Why was Heath Ledger so ambivalent about his own stardom, and what happened at the end of his life? Vanity Fair contributing editor Peter Biskind sheds new light on these difficult-to-answer questions as he writes about the actor’s remarkable talent and untimely death in the August cover story, “The Last of Heath.” In his article, Biskind explores Ledger’s final movie role, his uncertainty about Hollywood, his devotion to his young daughter, and what happened in the days and weeks leading up to his death as he battled chronic insomnia, pneumonia, and exhaustion. Here are some of the revelations contained in Biskind’s story.

Ledger’s apathy for stardom: Ledger’s friend and agent, Steven Alexander, tells Biskind that Heath “was always hesitant to be in a summer blockbuster, with the dolls and action figures and everything else that comes with one of those movies. He was afraid it would define him and limit his choices.” According to friends of Ledger’s, one of the reasons he agreed to do Dark Knight was that the unusually long shoot would give him an excuse to turn down other offers. Alexander tells Biskind that Ledger had a pay-or-play deal on The Dark Knight—meaning he’d get compensated no matter what—so he felt he had the freedom to do whatever he wanted as the Joker. According to Pecorini, Ledger hoped his performance would be so far-out he’d be fired, and thus become the beneficiary of a lengthy, paid vacation. “He was ready to bust out of the gate, but he didn’t want to step on the gas and become something that he didn’t want to become: a matinee idol,” says Alexander. “He was a private person, and he didn’t want to share his personal history with the press. It just wasn’t up for sale.

Altho we’ve been forced to deal with so much new death in just the past week (Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett, Michael Jackson, Billy Mays) it is still very difficult to process that Heath Ledger has already been gone for more than a year now. The Dark Knight is currently playing on HBO on a daily basis and I cannot help but watch it over and over again … marveling at Heath’s amazing performance. He truly was an amazing actor. He is still very much missed. After the jump, check out a few photos of Heath that accompany this piece in Vanity Fair magazine …

It is really wonderful seeing him look so happy … so vibrant. I’m gonna make sure and pick up this issue of VF mag … if only to be reminded on what a gift we had when Heath Ledger still lived.

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On Thursday, while comic book fans (and movie fans in general) across the globe celebrated Heath Ledger’s inevitable — and well-deserved — Best Supporting Actor nomination for “The Dark Knight,” January 22 also holds a more somber place in film history. One year before, to the day, news broke that Heath Ledger had tragically died of what would later be deemed as an accidental prescription-drug overdose. Usually — unless you’re a hard-core film buff — Academy Awards season means nothing except anticipation for outrageous red-carpet fashions or office pools featuring films that most of us haven’t even seen yet. But this year’s announcements had even casual moviegoers glued to TV sets and Internet streams, waiting to hear Ledger’s name called for a role that the actor clearly gave his all to. “It was an exhausting process,” Ledger explained to MTV News in November 2007. “I actually had quite a bit of time off between scenes — weeks sometimes. But it was required because whenever I was working, it exhausted me to the bone. At the end of the day, I couldn’t move. I couldn’t talk. I was absolutely wrecked. If I had to do that every day, I couldn’t have done what I did.” And that performance came through. After a posthumous win at this year’s Golden Globes, Ledger now stands as the arguable frontrunner against Philip Seymour Hoffman, Josh Brolin, Robert Downey Jr. and Michael Shannon. And it’s nearly impossible to find a story about the record-breaking, critically acclaimed “Dark Knight” in which Ledger’s name isn’t mentioned as the stand-out feature of the film. “Heath has given an incredible performance, a real definition of the character that I think will be incredibly memorable for years to come,” co-star Christian Bale of Ledger’s work as the Joker. “I want to do nothing but celebrate his work.” Granted, all of the Oscar nominees deserve praise for their efforts in their given categories, but it’s clear that Hollywood — and the film world in general — will be buzzing about Ledger in the weeks leading up to the February 22 ceremony. Win or lose — a gifted actor with years of potential still ahead of him was taken from us far too early.

