Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Heath Ledger Found Dead in New York Apartment

The news of Heath Ledger's sudden death inside a Soho apartment yesterday afternoon came as a complete shock to this blogger and millions upon millions of others who had followed his career over the last eight years. I remain glued to local television stations here in the city and blogs, such as TMZ and E! Online, to attempt to gain any further news (or understanding) behind his passing. The news certainly came but it failed to bring any understanding.

Ledger's performance as Ennis del Mar in 'Brokeback Mountain' certainly touched millions of gay men and others who took so much away from the Ang Lee film. Cherry Grove resident Rodney Giles is one such person. He presented his one-man show "Brokeback Mountain and Me" at the Island Repertory Theater Company on the island last summer but he told this writer in a pre-performance interview for the Fire Island News Ledger and co-star Jake Gyllenhaal's character, Jack Twist, had an immediate impact.

"Having had to live that kind of life -- not even able to acknowledge who you are to the closest people in their life -- is one of the themes of the story which resonate the most with me," Giles said. "Jack and Ennis have a living presence in my life."

Giles is certainly not alone. The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, which heavily promoted 'Brokeback Mountain' upon its release in Dec. 2005, issued a statement hours after Ledger's death.

"Heath Ledger will forever be remembered for his groundbreaking role as Ennis del Mar in 'Brokeback Mountain,'" the media watch dog stated. "His powerful portrayal changed hearts and minds in immeasurable ways."

Indeed.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

i miss him already