Heath Ledger, April 4th 1979 - January 22nd 2008

As the news that Hollywood actor Heath Ledger has been found dead in a New York apartment sweeps across the film community, the exact nature of his untimely death is still not known. Early reports suggest it may have been a drug overdose. Regardless of the circumstances, Ledger's death is a tragic loss. Recently separated from girlfriend Michelle Williams, he leaves behind a two-year old daughter. The joker is dead and suddenly it's all very serious.

Ledger quickly rose to prominence after starring in '10 Things I Hate about You' and 'The Patriot' in the late 90's. His role as a rocking medieval knight in 'A Knight's Tale' established him as an affectional and talented leading man. His most notable performance to date came in Ang Lee's anguished love story 'Brokeback Mountain'. This acclaimed performance, as cowboy Ennis Del Mar who falls in love with an aspiring rodeo rider, was likened to that of a young Marlon Brando. Ledger's powerful and emotive display was both deeply meaningful and heartfelt, earning him a first oscar nomination.

There is no doubt that Ledger had a very bright career ahead of him. With that in mind we should perhaps be thankful that his best may yet be to come, even if it is posthumous. Having recently finished filming the next installment in the Batman franchise, Ledger was expected to astonish audiences as the new Joker in 'The Dark Knight' this summer. Described by Michael Caine as terrifying, Ledger's take on Batman's archenemy looks manic, depraved and twisted; the definitive villain.

The shock of these events will come to fruition when the Dark Knight is released, demonstrating the full extent of this unfortunate loss.