I find it very curious that Heath and Philip Seymour Hoffman are, once again, going head to head for the Academy Award. As you may recall, they faced off against one another in the Best Actor category back in 2007 (Heath for his work in Brokeback Mountain, Philip for his work in Capote). Back then, Philip went home with the prize … this year, my money’s on Heath. The saddest thing about Heath’s death, at least for us fans, is that we will only get to see him in one more film (The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus — the film he was working on when he died) … and then never again. Fans have been leaving flowers in front of the building where Heath died on mark this sad anniversary:

I cannot imagine the pain that his family must still be feeling just a short year after his death. While they must be appreciative, I’m sure all of these accolades are small comfort when compared to his passing. I, for one, still vividly remember and mourn his loss. I want him to win the Oscar. But, win or lose, I will still always remember him and cherish his work.

[Photo credit: Splash News; Source]

THE late Heath Ledger has won the Critic’s Choice Award for best supporting actor for his portrayal of the Joker in The Dark Knight. The film’s director Christopher Nolan accepted the award on Ledger’s behalf. The win is another indication the Australian actor’s role in the Batman blockbuster may also be recognised with a Golden Globe on Monday. The Dark Knight also won in the best action movie category but the big winner at the Los Angeles ceremony was Slumdog Millionaire which received best picture, director, young actor, writer and composer honours.

This is a great sign that Heath will not only win his Golden Globe nomination but may, too, garner at least an Academy Award nomination … and possibly go on to win that as well. Detractors may still claim that these awards are merely “sympathy” awards but I have always contended (since the first time I saw the film) that Heath’s powerful performance is worthy of the accolades. Personally, I believe that he should’ve won the Best Actor award for his work in Brokeback Mountain so, for me, his Academy Award is overdue. Whatever happens in the coming Awards Season, it can’t be denied that Heath’s portrayal of the Joker was stunning and a true tour de force. Here’s hoping this Critic’s Choice Award is just the first of many to come.

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Newly released photos show Heath Ledger in the film role he never completed. The actor died of an overdose of prescription medicine halfway through filming The Imaginarium Of Doctor Parnassus in January. The 28-year-old’s death temporarily stopped work on the film, but it has now been completed and is due out next year. The photos are the first official shots to be released. Following his death Johnny Depp, Jude Law and Colin Farrell all stepped in to fill his role for the remainder of the film, playing different incarnations of Ledger’s character. The £15 million fantasy film involves a supernatural mirror that takes people into different dimensions, allowing director Terry Gilliam to switch between actors. Gilliam, who previously worked with Ledger on The Brothers Grimm, has retained the footage shot of the late actor. A third of the movie was filmed in London’s Clerkenwell, with Ledger dying in his Manhattan apartment three days after completion. His co-stars, including model Lily Cole, went onto film in Canada.

Even tho it’s been many months since Heath Ledger passed away, I still find his loss very hard to accept. He was so vibrant and was such a talented actor … I really do miss him still. Even tho I had no reservations in watching Heath’s performance in The Dark Knight after his passing, I am hesitant about seeing this movie. I dunno why … there is a different sort of tragedy attached to this film for me. I have no doubt that Heath turned in an exceptional performance. After the jump, check out a few more photos of Heath as the motley clown in Parnassus …

I know it doesn’t make sense considering the violently brilliant performance he gave in TDK but something about this film gives me the willies. Are any of y’all interested in seeing Heath’s final performance in this film or are y’all happy to leave it at The Dark Knight?

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Heath Ledger’s family has decided to donate his entire estate to the late actor’s daughter, Matilda Rose. Two years before his little girl was born, the Dark Knight star – who died from an accidental overdose of prescription drugs in January – signed a will leaving his fortune to his parents and sisters. But Ledger’s father, Kim, says they have decided that all the money should all go to 2-year-old Matilda (the actor’s daughter with ex-girlfriend Michelle Williams). In fact, he tells PEOPLE, that was the plan “from the moment my boy passed away.” “There was never any question about the fact that Heath’s estate would go to Matilda,” he says, confirming a report in Australia’s Sunday Times. “Never a question. We are very close to Michelle and Matilda” … Although some reports have valued Ledger’s assets at up to $20 million, Adelaide accountant Mark Dyson – an executor of the actor’s estate – has refused to state the amount Matilda will inherit.

