In memory of Heath Ledger

Gyllenhaal recalls co-actor’s tragic death during the peak of his career


Ians November 27, 2015
Before his death, Ledger essayed the role of Joker in The Dark Knight which went on to receive critical acclaim. PHOTO: FILE

LOS ANGELES: Actor Jake Gyllenhaal said Heath Ledger, his on-screen lover in Brokeback Mountain, was extraordinary and someone who was always admired.

Ledger died in January 2008, less than three years after Brokeback Mountain hit the cinemas and won prestigious awards.

The Australian actor was on the peak of his career when he was found unconscious in bed. Before his death, Ledger essayed the role of Joker in The Dark Knight which went on to receive critical acclaim.

New look at Joker in 'Suicide Squad' revealed

On the 10th anniversary of Brokeback Mountain, Gyllenhaal recalled the time he got the script and did not hesitate to play the role of a gay cowboy.

“It’s one of the most beautiful scripts I’ve ever read,” said the 34-year-old actor.

Gyllenhaal said Heath had something in him that made people like him. “He was somebody I admired. He was way beyond his years as a human, in a way. I wasn’t quite sure where he came from,” Gyllenhaal stated. “I mean, I know he’s from Perth, but I wasn’t really quite sure where he came from, and I think that’s the feeling most people got when they were around him. That’s why he was so extraordinary,” he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 28th,  2015.

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