I am not normally one to obsess emphatically about celebrities, their children, their love lives, nor their business. That's something left to fanboys and people with no time on their hands. But today I was genuinely shocked to hear about the death of Heath Ledger at the young age of 28. Details are still sketchy, but it appears to be a drug overdose. For more info on the matter see here: [link]

For me, Heath was a talented actor from the very first moment I saw him as the Celtic prince in Roar. There was something beyond the good looks and platinum locks. There was an attitude of maturity, of emotion, an aura of intensity that only a true artist can channel. To see one so young and talented deprived of their potential is a true tragedy. I have even more respect for him considering he only chose the parts he truly believed in rather than sticking to what would make him money. It's the true actors who believe in the vision and the story rather than the price tag.

Rumors abound that perhaps the role of playing the Joker in the latest Dark Knight film was too much for him. He had been reduced to sleeping two hours a night and relying on sleeping pills. Not to say that he was suicidal, but that a reliance on sleeping pills is never good considering the accidents that can happen. Whatever the reason, I will think of him when I watch one of my favorite iconic stories brought to life once again.

Rest in peace, Heath. From this life to the next.