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An unauthorized story on Heath Ledger. The old saying 'the flame that burns twice as bright burns twice as fast' is perhaps twice as true in Hollywood. Talented actors like James Dean and River Phoenix have become immortalized in the films they left behind. On the 22nd January 2008, the entertainment world was rocked by news that one of it's brightest young stars had unexpectedly died. Heath Ledger had passed away in his hotel room, leaving behind a beautiful daughter Matilda, a legion of fans and most recently a remarkable performance as The Joker in Batman® - The Dark Knight™. A role for which he earned the Golden Globe® Award for best supporting actor. Heath Andrew Ledger was born on the 4th April 1979 in Perth, Australia. Thanks to his talent and heart-throb good looks, Ledger was able to secure roles in popular soap programs 'Home & Away' and 'Sweat'. His star was destined to rise, and Ledger played a lead role in the movie 'Two Hands', which received critical acclaim globally. He made his US debut in '10 Things I Hate About You' and from there went on to star alongside major Hollywood actors in a raft of films. Determined to steer himself away from pin-up boy roles, Heath's chance to prove himself as a heavy-weight actor came along in 'Monsters Ball'. This role led him to play repressed gay cowboy Ennis Del Mar in 'Brokeback Mountain' - a controversial and captivating performance. It was on the set at Brokeback that Ledger met, and fell in love with co-star Michelle Williams. Although Ledger made a name for himself by acting, he maintained his and his growing family's privacy at all times, shying away from excessive media exposure. Respected among his peers and loved by fans the world over, the legacy of Heath Ledger - one of those 'bright flames' who passed away before their 30th birthday - will endure through his films, his daughter and his memory. Heath Led
