Ledger, Heath (1979-2008), was an Australian motion-picture actor noted for his good looks and his performances as rugged, brooding characters. Ledger won an Academy Award as best supporting actor for his portrayal of the Batman villain the Joker in The Dark Knight (2008), released after Ledger’s death. He was the second actor to win an Oscar after his death. The first was Peter Finch, also Australian, who won an Oscar as best actor for his performance in Network (1976). Ledger also received a nomination as best actor for his performance as a cowboy in the modern Western drama Brokeback Mountain (2005).
Heathcliff Andrew Ledger was born on April 4, 1979, in Perth, Australia. He made his motion-picture debut in a small role in the Australian comedy Clowning Around (1992). He appeared in several television series in Australia during the mid-1990’s. He was also featured in the Australian movies Blackrock and Paws (both 1997), Two Hands (1999), and Ned Kelly (2003). After moving to the United States, Ledger starred in 10 Things I Hate About You (1999); The Patriot (2000); Monster’s Ball and A Knight’s Tale (both 2001); The Four Feathers (2002); The Brothers Grimm, Casanova, and Lords of Dogtown (all 2005); I’m Not There (2007); and The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (released in 2009, after his death). Ledger died on Jan. 22, 2008, of an accidental prescription drug overdose.
Loading the player...Heath Ledger on his role in The Patriot
