By: Pari Heidari, Larry King Now
Perth born actor Heath Ledger would have turned 37 years old today if it wasn’t for his untimely death. The much-respected actor and director passed away tragically at the mere age of 28 - and only six months before the release of The Dark Knight - from a prescription overdose in January 2008.
Ledger’s raw portrayal of the Joker received world-wide recognition and electrified critics and fans alike. The actor was honored posthumously for his role at the Academy Awards, where he won the award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role.
While he is especially remembered for his role as the antagonist in Christopher Nolan’s Batman franchise, Ledger is also known for his roles in The Patriot, A Knight's Tale, and, of course, Brokeback Mountain.
Ledger passed away during the shooting of The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus. The scenes he was unable to finish filming were taken on by Johnny Depp, Jude Law and Colin Farrell, in a tribute to the late actor. The three stand-ins reportedly donated their salaries from the movie to Ledger’s two year-old daughter Matilda.
See what The Dark Knight co-star Aaron Eckhart had to say about working with Heath Ledger when he sat down with Larry on Larry King Now.
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