Heath Ledger is a talented actor and a memorable man of character. He is well known for his tremendous portrayals of personae within a wide range of production genres over the years.

He began his career as Peter Pan when he was 10 years-old, followed by various independent films until he moved to LA and co-starred in his first break-out feature, 10 Things I Hate About You.

Although there are many articles out there that are now capitalizing on the circumstances of his quietus yesterday, ACED will not be focusing on the details of that, but rather on the memories of his journey that has made such a difference in so many people's lives.

You may be wondering why I referred to him in the present tense in the opening paragraph. Mainly, it has to do with something very universal—the idea that we all live on. That he lives on. He is alive through his art. His movies, his words in the interviews given, his smile in photos taken...he will remain with many of us all of our lives. Why? Because of what he taught us about ourselves and the world through his choices, his strength and his body of work.

Over the years Heath has walked down many interesting artistic paths. Whether portraying a gay cyclist in the TV series Sweat (1996), or the villainous "Joker" in the upcoming production The Dark Knight (2008), he never failed to wholeheartedly commit himself to the role at hand.

While he was nominated for many awards for various movies he starred in, Heath was not about the glitz and glamor of Hollywood, its awards or over-the-top atmosphere. Ledger was a social rebel of sorts, always going against the grain of traditional stardom, instead seeking a more normal, humble lifestyle.

Heath is admired not only for his obvious creative talent, but also for his stamina. He did not buckle in or sell out. He would rather starve than take on meaningless parts. Even when faced with criticism from headline-seeking media, he stood his ground—and we love him for it.

A poet both on screen and off screen, Ledger leaves behind family, friends and fans world-wide—all touched by his generous and graceful spirit. He is a man, an artist, a bright light that will be sorely missed.

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Charlene Kuser   |2008-02-11 22:57:28 I will miss him a very good actor Reply 0   0

dliddle   |2008-01-25 06:09:40 Jenna, I was totally shocked when I heard of Heath's passing. I was quickly sickened by the"publicity" that was and still is "running rampant" in the media. Thank you for helping us focus on the man and his accomplishments. I know I will miss him doing what he does best...teaching us how to be true to ourselves. Reply 0   0

Lena   |2008-01-24 06:17:24 I agree his passing was sad, but this article reflects my feelings. If you want to pay tribute to someone, don't focus on the so-called cliche' and shrouds of mystery that will plague is legend and blatantly disregard his family and friends. Being in the medical field, I know how important it is to investigate that facts that led up to someone's untimely death. To partipate, in any way, in th rumors about how someone died is both tasteless and morbid. My thoughts and prayers go out to him, his family and friends. May time help them heal from their pain due to this loss, and may they soon be able to find joy again in the cherished memories that they hold. Reply 0   0

Ella   |2008-01-23 22:31:36 Very well written, Jenna. It came as quite a shock to me when I read about his death yesterday. It's devastating. He truly was a man with principle. He knew what he wanted to do and what he wanted to be. He directed himself and did not let unhelpful comments of others sway him. Heath Ledger has I'm sure inspired many people, including me. And he will stay an inspiration to many more. May he rest in peace and may his family and the people who love him dearly be comforted. God bless his soul. Reply 0   0

jenlynn619   |2008-01-23 21:59:30 What a well written tribute, Jenna. The news of Heath Ledger's untimely passing came as a shock to me and I am devastated by this tremendous loss. Reply 0   0

Kait   |2008-01-23 17:21:38 Thank you so much for posting an amazing look at the astounding life of this young talent rather his death. I've seen so many bogus reports about it that paint a tragic man and a secret life. It's so refreshing to see something that truthfully celebrates his life instead, especially at such a devastating time for his loved ones! Reply 0   0

Kim   |2008-01-23 14:52:29 I am in a state of shock, disbelief, greivance. when I first learned of the news I thought it was a horrible joke. I could not believe what I was reading. The theories of drugabuse or suicide seemed so out of reach, there had to be some logical, accidenatl explanation. I feel as if I knew him. My heart aches. I am so affected by this tragedy. I am depressed. A light has gone out, a dark cloud hovers. He was a rareity. As Jenna mentioned he didn't sell out, he stood his ground and believed in his work. e was beautiful inside and out. My prayers go to his loved ones. He will be sorely missed. Reply 0   0

saky   |2008-01-23 13:47:07 Once in a great while, an actor comes along who embodies a character so precisely that his artful elocution releases one from the burden of loneliness - of being imprisoned by the inability to articulate a feeling or an experience. Ledger, in his role as Ennis Del Mar, was that sort of liberating hero for me. As Ms. Bensoussan so aptly puts it, "he will remain with many of us all of our lives... Because of what he taught us about ourselves and the world through his choices" Reply 0   0

poetryrules   |2008-01-23 13:44:53 It's so very sad when great potential is lost forever.[smiley=sad] Reply 0   0

BeLa   |2008-01-23 13:41:20 Beautiful tribute, dear. I'm still trying to process it. I had no idea Heath's death would affect me so much. I wasn't his #1 fan, but I did like him both as an actor and as the person he seemed to be. I'm back and for, one minute in tears, the next in denial. Not to mention when I think of Michelle and little Matty. Rest in peace, sweetheart. Reply 0   0

BlueDagron   |2008-01-23 13:33:07 Thank you. It's refreshing seeing a commentary on how wonderful he was, rather than on the details of the event or anything like that. Reply 0   0

Annie   |2008-01-23 13:08:39 Thank you, Jenna. He was phenominal and will be sorely missed. Reply 0   0

kenyaj   |2008-01-23 12:59:59 It's so sad. Reply 0   0

Jeannine   |2008-01-23 12:45:07 Jenna,very well said. Thank you. He will live on for those who love him for himself and for what he brought to all us. Reply 0   0

Barbara   |2008-01-23 12:10:25 A beautiful, respectful tribute, Jenna. Thank you. Reply 0   0

mathewas   |2008-01-23 11:52:47 thank you so much for this beautifully written article. I came home from classes, heard the news and was devestated. For one so young, he did so much. Heath Ledger will be sorely missed and forever remembered as a great actor and person. Reply 0   0

Coralie   |2008-01-23 11:34:14 Poignant and beautifully written, Jenna Reply 0   0

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3.25 Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved."