Heath Ledger is Dead

[lady amarant]

I don't have to go Africa for that, no further than D.C.

Yeah, but we beat you guys hands-down in quality. Where but in Africa can a rapist and embezzler become chief of the most powerful political party in the country, and be poised to become the next president?

South Africa: Either laugh at it, or cry over it ... that's our motto.

[tekla]

You got to be kidding, we have the "Education President" who speaks English as a second language.

[lady amarant]

Joke doing the rounds in South Africa:

There's a huge traffic-jam on the Ben Schoeman Highway. Guy's sitting in his car when a dude comes up to his window:

"Jacob Zuma (ANC President - soon to be South African President) has been kidnapped, and the kidnappers are demanding 310 million or their going to douse him in gassoline and set him on fire.  We're doing a collection to help out."

"So how much is everybody contributing then?" The guy asks

About a litre (half a gallon, I think...)

[tekla]

That's funny!

[SusanK]

looks like suicide

Wow, I said this on another forum and got slammed into the keyboard. It doesn't look like it, but more just an accidental overdose. He was under a lot of stress and suffering from insomina and other conditions. The overt signs of suicide weren't there, no note, full and capped prescription bottles, etc., but just a larger dose of OTC drugs.

There are some good interviews with him on Charlie Rose's show (on-line videos). He's a talent that will be missed, and leaves an all too young daughter who will have to learn something we all dread, losing and missing a parent. She doesn't deserve that fate over an accident.

--Susan--

[lady amarant]

That's funny!

We try... 

[tekla]

About the most profound remark I've ever heard in my life was a friend of mine, telling someone who was considering such an end "So, how is that page going to look in your kid's book of life."  Given that, it does not change the reality that lots of other stuff is far more important.

(opps, a sentence needs a verb, pesky deal that)

[Rachael]

looks like suicide

Wow, I said this on another forum and got slammed into the keyboard. It doesn't look like it, but more just an accidental overdose. He was under a lot of stress and suffering from insomina and other conditions. The overt signs of suicide weren't there, no note, full and capped prescription bottles, etc., but just a larger dose of OTC drugs.

There are some good interviews with him on Charlie Rose's show (on-line videos). He's a talent that will be missed, and leaves an all too young daughter who will have to learn something we all dread, losing and missing a parent. She doesn't deserve that fate over an accident.

--Susan--

Can we not play MD?
none of us have the body
none of us are performing the autopsy... and none of us are super sluth detectives, nomatter how many quincy episodes you've watched.
Wait for the police report.
R >

[tekla]

I do no need any report to know that he was an overindulged, over reported guy who did almost a few good movies, and who died with more pill bottles beside him than Jim Morrison died with liquor bottles around him.  None of that takes away from the fact that everyone in his life deserved better.  Or that last week, a lot more people died a lot more worthwhile deaths either.

[Rachael]

a man is found dead with a knife in his back....

was he stabbed to death?
if detective work was that easy, we would all be bloody columbo.
R >

[elena]

I thought I read that all the pills were prescription.  Think it said something like insomnia.  It's just sad that he left behind a daughter who will never get to have her father there for her while she is growing up.

[tekla]

The word in Hollywood is Doctor Feelgood, in the Beatles catalog is Doctor Robert.  If you have money, the scripts are easy to come by.

[Cursty]

I heard an interview with Heath before he died saying" Playing the joker was the most fun I ever had." Then he said, "The most fun I will ever have!"
I dont think his death was supicious he was just ready to leave because he broke up with his girlfriend in September and the drugs didnt make his body feel better. Nothing worked. He died peacefully but in death he will be remembered as a great Hero! I know it. I loved his work as an actor! I hope Dark night is a success! I will see it. He was a nice friendly guy. Really cute! I thought! Like Australias answer to Brad Pitt! Especially in 10 things I hate about you. I remeber how cute he was. I loved him. I miss him. I really do! Im an Australian and I needed him. Now he is gone.

[Rachael]

why does everyone assume suicide? let the people who KNOW decide...
R

[tekla]

Ya know dear, if you die in a wallow of pills, what was the other conclusion. Self medication is just suicide by other means.

[Rachael]

no it really isnt....
and who says he was self medicating?
or that the pills killed him?
wait for the MD and COD.... all uptill that point is speculation, and idiotic.
R >

[buttercup]

hey tekla, you can be way harsh, you know? 

I'm an Aussie and I've seen everything that Heath's been in and I will mourn him, miss him and move on, just like other fans of his.  He was a wonderful actor with a great voice, which would have been even greater as he aged, but alas that is not to be.   

Heath had alot of talent but he was so nervous and publicity shy which unfortunately was his undoing.  The paparazzi hounded him terribly which is such a shame.  I know people are sometimes jealous of others fame and fortune, but some find it hard to cope when you can not live your life as you truly want.
All his secrets and desires will die with him, I think it was accidental, I hope it was, but I think his career choice was literally the death of him!

Now, I would like to add, that my parents died when I was 8 yrs old, ok?  So I know about death and about grieving.  Yes, people die everyday and to say some are more worthwhile in the first place is an irresponsible thing to say.

I am not ashamed to say that Heath made me feel good, that he was a gentle and kind soul, that he was a true blue Aussie, his life was as worthwhile as yours and mine. 

R.I.P  Heath Ledger