A Knight Lost

Last weekend I went to see a movie and got there just a bit late. The trailers had already started by the time I got to my seat, but I recognized the one showing the minute I heard it; there on the screen was the menacing, maniacal Joker of “The Dark Knight.” Just weeks before, I’d watched this trailer with a thrill of anticipation. But on this day, after this week, the feeling was one of sadness, and loss.

Earlier in the week, word started spreading that actor Heath Ledger had been found dead in his New York apartment. Just the thought seemed ridiculous; even though CNN screamed the headline in big red banners, I didn’t quite believe it. But that night I turned on the TV, and there, where there should have been stupid reality shows and pointless sitcoms, was the video of Heath Ledger’s body being taken from his apartment, dead at the age of 28.

Of course everyone presumed an overdose, and I’m a little ashamed to admit that before the facts were known, my first thoughts were that here was another spoiled actor who had it all; looks, money, fame, and that he had thrown it all away on drugs and alcohol. But there were no stories of the temper tantrums or drug-induced rages that we’ve come to expect from celebrities these days. Instead, friends and family told of a man who was enjoying his life. Of a father who was devoted to his 2-year old daughter. And of a brilliant actor who was headed for major movie-stardom. With an overdose of sleeping pills, the world lost one of its most promising young actors, not to mention a person who seemed genuinely easy to like.

Maybe it was just the shock, but the news seemed to hit me hard for a while. It took a long time to put my thoughts together and write them down, and I’m not exactly sure where I meant for this to go, or why it affected me so. Maybe it’s because through his movies I feel like I might have known a bit of him, and he’ll be missed. I looked forward to seeing how far he could go. Maybe it’s just human nature for our hearts to go out to others who have lost someone. Or maybe something like this puts things in perspective, reminding us that things happen quickly, and unexpectedly, and that we need to make the most of our time with the people in our lives while we can.

Now it’s time to pull out my copy of “Brokeback Mountain”…and try to keep from crying.

Heath Ledger
1979-2008