgettably alive and present on film in a way that leaves an indelible imprint on your heart. Here's to the darling Australian boy, Heath Ledger, who left early for dreamtime.