So Long, Heath Ledger

The actor Heath Ledger was found dead this afternoon in an apartment in Manhattan, according to the New York City police. Signs pointed to a suicide or an accidental overdose, police sources said. Mr. Ledger was 28.

That is what the New York Times reported just a few hours ago. At first, I thought it was a hoax. Obviously, somebody from The Onion had slipped a bogus article in for laughs. Then I read it again and reluctantly dismissed the hoax theory.

Most people will remember him for his role in Brokeback Mountain, the movie that earned him an Oscar nomination. I haven't seen that movie yet, mostly due to the over-quoted line, "I wish I knew how to quit you". After hearing it repeated everywhere, I vowed to stay away from the film until people quit saying it.

I'll best remember Ledger for his role in The Patriot, a rather violent film set during the Revolutionary War. Mel Gibson was the patriot, a pacifist and father forced to fight when his family is attacked by the British. Ledger played Gibson's oldest son.

I only saw him in two other movies (The Brothers Grimm and A Knight's Tale). Neither of them were very good, but I gave both a chance because of Ledger. He was a likable actor with promise. I'm sorry his life and career were cut short.

Now I just have to figure out a way to get over that confounded quote so I can see him in his most memorable role.