Late actor Heath Ledger was a legend in the making, before his untimely death. What he left behind were some classic performances, including his role as The Joker that won him an Oscar. And now, audiences will get to go behind the scenes at the actor’s personal life, thanks to the new documentary I Am Heath Ledger.
The first trailer for the upcoming documentary was released on April 4 and fans are already raving about it. From private clips of the actor playing guitar, to his secret passion for photography, you can now get to know him a little more personally. The videos and images have been submitted by his sister, Kate Ledger and Brokeback Mountain director, Ang Lee.
In fact, Ang Lee talks fondly of the Australia native, saying: “Even as a supporting actor he will steal the whole show. That’s the power of Heath Ledger.” Ang famously directed the film adaptation of the bestselling book about two gay cowboys and their secret affair.
His sister, Kate also speaks fondly of her brother. Ledger was posthumously awarded an Academy Award for Supporting Actor for his brilliant take as The Joker in The Dark Knight, that no one else has been able to live up to. When Kate saw his performance, she told him at the time, “This is taking it to the next level. Like, you’re going to be nominated for this. I’m telling you right now.” Apparently, he just smiled and shrugged it off.
Heath Ledger died in 2008 of an accidental prescription drug overdose. He was found unresponsive in his Brooklyn home by his masseuse. He left behind a daughter Matilda, and his former partner, Michelle Williams who recently spoke about her grief in the days shortly after his death. Ledger did a number of films before his passing, including 10 Things I Hate About You and The Imaginariums Of Doctor Parnassus which was taken over by Johnny Depp after a scene that shows him falling through a mirror.
I Am Heath Ledger will premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival on April 23, 2017. It will then be screened in select theatres on May 3, 2017 and on SPIKE TV on May 17, 2017.
