Heath Ledger, R.I.P. (1979-2008)

I was so depressed all evening after hearing this news. What a terrible waste and a terrible shame. Hopefully his overdose was accidental and not intentional, though the result is the same. Certainly his family is devastated, regardless, and his poor little daughter, who will grow up without him. So young, only 28, and so much promise - I've seen almost all his movies and always thought he was so much more than a pretty face (though he was certainly that too). And he seemed like a genuinely decent human being, a performer with integrity and someone who embraced life. Casts a pall over the Oscar noms that were announced this morning, especially Cate Blanchett, who was nominated for I'm Not There, which Heath also appeared in. I'm a bit disappointed that his final role with be The Joker in The Dark Knight, though apparently he gives an amazing performance. But it doesn't really epitomize his consistently risky film choices (though some say that following in Jack Nicholson's footsteps is the riskiest choice of all). The bottom line is that a shining light has been extinguished and that is so very sad.

ADDENDUM
Rolling Stone magazine's obit strikes just the right tone:
http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/18355273/heath_ledger_1979_8211_2008