TDS Tributes to Heath

[Stilllearning]

Saturday, January 26th, 2008

A Loving Tribute to Heath Ledger

           

Man  Father  Brother  Son  Lover  Actor  Friend

1979 ~ 2008

In celebration of the life and career of the much loved and respected Heath Ledger, who passed from this life far too soon. Heath left a legacy that has touched and encouraged countless lives as a gifted actor, generous friend, devoted father, and unique individual. Heath was born in Perth, Western Australia, and named after one of the main characters in Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights, Heathcliff. He attended Grammar School, where he had his first acting experiences, starring in a school production as Peter Pan at age 10. At sixteen, Heath took early graduation exams, and left school to pursue an acting career in Sydney. He returned to Perth for the TV series Sweat in which he played a gay cyclist. Biography from Wikipedia.

"Heath will be our generation's James Dean now. Gifted, beautiful, mesmerizing, and taken from us far too young with so much still ahead."  ~Madlori~ "The studio is stunned and devastated by this tragic news. The entertainment community has lost an enormous talent. Heath was a brilliant actor and an exceptional person. Our hearts go out to his family and friends." ~Warner Brothers Alan Horn and Jeff Robinov~ "Heath's portrayal of Ennis was truly 'the stuff of Hollywood legend' as the NYT review said. What a brave and heart-rending performance. Can't think of anything comparable  — penetrating the core of a loveable yet tragically conflicted, homophobic gay man — brilliant psychological/emotional insight into the heart and soul of a tortured individual. God bless you Heathcliff!" ~Sebastian~ "He has made a lasting impression on my life, as has the movie itself. In that, his impact and memory will live in me for years to come, as I believe he will live in so many peoples lives. What he gave with his extra-ordinary talent and grace will be carried in our hearts and memories."  ~valkyrie~

"Heath's death seems eerily reminiscent of BBM itself: a promising life taken pointlessly and all too early, great opportunities lost... As if this were life imitating art and reinforcing its message.... Thank you for Ennis, Heath. May God rest your beautiful soul." ~mariska~ "His Ennis changed my life, and many of our lives, forever. Peace be with you, Heath."   ~pwday~

By PatSinnott


"We knew him not for being big, but for risking and being small... for the little moments,
looks, thoughts, truths. That's why we're sad, crying, grieving." ~Alma~

"Saying goodbye to Heath is saying goodbye to something that might have been."
~Bobby19in1963~

"One of the finest actors of his generation.'' ~Fellow actor Noni Hazlehurst~

. . . . Do Not Stand by My Grave and Weep  Do not stand at my grave and weep; I am not there. I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning's hush I am the swift uplifting rush Of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry; I am not there. I did not die. by Mary Elizabeth Frye Submitted by Trekfan

Heath, you touched more lives in your short time on earth than you could possibly imagine. ~WLAGuy~





"There's no words…."  ~Winterbird~


"Thank you for taking on the role of Ennis Del Mar, and for being a part of a movie
that touched us all here.  It is through your acting that many people were awakened
to take action in their own lives, make changes, move on, and become different."
~CellarDweller115~




"Heath was so much Brokeback to me. He was the embodiment. He was Ennis." ~jstephens9~




Dear Heath, the sun sets over your life and I don't
pretend to know or understand why you should not
see another sunrise, and I cry me a river of tears
today thinking of you--thinking of my co-worker
who met you last August and told you that Brokeback Mountain
had changed his life and you told him that was so nice to hear,
and I wonder if you knew how many people wished they could
thank you for that...  Was your work here done?  If things happen
for a reason, why did this happen?  Was it a good reason?
I don't pretend to know, but it hurts...
~Lyle (Mooska)~

By Trinket


"It was first and utmost Heath Ledger's heart rendering portrayal
of Ennis that shook me to the core." ~Valkyrie~


"To me, Heath Ledger is Ennis Del Mar. And when I finally read the Proulx story,
Ennis will be Heath. The sheer strength and beauty of that richly textured performance,
which doesn't quite seem like a performance at all, is forever etched in my heart."
~ KZ~

. . Heath was known and respected as a man of resounding integrity who chose his acting roles for the personal and creative challenge they posed, unfettered by desires for fame, fortune and notoriety. The very definition of a true artist. Heath had aspirations of becoming a film director and started a record company directing three music videos:Morning Yearning with co-owner Ben Harper and two video clips for Australian hip-hop artist N'fa -Cause an Effect and Seduction Is Evil (She's Hot). He also wanted to make a film about the British troubadour Nick Drake who died tragically young at the age of 26 in 1974, creating and appearing in a short film Black Eyed Dog.

