Heath Ledger

Heath Ledger - Died Young, Birthday and Facts

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Heath Ledger Biography Stories 

Heath Ledger's Personal Details

Heath Ledger was an acclaimed actor, best known for his role in the movie ‘Dark Knight’

InformationDetail
BirthdayApril 4, 1979
Died onJanuary 22, 2008
NationalityAustralian
FamousDied Young, School Dropouts, Film & Theater Personalities, Actors, INFP
HobbiesSurfing, Art, Reading, Skateboarding, Writing
SpousesMichelle Williams
SiblingsAshleigh Bell, Kate Ledger, Olivia Ledger
Known asHeathcliff Andrew Ledger, Heath Andrew Ledger, Heathy
ChildrensMatilda Ledger
Universities
  • Guildford Grammar School
  • Mary's Mount Primary School
Cause of death
  • Drug Overdose
Birth PlacePerth
GenderMale
FatherKim Ledger
MotherSally Ledger Bell
Sun SignAries
Born inPerth
Famous asActor
Died at Age28

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Heath Ledger's photo

Who is Heath Ledger?

If a list of the most seasoned actors produced in the world is to be compiled, Heath Ledger’s name definitely deserves a mention. Although his lifespan was really short, his accomplishments as an actor, even during this brief period will be remembered by movie lovers for a really long time. Heath, who made his debut through the television series ‘Roar’, went on to prove his acting prowess through many other films such as ‘The Brothers Grimm’ and ‘Brokeback Mountain’. His roles in these flicks were noticed by the jury members of many award ceremonies, who felicitated him with many honors for his performances. However, it was his portrayal of the Joker in maverick filmmaker Christopher Nolan’s flick ‘The Dark Knight’ which made him a household name across the globe. Many critics as well as audiences compared Ledger’s performance with the works of yesteryear greats like Marlon Brando and Al Pacino and even hailed him as one of the greatest actors of all time. Ledger’s dedication towards his work has earned the respect of the whole film fraternity and it’s unfortunate that the actor passed away before reaching many other career milestones. His performances are even known for being institutions of great acting themselves

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Childhood & Early Life

Heath was born to Kim and Sally Ledger, in Perth, Australia, on the 4th of April, 1979. While his mother was a teacher who taught French, his father pursued a career in race car driving.

He pursued his primary education at institutions such as ‘Mary’s Mount Primary School’ and ‘Guildford Grammar School’. He played the role of Peter Pan in one of the plays he had participated during his school days, at the tender age of ten.

When he was hardly 17 years old, Heath discontinued his studies to pursue a career in acting. Almost immediately, he bagged the role of a gay man in the 1996 television series named ‘Sweat’.

Career

In 1997, two opportunities came knocking at Ledger’s door in the form of ‘Roar’ and ‘Home and Away’. While ‘Roar’ was a fantasy action adventure series, ‘Home and Away’ was a soap opera targeted at Australian audiences.

The Australian flick ‘Blackrock’, which released the same year, marked his movie debut. Ledger had essayed the role of Toby Ackland in this 1997 thriller film.

In 1999, Heath Ledger was cast in the blockbuster American comedy flick ’10 Things I Hate About You’. The character, Patrick Verona, which he had portrayed in this flick, was of great significance to the plot.

The same year he also starred in the Australian crime flick ‘Two Hands’. The movie went on to receive a string of actors and even a nomination for Ledger in the ‘Best Actor’ category.

After making waves in the movie industry through his first few works, Ledger became a part of the Hollywood icon Mel Gibson starrer, ‘The Patriot’, in 2000. The same year, he also became a part of the ensemble cast of ‘Monster’s Ball’, which also included the famous actress Halle Berry.

During the period 2001-03, this actor starred in four other films, namely ‘A Knight’s Tale’, ‘The Order’, ‘The Four Feathers’ and ‘Ned Kelly’.

In 2005 alone, three of Ledger’s movies, namely ‘The Brothers Grimm’, ‘Casanova’ and ‘Lords of Dogtown’. His roles in all these three flicks were well-acclaimed and made both film-industry insiders as well as audiences to stand up and take notice.

Heath’s career reached its peak after the flick ‘Brokeback Mountain’, directed by Ang Lee, was released. The movie won him a lot of recognitions and even catapulted him to the status of being one of the most bankable actors of the film world.

His next release was the 2006 flick ‘Candy’, which was loosely based on the novel ‘Candy: A Novel of Love and Addiction’. His portrayal of the character Dan, in this movie, fetched him numerous awards.

The same year, he also ventured into direction and filmed a music video for a track of the Australian hip-hop album ‘Cause an Effect’.

Major Works

The role which made Ledger immortal was his portrayal of the Joker in the 2008 flick ‘The Dark Knight’. The movie went on to become a top-grosser worldwide and this actor was even honoured with the prestigious Academy award.

Awards and Achievements

His role in the movie ‘Candy’ won him a ‘Film Critics Circle of Australia Award’ in the ‘Best Actor’ category.

Heath was honoured with the ‘New York Film Circle Award’ in the ‘Best Actor’ category for his role in the flick ‘Brokeback Mountain’.

He was even nominated for the prestigious ‘Academy Award For the Best Actor’ as well as ‘BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role’ for his portrayal of Ennis Del Mar in the same film.

Personal Life & Legacy

Ledger was a great Chess player in his younger days, and even won a contest when he was hardly 10-years-old.

Apart from acting, Ledger was known for his love affairs with well-known actresses such as Naomi Watts, Lisa Jane and Heather Graham.

