Heath Andrew Ledger was an Australian actor known for his versatility and depth in a wide range of roles. Born on April 4, 1979, in Perth, Western Australia, Ledger's career spanned nearly a decade before his untimely death on January 22, 2008. This timeline highlights significant events and milestones in his life and career.
Main Milestones
Birth
April 4, 1979
Heath Andrew Ledger was born in Perth, Western Australia, to Kim and Sally Ledger. He was the second child, with an older sister named Kate.
Start of Acting Career
1991
At 12 years old, Heath began acting in school productions and joined Barron Films, a small production company. He appeared in children's films such as "Clowning Around" and school plays like "Peter Pan".
Globe Shakespeare Company
1995
Heath joined the Globe Shakespeare Company in Sydney, furthering his acting career and gaining experience in independent films.
Early Television Roles
1997
Heath appeared in the Australian soap opera "Home and Away" and the mythic adventure series "Roar".
Breakthrough Role
1999
Heath landed his breakout role in the teen romance film "10 Things I Hate About You", which brought him significant attention in Hollywood.
Diverse Roles
2000
Heath starred opposite Mel Gibson in "The Patriot" as an American Revolutionary War soldier and began to develop a reputation for taking diverse character roles.
Critical Acclaim
2005
Heath's sympathetic turn as a tormented cowboy in "Brokeback Mountain" earned him Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations for best actor.
Continued Success
2006
Heath drew further praise for his portrayal of a heroin addict in "Candy" and his impressionistic rendering of musician Bob Dylan in "I’m Not There".
Final Roles
2007-2008
Heath completed his iconic role as the Joker in "The Dark Knight" and was working on "The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus" when he died.
Death
January 22, 2008
Heath Ledger was found dead in his apartment in Manhattan due to an accidental overdose of prescription drugs. He was posthumously awarded the Golden Globe and Oscar for best supporting actor for his portrayal of the Joker.