. . . . . . ."I had such great hope for him. He was just taking off and to lose his life at such a young age is a tragic loss." ~Mel Gibson~

"Working with Heath was one of the purest joys of my life. He brought to the role of Ennis more than any of us could have imagined — a thirst for life, for love and for truth, and a vulnerability that made everyone who knew him love him. His death is heartbreaking." ~Ang Lee~ "Watching any of his movies, even the ones I don't care for will become an act of celebration. Not to watch him on the screen will be a snub I care not to make... and every tear that falls will be well spent in memory of one who will never know the depths that his art went in the lives of ordinary (and not so ordinary) folks. I miss you already Heath."    ~Andy~

. . . .

Heath's Film Career Paws, playing Oberon                            Blackrock, playing Toby 10 Things I hate About You, playing Patrick Verona Two Hands, playing Jimmy                      The Patriot, playing Gabriel Martin Monster’s Ball, playing Sonny Grotowski A Knight’s Tale, playing Sir William Thatcher/Sir Ulrich von Lichtenstein of Gelderland The Four Feathers, playing Harry Faversham The Order, playing Alex Bernier                Ned Kelly, playing Ned Kelly        The Brothers Grimm, playing Jacob Grimm  Lords of Dogtown, playing Skip Engblom Brokeback Mountain, playing Ennis delMar Casanova, playing Giacomo Casanova Candy, playing Dan      I’m Not There, playing Robbie Clark            Black Eyed Dog, character was unnamed The Dark Knight, playing the Joker The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, in production at the time of his death

. . . . “He is one of my favorite actors. His abilities are rare…it’s a tremendous loss. It’s hard to be here celebrating Australia under these circumstances.” “I adored him. I don't know how to compare his talent to others, but he's touched me deeply as a talent and, it’s a great loss.” ~John Travolta~

. . "Heath Ledger did so much for so many including me.  It seems like we have to say goodbye to him the way that he said goodbye to Jack Twist - no chance to hold him or help him or even say goodbye properly at all."   ~Zach~ So now the man who was Ennis belongs to the ages. But no one can ever take from him, or from you, the fact that his performance and your movie are immortal. They will never die.  ~Josh Indiana~

. . . . I watched Casanova (where) he was  capable of lighter-than-air comedy. Sure, he had his dark side, but he could be charming and debonnair as well. In his too-brief journey through this world, he made his mark. He gave a lot of people something priceless, something no one else could have given them. ~PaulH ~

By EDelMar

. . . . . . "He was always a complex and complicated man to work with but ... just a master. ~ Neil Armfield, director of Candy~ "I feel so sad and just weirdly privileged to have been involved with him. What amazed me about Heath was his amazing tactile, emotional response to a script and other actors." ~Luke Davies, scriptwriter of Candy~

. . . . . . He has been described as a bit of a "renegade," "outsider," edgy and even "bohemian" or perhaps someone who seemed to be still soul searching as to who and what he wants to be in life.  ~Noelmichael~

. . . Daddy and Me

Awards and Achievements     Academy Awards     2006 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role, Brokeback Mountain (Nominated)     Australian Film Institute Awards     1999 - Best Lead Actor, Two Hands (Nominated)     2003 - Best Lead Actor, Ned Kelly (Nominated)     2006 - Best Lead Actor, Candy (Nominated)     BAFTA     2006 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role, Brokeback Mountain (Nominated)     Golden Globe Awards     2006 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama, Brokeback Mountain (Nominated)     Independent Spirit Awards     2008 - Robert Altman Award, I'm Not There. (Won) *shared w/ cast and crew.     2006 - Best Male Lead, Brokeback Mountain (Nominated)     MTV Movie Awards     2006 - Best Kiss, Brokeback Mountain (Won) *shared w/ Jake Gyllenhaal     2002 - Best Kiss, A Knight's Tale (Nominated) *shared w/ Shannyn Sossamon     2002 - Best Musical Sequence A Knight's Tale (Nominated) *shared w/ Shannyn Sossamon           2000 - Best Musical Sequence 10 Things I Hate About You (Nominated)     Screen Actors Guild Awards     2006 - Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture, Brokeback Mountain (Nominated)     2006 - Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role, Brokeback Mountain (Nominated) Information compiled by Wikipedia

Heath, thank you for giving us Ennis and so much more. We'll miss you forever and a day.  By xqsmwa





oh heath, why did you leave so damn soon?
i loved you the first time i saw your face
i miss you so much already, dear boy.
and will never forget your warmth
fly your soul to a happier place
go on now and be yourself
and rest your weary head.
and bathe in the light.

by gnash

Heath, we mourn for the years you will not have, for your daughter, your family, your friends. We mourn for performances that would have spoken to the heart and awakened the soul.  We thank you, with words that can not truly express our gratitude for bringing Ennis del Mar to life, in one of the finest and most meaningful portrayals in acting history.