While filming ‘Brokeback Mountain’, in 2004, he started seeing actress Michelle Williams. The duo later became parents to a baby girl named Matilda Ros, who was born the next year. However, his relationship with Michelle turned sour soon after and they split.

Unfortunately, Ledger succumbed to death in early 2008, due to an overdose of drugs, months before his best work ‘The Dark Knight’ released.

He was posthumously felicitated with the ‘Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor’ as well as a ‘Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor’ for his performance in the Hollywood blockbuster ‘The Dark Knight’.

Trivia

While filming ‘The Dark Knight’, Ledger would often keep the ‘Joker’s Diary’ handy, which contained notes which helped him get into the skin of the character.

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Heath Ledger's awards

YearNameAward

Academy Awards(Oscars)

2009Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting RoleThe Dark Knight (2008)

Golden Globe Awards

2009Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion PictureThe Dark Knight (2008)

BAFTA Awards

2009Best Supporting ActorThe Dark Knight (2008)

MTV Movie & TV Awards

2009Best VillainThe Dark Knight (2008)
2006Best KissBrokeback Mountain (2005)

People's Choice Awards

2009Favorite CastThe Dark Knight (2008)
2009Favorite On-Screen Match-UpThe Dark Knight (2008)

Heath Ledger biography timelines

  • // 4th Apr 1979
    Heath was born to Kim and Sally Ledger, in Perth, Australia, on the 4th of April, 1979. While his mother was a teacher who taught French, his father pursued a career in race car driving.
  • // 1996
    When he was hardly 17 years old, Heath discontinued his studies to pursue a career in acting. Almost immediately, he bagged the role of a gay man in the 1996 television series named ‘Sweat’.
  • // 1997
    In 1997, two opportunities came knocking at Ledger’s door in the form of ‘Roar’ and ‘Home and Away’. While ‘Roar’ was a fantasy action adventure series, ‘Home and Away’ was a soap opera targeted at Australian audiences.
  • // 1997
    The Australian flick ‘Blackrock’, which released the same year, marked his movie debut. Ledger had essayed the role of Toby Ackland in this 1997 thriller film.
  • // 1999
    In 1999, Heath Ledger was cast in the blockbuster American comedy flick ’10 Things I Hate About You’. The character, Patrick Verona, which he had portrayed in this flick, was of great significance to the plot.
  • // 2000
    After making waves in the movie industry through his first few works, Ledger became a part of the Hollywood icon Mel Gibson starrer, ‘The Patriot’, in 2000. The same year, he also became a part of the ensemble cast of ‘Monster’s Ball’, which also included the famous actress Halle Berry.
  • // 2001
    During the period 2001-03, this actor starred in four other films, namely ‘A Knight’s Tale’, ‘The Order’, ‘The Four Feathers’ and ‘Ned Kelly’.
  • // 2004
    While filming ‘Brokeback Mountain’, in 2004, he started seeing actress Michelle Williams. The duo later became parents to a baby girl named Matilda Ros, who was born the next year. However, his relationship with Michelle turned sour soon after and they split.
  • // 2005
    In 2005 alone, three of Ledger’s movies, namely ‘The Brothers Grimm’, ‘Casanova’ and ‘Lords of Dogtown’. His roles in all these three flicks were well-acclaimed and made both film-industry insiders as well as audiences to stand up and take notice.
  • // 2006
    His next release was the 2006 flick ‘Candy’, which was loosely based on the novel ‘Candy: A Novel of Love and Addiction’. His portrayal of the character Dan, in this movie, fetched him numerous awards.
  • // 2008
    The role which made Ledger immortal was his portrayal of the Joker in the 2008 flick ‘The Dark Knight’. The movie went on to become a top-grosser worldwide and this actor was even honoured with the prestigious Academy award.
  • // 2008
    Unfortunately, Ledger succumbed to death in early 2008, due to an overdose of drugs, months before his best work ‘The Dark Knight’ released.

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Heath Ledger's FAQ

  • What is Heath Ledger birthday?

    Heath Ledger was born at 1979-04-04

  • When was Heath Ledger died?

    Heath Ledger was died at 2008-01-22

  • Where was Heath Ledger died?

    Heath Ledger was died in New York City

  • Which age was Heath Ledger died?

    Heath Ledger was died at age 28

  • Where is Heath Ledger's birth place?

    Heath Ledger was born in Perth

  • What is Heath Ledger nationalities?

    Heath Ledger's nationalities is Australian

  • What is Heath Ledger hobbies?

    Heath Ledger's hobbies is Surfing, Art, Reading, Skateboarding, Writing

  • Who is Heath Ledger spouses?

    Heath Ledger's spouses is Michelle Williams

  • Who is Heath Ledger siblings?

    Heath Ledger's siblings is Ashleigh Bell, Kate Ledger, Olivia Ledger

  • Who is Heath Ledger childrens?

    Heath Ledger's childrens is Matilda Ledger

  • What was Heath Ledger universities?

    Heath Ledger studied at Guildford Grammar School, Mary's Mount Primary School

  • What is Heath Ledger's cause of dead?

    Heath Ledger dead because of Drug Overdose

  • Who is Heath Ledger's father?

    Heath Ledger's father is Kim Ledger

  • Who is Heath Ledger's mother?

    Heath Ledger's mother is Sally Ledger Bell

  • What is Heath Ledger's sun sign?

    Heath Ledger is Aries

  • How famous is Heath Ledger?

    Heath Ledger is famouse as Actor