Happy birthday Heath.

There weren’t many actors who could do it like Heath Ledger. Breaking onto the international scene in the teen-drama 10 Things I Hate About You, he would go on to become one of the most revered actors in the world, taking on daring and challenging roles that helped him step out from under the pin-up boy persona that burdened his career early on. It felt like every performance he offered was memorable, often dominating the screen while going head to head with some of the biggest names in Hollywood.

On what would have been his 43rd birthday, we remember Heath Ledger not only for his incredible talent but also for his kindness, generosity, and spirit. Though he may be gone, his legacy lives on through his remarkable body of work, and he continues to inspire and influence actors and filmmakers around the world.

Brokeback Mountain (2005)

Ledger’s performance in Brokeback Mountain remains one of his most unforgettable roles. As Ennis Del Mar, a cowboy who falls in love with another man, Ledger gave a heartbreaking and powerful performance that explored the complexities of forbidden love. His ability to convey the inner turmoil of his character was truly masterful, earning him numerous accolades, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5GIlEwPa7I

The Dark Knight (2008)

In The Dark Knight, Ledger’s performance as the Joker was nothing short of legendary. He brought a sense of intensity and darkness to the character, creating a villain that was both terrifying and captivating. His performance was so outstanding that he posthumously won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, cementing his place in cinematic history.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppOVLojanC8

Candy (2006)

As a young poet who falls in love with a fellow heroin addict, Ledger’s performance in Candy was raw, honest, and deeply affecting. He captured the desperation and hopelessness of his character perfectly, creating a portrait of a man who is consumed by his addiction.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdo-bnAM3Po

Two Hands (1999)

In Two Hands, Ledger played a naive and impressionable young man who gets caught up in a dangerous underworld of crime. It was a breakthrough role for Ledger, and he brought a sense of vulnerability and authenticity to the character that made him utterly compelling to watch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9zz4Hb8h0o

Monsters Ball (2001)

In this drama directed by Marc Forster, Ledger played Sonny Grotowski, a young man who becomes involved with Leticia Musgrove, played by Halle Berry. Though Ledger’s role in the movie is relatively small, his performance is a memorable one, and it showcases his ability to bring depth and nuance to even the most minor characters.