Heath Ledger Died Of...

January 24, 2008


I can’t get Heath Ledger out of my mind.

The first report of his death that I read mentioned his recent difficulty sleeping. I got the impression the sleep disorder was linked it to a depression that Ledger experienced after his recent role as The Joker in the still to be released film, “The Dark Knight.”

I am not suggesting that Heath Ledger’s death was a suicide. As of this writing autopsy reports are still ten days away. My working theory is that he accidentally overdosed, an easy thing to do when you live alone and have five to seven different medications lying about, most or all of which are sleep inducing.

What bothers me is why he needed those medications.

Clearly, I am writing in generalities because I know nothing about Heath Ledger’s medical history. For argument’s sake I’m going to assume that he was roughly average, as 28-year old actors go: healthy, a recreational drinker/drug taker, with friends and family who loved and admired him, his share of personal difficulties, and a lovely two-year old daughter whom he loved. So, no major health risks.

I think Heath Ledger suffered from the dirty little secret that most actors don’t talk about. It is this: every role takes its toll.

Most of us do not take seriously the effect the character’s thoughts and feelings will have on the actor. Young actors are not warned about the danger of immersing oneself in a dark persona.

It’s pretty ironic, given the pop culture emphasis on subjective, or self-created reality. Everyone from Shirley MacLaine to the average tweeny bopper believes that “It’s real if you believe it’s real.”, or “You are what you believe you are.”

I am completely sold on the idea of Objective Reality. However, the New Age philosophy does contain this kernel of truth: your thought life affects your outer life.

B.F. Skinner said, “Feelings follow actions.” (Or, something close to that.)
King Solomon said, “For as he thinks within himself, so is he.” Proverbs 23:7
Jesus said, “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts…evil things come from within, and defile the man.” (Mark 8:21-23)

If you have seen the trailer for “The Dark Knight” you know Heath Ledger’s Joker is no comic book character. I was amazed and delighted by the trailer. I thought it would be chilling and interesting to see The Joker played as a real human who could do inhuman things.

Now, I wonder if Heath Ledger suffered just a bit too much for his art.