Heath, we swear…

By tfmisc

* The TDS tribute to Jackie - Paintedshoes - will be posted on Sunday. *

Forum Posts of the Day

Beautifully posted in the Farewell to Heath thread "Heath's portrayal of Ennis in Brokeback Mountain was one of the most moving performances I've ever seen. He made the character so real to me that for months afterward, I worried about "Ennis" and how he was doing. It was a feeling I couldn't shake; that's how powerful Heath's performance was." ~CBY~

Quote of the Day:

Both Mr. Ledger and Mr. Gyllenhaal make this anguished love story physically palpable. Mr. Ledger magically and mysteriously disappears beneath the skin of his lean, sinewy character. It is a great screen performance, as good as the best of Marlon Brando and Sean Penn. ~ Stephen Holden, New York Times ~

Photo Captions of the Day

From Photo Captioning Fun 3

God : Time to get goin', Cowboy.

By Doodler




For a moment in time, we ALL are Ennis on that dusty quiet street......

By CANSTANDIT

We've got to stand it.

Contributors: KittyHawk, Tellyouwhat, Whiplash, ROCO, quoted forum members.

 

Calendar of Events
 

If you have ideas about initiating a gathering, go to Start Your Own Threads
and get the ball rolling to plan a get-together near you.

Heath Ledger & Jaclyn Pascarella Memorial Service 
Denver,  February 9, 2008

March Madness in San Francisco
March 14th - 16th 2008

BBQ: Wyoming Roundup
June 1-7, 2008.

   
June 20 - 22nd - Oxford 08. 
Brokies in the UK

Brokeback Mountain Screening in LA
August 4, 2008 at 7:30 P.M.



Let us know of any events you'd like listed here.

The Daily Sheet is a production of The Ultimate Brokeback Forum at www.davecullen.com/forum

Editors: Ellen (tellyouwhat), Dawn (Stilllearning)

Columnists: Jim Bond, michaelflanagansf, Marge_Innavera

Proofreader/Researchers: whiplash, gnash, denim girl

Today's edition produced by Dawn (Stilllearning) email: Dawn@davecullen.com

Today's edition formatted and proofed by gnash

We count on you to send us your news items, questions, and nominations for posts of the day.

To subscribe to The Daily Sheet, press the "Notify" button at the top of the page.
When a new TDS is posted, you will be notified by email.

Previous issues of The Daily Sheet.

Response thread for The Daily Sheet.

[Stilllearning]

Saturday, January 26th, 2008

Heath Ledger Remembered

By FindingBrokeback.com - Jim Bond

During the course of our travels within southern Alberta, and our interviews with those who made Brokeback Mountain, we were told many things about Heath Ledger by those who had the rare privilege of working with him. He is fondly remembered by them as a deeply committed artist, a generous friend, and one who dearly loved this life. We are honored to share a few of their recollections here. Ang Lee insisted on perfect lighting for the Basque Bridge scene. In the hours that the cast and crew waited patiently for the sun and clouds to cooperate, Ledger took off his shirt and hung from the underside of the bridge, clowning around, greatly amusing the crew.

Lee and Ledger at Campsite #2
Goat Creek, Spray Valley Provincial Park, Alberta

Ken Zilka (Roughneck #1) said that Ledger was so determined to make the Thanksgiving street fight realistic that he accidentally broke Zilka’s  nose. And, of course, Ledger insisted on doing his own stunt work for the cliff jump. David Trimble (Basque) remembers the experience of working with Ledger and Gyllenhaal as “amazing.” “Massive auras, massive auras in terms of, well, they’re brilliant, they’re gorgeous. Let’s just call it for what it is—they’re gorgeous human beings. And that’s part of what the aura is. And so, you’ve got to work with them, so you’ve got to get inside that aura. And once you get in you realize that they’re just a couple of kids, having a good time, enjoying what they’re doing, and fun. Just as interested in me as I was in them. Had some great conversations, had some great laughs, and yeah, they’re just a couple of really good looking young guys. Super fun to work with and super relaxed.” First Assistant Director Pierre Tremblay said Ledger accidentally landed on top of Michelle Williams while they were shooting the toboggan scene, injuring her knee. Tremblay recalls that Heath insisted on riding with her in the ambulance to the hospital in Canmore, presumably the first spark of their romance.

Williams and Ledger at the Laundry Apartment
Fort Macleod, Alberta

The proprietor of the Red Coat Motel in Fort Macleod, where a photo portrait of Ledger is proudly displayed, said Heath and Michelle shared a room while they stayed there, joking, “If only I’d saved the sheets!” To deter paparazzi, Ledger was registered as “Keith Fletcher.” The bartender at the Blue Bar in Carseland (Signal Bar) said Ledger was "a bit of an asshole" because he would not talk to anyone while he was preparing himself emotionally for that scene, so determined was he not to be “the one who fucked [the movie] up.”  The owner of the Lonesome Ranch said Ledger was very focused during his time there, working extensively with his diction coach, intently trying  to sound "downtown Wyoming." Roberta Maxwell said that when her lines were to be shot, Ledger volunteered to be there, instead of a double.  He was still in tears from doing his scene upstairs. She was touched by his gesture, an unusual professional courtesy, and has said it contributed greatly to her own performance. In June 2004, while the production was based in Fort Macleod, Ledger visited the seedy Queen's Hotel bar (Cassie's Bar) and stayed up late, drinking with the locals. Some of the guys we met there remembered that. Unfamiliar with the Brokeback story line at the time, they jokingly offered to double for Heath in his movie’s sex scenes.

