Earlier this year, I posted an observation article titled What Would Heath Ledger Do? commemorating one year after his death, admiring the late great actor’s dedication to the work and how unlike any other actor his age, Ledger turned down teen rom-com heartthrob roles for gig that would challenge his skills, wondering what he would say when accepting the Oscar for one of the greatest supporting performances of all time. Read the rest of The Article.
Peter Biskind of Variety found out more about Ledger’s rocky relationship with Michelle Williams that led to custody battle that practically bothered Ledger’s sleep. Parnassus director Terry Gilliam talked about how Ledger didn’t care about the Oscars and how he would still come to work even when he was clearly sick because if he went home, he’d be thinking about the situation instead of resting so he chose to do what he loved best instead.
One interesting note, again the emphasis on the fact that Ledger was never about the awards, to him it was all about the art of acting, the ability to disappear into character. He was not big on doing summer blockbuster movies
“was always hesitant to be in a summer blockbuster, with the dolls and action figures and everything else that comes with one of those movies. He was afraid it would define him and limit his choices.”
The reasons he signed on for The Dark Knight were for 2 reasons..
- The unusually long production that would give him an excuse to turn down other offers
- He had a pay-or-play deal, meaning he’d get compensated for TDK no matter what, that’s why he felt he had the freedom to do whatever he wanted as the Joker because he hoped his performance would be so far-out he’d be fired, and he’d enjoy a lengthy, paid vacation.
You can read the rest of the article OVER THERE
The more time has gone by since he left us, the more I have respect for this man. He was truly one of a kind.
I remember Johnny Depp also used to be considered a man that was just about his work, not the glory.. but then he gave into Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. I still think Depp is a great actor but I don’t think he had the intention of purposely getting fired from his movies.
