Heath Ledger

  • Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd: “It was with great sadness that I have learned of the passing of Heath Ledger. It is tragic that we have lost one of our nation’s finest actors in the prime of his life. Heath Ledger’s diverse and challenging roles will be remembered as some of the great performances by an Australian actor.”
  • Warner Bros, the studio behind the next Batman film The Dark Knight starring Heath as The Joker: “The studio is stunned and devastated by this tragic news. The entertainment community has lost an enormous talent. Heath was a brilliant actor and an exceptional person. Our hearts go out to his family and friends.”
  • Mel Gibson, who starred opposite Heath in The Patriot in 2000: “I feel very sad. He was just taking off as a fine actor and to lose his life at such a young age is a tragic loss. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.”
  • Nicole Kidman, who became friends with Heath while he dated her best friend Naomi Watts: “What a tragedy. My heart goes out to his family.”
  • Naomi herself has yet to issue an official statement about the death but, according to the New York Post, has pulled out of all her scheduled engagements at the Sundance Film Festival. The couple dated for 16 months after meeting on the set of Ned Kelly.

  • John Travolta: “He was not only of the greatest actors but also my favorite actor. I am devastated. He was on top of the world and had everything going for him. He was serious about his craft and looking forward to his work. I would give back all my awards and nominations just to have him back… I and other actors need other actors to be inspired by. [Heath] was my actor.”
  • Brokeback Mountain producer James Schamus: “Heath Ledger was a courageous actor, and a great soul. He gave us the gift of sharing his fearless and beautiful love – of his craft, and of all who worked with him – for which all of us will be eternally grateful.”
  • I’m Not There director Todd Haynes: “This is an unimaginable tragedy. Heath was a true artist, a deeply sensitive man, an explorer, gifted and wise beyond his years,” Haynes said. “There is no finer person on this earth.” Producer Christine Vachon added: “My heart breaks for Heath’s family. Heath was a wonderful artist and a lovely man.”
  • Cate Blanchett, I’m Not There co-star and fellow Australian: “I deeply respect Heath’s work and always admired his continuing development as an artist.”
  • Candy director Neil Armfield: “[Heath was] a true and great artist. … A masterful actor full of potential.”
  • Heath’s publicist Mara Buxbaum: “We are deeply saddened and shocked by this accident. This is an extremely difficult time for his loved ones. We’re asking the media to please respect the family’s privacy and avoid speculation until the facts are known.”