Rest
Usually when a famous person dies I feel badly for the families and go about my day just as I would if I heard anyone I didn’t know just died. While sitting in a Los Angeles court house during jury selection I got a text message from my sister, the words: “Heath Ledger has died”. I was stunned sitting on that bench. I looked up at the strangers serving with me and wanted to reach out for comfort. When there was none there, I had to turn away as tears swelled in my eyes. I was baffled…why am I reacting so strongly to a person I don’t know? Maybe it’s because we’re the same age, maybe because I know that stretch of Broome Street where his apartment is and miss it dearly, maybe because Heath and I are actors, maybe it was his beautiful daughter, maybe getting older allows you to feel your own mortality…I’m not sure. But please bear with me while I get this off my chest.
I saw “Monster’s Ball” after the academy award was given to Halle Berry and thought…why the hub-bub over Halle? Heath’s the real genius in this film. I auditioned for the role of Heath’s daughter in “Broke Back Mountain” (the role went to Kate Mara…lucky gal). After seeing it I told my husband that I have to find a way to work with Heath Ledger…he’s just…perfection. Then this past Christmas my husband’s cousin and I watched the preview for “Batman” on his computer and talked for a good while about what an artist and an inspiration Heath is. We said, “I bet he’ll get an Oscar nod for this and he’ll explode in Hollywood.”
Whatever the reason, I am immensely saddened over the death of Heath Ledger. One of the most brilliant performers of our generation is now gone from this world too soon and it’s a damn damn shame. I didn’t know you but I will miss you. Rest in peace Heath.
At the risk of being a huge sap, I just wanted to say how privileged I am to know you all and have worked with many of you. I miss you all and love you greatly.
