Heath Ledger
Heathcliff Andrew Ledger (born April 4, 1979) is an Academy Award-nominated Australian film actor.
Early life
Ledger was born in Perth, Australia of Irish and Scottish descent. He lived in Western Australia until he was 16, when he left school (Guildford Grammar), a year early. He then moved to Sydney with his best friend, Trevor DiCarlo, in pursuit of a career in acting. Ledger got his first break by starring in the American television series Roar. He also featured in the Perth (Australia) TV series, SWEAT (1996), playing the part of a gay elite cyclist.
Film career
In 1999, Ledger starred in the Hollywood movie 10 Things I Hate About You and also had the lead role in the acclaimed Australian movie Two Hands, directed by Gregor Jordan. Since then he has starred in The Patriot, A Knight's Tale, Ned Kelly, The Sin Eater AkA The Order and The Brothers Grimm.
Heath Ledger's had a professionally successful year in 2001, with his ShoWest Award for the Male Star of Tomorrow based on his performance in The Patriot, and worldwide release of the hit anachronistic jousting romp A Knight's Tale. In 2003 Ledger was named one of Australian GQ's Men of the Year for acting.
In 2005, Ledger received a Best Actor in a Drama Golden Globe nomination for his fiery and acclaimed performance in Brokeback Mountain of Wyoming ranch hand, Ennis Del Mar. He has a love affair with aspiring rodeo rider Jack Twist, played by Jake Gyllenhaal.
In the New York Times review for Brokeback Mountain, film critic Stephen Holden wrote, "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." In another review in Rolling Stone magazine, film critic Peter Travers writes, "Ledger's magnificent performance is an acting miracle. He seems to tear it from his insides. Ledger doesn't just know how Ennis moves, speaks and listens; he knows how he breathes. To see him inhale the scent of a shirt hanging in Jack's closet is to take measure of the pain of love lost."
Among the other recognition Ledger received for his performance in Brokeback Mountain are Best Actor of 2005 awards from both the New York Film Critics Circle and the San Francisco Film Critics Circle.
Ledger has been nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in Brokeback Mountain.
Relationship with the press
Ledger has a turbulent relationship with elements of the news media, particularly paparazzi photographers. It's alleged he spat and assaulted a photographer in Sydney in 2004, while a relative is alledged to have also spat on a photographer in 2005. On Friday January 13 2006, several photographers retaliated, blasting Ledger with water pistols as he walked the red carpet for the Sydney premiere of Brokeback Mountain. Ledger strongly denies the accusation. [1]
Private life
Ledger met his former girlfriend Naomi Watts in 2002 during the filming of Ned Kelly. They started dating in August of 2002. After a year and a half together, the couple ended their relationship in April of 2004.
Ledger is engaged to actress Michelle Williams, whom he met on the set of Brokeback Mountain. They have a daughter, Matilda Rose, who was born on October 28, 2005. He is also a good friend of New Zealand actor Martin Henderson.
Selected Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Other notes |
| 2005 | Casanova | Casanova | In theatres |
| 2005 | Brokeback Mountain | Ennis Del Mar | In theatres; Academy Award nominee (Best Lead Actor): Golden Globe nominee (Best Lead Actor - Drama) |
| 2005 | The Brothers Grimm | Jacob Grimm | |
| 2005 | Lords of Dogtown | Skip Engblom | |
| 2003 | The Order | Alex Bernier | |
| 2003 | Ned Kelly | Ned Kelly | |
| 2002 | The Four Feathers | Harry Faversham | |
| 2001 | Monster's Ball | Sonny Grotowski | |
| 2001 | A Knight's Tale | Sir William Thatcher/Sir Ulrich von Lichtenstein of Gelderland | |
| 2000 | The Patriot | Gabriel Martin | |
| 1999 | 10 Things I Hate About You | Patrick '"Pat" Verona | |
| 1999 | Two Hands | Jimmy |