Cassie’s Bar
Fort Macleod, Alberta

Larry Reese (Jolly Minister) mentioned to Heath that his daughter was a big fan of his earlier films. Without prompting, Ledger later presented Reese with a hand-written message of thanks to Reese's daughter, an extraordinary kindness on the part of a celebrity who was mercilessly hounded for his autograph.

The del Mar Wedding Portrait
Dinton, Alberta

The owner of the Twist Ranch said that Heath waived union/guild work rules to allow the filmmakers to shoot late one day when they were trying to complete the critical scenes at that location. During the shooting of the difficult fireworks scene in Fort Macleod, it rained very hard. The babies (twins were rotated to comply with child welfare regulations) were crying a lot. “Ledger held them like a father and calmed them down.  He loved kids," said a crowd extra who was positioned nearby.

 

The Fireworks Scene
Fort Macleod, Alberta

A coincidence, Ledger’s sister gave birth to a set of twins while he was making the film. He is remembered as having been very frustrated that he could not be with her in Australia at the time. Hannah Stewart (Alma, Jr., age 3) needed to have her hair darkened for the role. When she looked in the mirror after the dye job, she started to cry. Her father remembered that it was Heath who stepped up to calm her down and stop her from crying, saying that Ledger had a way with children that was “magical.”

 

Ledger and Lee at the Lonesome Ranch
Near Claresholm, Alberta

And, as has been reported, it was Ledger's inspiration to reverse the shirts for the final scene, never imagining that it was to become his own, enduring valediction. Yes, he really did get it, didn't he? A dedicated, loving, and vibrant presence has now passed on, but his legacy will endure, not simply in the form of a monumental work of art, but in the hearts and minds of those whose lives have been forever changed by it.

* The TDS tribute to Jackie - Paintedshoes - will be posted Sunday *

Forum Posts of the Day

In the Farewell to Health thread, LSky94 reflected: "Heath gave life to a character in a storyline that few Hollywood actors had the artistic courage to portray, and did so magnificently. There will be those who say Brokeback was "just a movie" about some gay guys, but we here know it was so much more. It was the first genuine voice on this scale given to a deep, hidden pain that so many of our fellow gay people have lived through since who knows when. For the first time, many gay people saw their life experience portrayed with dignity and love, and Heath Ledger was an irreplaceable part of that."

Quote of the Day:

"Heath Ledger is just almost really beyond description as far as I'm concerned. He got inside the story more deeply than I did. All that thinking about the character of Ennis that was so hard for me to get, Ledger just was there. He did indeed move inside the skin of the character, not just in the shirt but inside the person. It was remarkable." ~ Annie Proulx ~

Photo Captions of the Day

From Photo Captioning Fun 3

[/img]

Anything interesting up there in heaven?

By LauraGigs

HEATH LEDGER
1979 - 2008

By Bubo

Contributors: KittyHawk, LSky94, LauraGigs, Bubo

Calendar of Events
 

If you have ideas about initiating a gathering, go to Start Your Own Threads
and get the ball rolling to plan a get-together near you.


Heath Ledger & Jaclyn Pascarella Memorial Service 
Denver, February 9, 2008

March Madness in San Francisco
March 14th - 16th 2008

BBQ: Wyoming Roundup
June 1-7, 2008.

   
June 20 - 22nd - Oxford 08. 
Brokies in the UK

Brokeback Mountain Screening in LA
August 4, 2008 at 7:30 P.M.


Let us know of any events you'd like listed here.

The Daily Sheet is a production of The Ultimate Brokeback Forum at www.davecullen.com/forum

Editors: Ellen (tellyouwhat), Dawn (Stilllearning)

Columnists: Jim Bond, michaelflanagansf, Marge_Innavera

Proofreader/Researchers: whiplash, gnash, denim girl

Today's edition produced by Dawn (Stilllearning) email: Dawn@davecullen.com

Today's edition formatted and proofed by gnash

We count on you to send us your news items, questions, and nominations for posts of the day.

To subscribe to The Daily Sheet, press the "Notify" button at the top of the page.
When a new TDS is posted, you will be notified by email.

Previous issues of The Daily Sheet.

Response thread for The Daily Sheet.