Heath Ledger: the late actor's 10 greatest roles on what would have been his 45th birthday
Heath Ledger would have celebrated his 45th birthday on Thursday had he still been alive.
Few acting talents shone so brightly and ephemerally than the Australian actor, who died aged just 28 in 2007. He left behind a body of work countless actors spend decades trying to emulate.
From his first appearances in the early 90s to his final film The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus posthumously released in 2009, Ledger displayed gravitas and craft far beyond his years.
From 10 Things I Hate About You to The Dark Knight, these are 10 of the late actor’s greatest roles.
Brokeback Mountain
Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal were exceptional in the 2005 romantic drama Brokeback Mountain. They played two Wyoming sheepherders who developed a complex and irrepressible relationship over two decades.
Ledger delivered a tender, nuanced performance in what is widely regarded as one of the most important LGBT films of the 21st century.
Candy
One of the most overlooked films in Ledger’s filmography, Candy, involved him playing a heroin-addicted poet. He found love with Abbie Cornish’s Candy and battled addiction.
It was one of Ledger’s most challenging films but although the Australian production is a difficult watch at times, the actor’s compelling performance was one of his best.
Lords of Dogtown
Venice Beach was the setting for this 2005 drama, following the real-life exploits of Tony Alva, Stacy Peralta, and Jay Adams. They became world-famous after swapping surfboards for skateboards in the 70s.
Ledger gave a near-faultless performance as surf shop owner Skip Engblom in the film highlighting the effects of fame and the powerful strain it can put on friendship.
10 Things I Hate About You
Frankly, that Ledger’s character has a name is a surprise. Most of us remember him being far too handsome; drilling a hole through a textbook (what a bad boy); and his brassy rendition on the bleachers of Frankie Valli’s I Love You Baby.
He might have embarrassed Julie Stiles’ Kat, but my, what charm. This was everything, helping elevate the film above the usual 90s rom-com fare. Though only his third film, it was the part that launched his career — which is extraordinary when you think of his haircut.
The Dark Knight
Despite acclaimed turns in Brokeback Mountain, Monsters Ball, and the Bob Dylan film I’m Not There (though, in retrospect, it’s near criminal he didn’t win anything for A Knight's Tale), it was Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight which secured Ledger’s reputation.
This wasn’t a sure thing; after Brokeback, he wasn’t a popular choice — look back and there are countless homophobic comments online about how “a gay cowboy” could be the Joker. However, Ledger turned in a rattling performance, his character sinister, anarchic, cruel, uncaring — and disturbingly capable.
He still charmed the audience, though. His Joker might have been grotesque, but he made it a little cool; how unsettling to watch.
It was such a captivating performance that at the time in the cinema, it briefly distracted from the fact he’d died — just 28 and just six months before the film’s release. His well-deserved Oscar for best supporting actor was awarded posthumously.
Casanova
Never has Ledger’s natural charisma come across more strongly than when playing the titular Casanova in 2005. Ledger brought warmth and humour to the movie, starring alongside Sienna Miller, Jeremy Irons and Oliver Platt. Chocolat director Lasse Hallstrom was at the helm.
It was wiggy and fun and Ledger seemed to have a great time playing the lead.
A Knight's Tale
Before properly announcing himself in Hollywood with critically adored films such as The Dark Knight and Brokeback Mountain, Ledger proved his credentials as a leading man in films like A Knight’s Tale.
From the medieval version of Queen’s We Will Rock You over the opening credits, to Paul Bettany’s portrayal of Geoffrey Chaucer, the film was great fun. Ledger’s multi-faceted performance as swashbuckling hero William Thatcher was at the heart of the movie’s appeal.
Monster’s Ball
While Billy Bob Thornton and Halle Berry attracted the headlines for performing in the hard-hitting 2001 drama Monster’s Ball, Ledger played an integral part too.
The film's early sections explored the troubled father-son relationship between two corrections officers working in a Louisiana prison. Ledger’s Sonny struggled to come to terms with the harsh treatment enforced on prisoners by his father Hank (Thornton).
It was a gut-wrenching performance from Ledger, which deserves to be remembered as one of his finest moments.
The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus
Terry Gilliam’s The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus marked the last film in which Ledger starred. It was released a year after his death.
Ledger died midway through filming, meaning the role was shared four ways between him, Johnny Depp, Colin Farrell, and Jude Law.
In typical Gilliam style, the film was mind-bending in parts and not the most accessible. However, it remains one of Ledger’s most significant movies.
I'm Not There
Ledger was one of six actors to appear as Bob Dylan in this ambitious film from Todd Hayes. It chronicled the life of the legendary musician.
Ledger played Robbie Clarke, the actor who portrayed Dylan in a 70s biopic and became nearly as famous as the man himself.
Alongside Cate Blanchett, Ledger’s performance was the most memorable in the film. Much like The Dark Knight, the movie showed his dedication to embodying a character.