It’s unclear if the premium to be paid from Ledger’s life insurance policy is included in his estate … which could significantly affect Matilda’s inheritance:

The company that wrote Heath Ledger’s $10 million life insurance policy is being sued after claiming the actor’s death might have been a suicide, even though officials concluded it was accidental. Lawyers for Ledger’s daughter say it’s a transparent ploy to avoid paying the money. ReliaStar Life Insurance Company wrote the policy in June 2007 — six months before Ledger died. The beneficiary of the policy is a trustee who would hold the money for 2-year-old Matilda. Instead of paying the $10 mil, ReliaStar set out to investigate whether Ledger took his own life, despite the fact that the New York City Medical Examiner ruled the death accidental. TMZ has obtained a lawsuit, filed by Matilda’s trustee, claiming ReliaStar (owned by ING Americas) has acted in bad faith by not promptly paying the $10 million and by wrongfully prying into the life of Heath Ledger after his death. Sources say lawyers for the insurance company have claimed Ledger’s death was “suspicious” — possibly suicide, which would nullify the policy. The company alleges in its answer to the lawsuit, “ReliaStar is entitled to investigate Plaintiff’s claim to determine if the ‘Suicide’ provision is applicable.” That provision states, “If the Insured commits suicide … we will pay only the amount of premiums paid to us.” ReliaStar’s lawyers have informed Matilda’s lawyers they intend to take the depositions of Mary-Kate Olsen, as well as the masseuse who was at Ledger’s home when he died, Ledger’s colleagues on his last film, his agents, doctors, psychologists and others. Lawyers for Matilda believe the insurance company is trying to scare and shame them into submission. They believe ReliaStar is trying to drag the process out, for what could be years, to avoid paying the money. We’re also told ReliaStar believes Ledger may have lied on two questions on his insurance application — specifically, whether he was taking prescription drugs when he filled out the application and whether he ever used illegal drugs. In its answer to the lawsuit, ReliaStar claims it can contest the policy if Ledger lied on the application and it was a “material misrepresentation.” Sources tell us Ledger had a prescription for Ambien when he filled out the application, but Ambien was not in his system when he died, nor were any illegal drugs. Lawyers for Matilda’s trust claim ReliaStar is flagrantly violating California law, which prohibits insurance companies from re-examining insurance applications after the policyholder dies. In the lawsuit, Matilda’s lawyers say they received a letter from ReliaStar, asking them to identify “all physicians who attended to [Ledger] and all hospitals or institutions where [he] was treated since 1996.” Matilda’s lawyers say the request blatantly violates the law. An official for ReliaStar told TMZ, “No decision has been made on the claim.” But lawyers for Matilda’s trust believe ReliaStar should have already paid and, according to the suit, is acting “maliciously, fraudulently and/or oppressively … depriving plaintiff of the insurance policy benefits.”

I thnk it’s safe to assume any any insurance company is gonna do whatever it can to keep from paying out premiums, so this comes as no surprise. Whether or not they are able to build a case that benefits them, tho, is another question. In the end, who is the final arbiter? If ReliaStar determines that they don’t have to pay out … who has the final say? Again, I’m glad that little Matilda is too young to comprehend any of this stuff. She is such a little doll, the spitting image of her late father. My heart goes out to her because despite whatever money she may get in the end, it will never be enough to replace the absence of her father :(

[Photo credit: Splash News; Source, Source]

Hot Toys is releasing a 1/6th scale figure of The Joker in “Bank Robber” mode. The figure stands 12-inches tall, features 32-points of articulation, and comes with a choice of two removable heads, one with a huge grin, the other with the slicked back hair. Accessories include a removable clown mask, handgun, a bigger gun, duffle bag, smoke and fragmentation grenades, playing cards, gotham city money and more.

Click HERE to see more photos of this action figure, it’s really very remarkably made. I have a pretty good feeling that Heath would’ve gotten a real kick out of this action figure had he been able to see while he still lived. I think it’s a pretty cool tribute to the chilling character that he portrayed in The Dark Knight. Well done.

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The U.S. Attorney’s Office closed its investigation into Heath Ledger’s accidental overdose death and will not enforce a subpoena against Mary-Kate Olsen, a law-enforcement source told PEOPLE. The probe was closed without any charges being filed. Olsen, 22, was subpoenaed by a federal grand jury on April 23, but her attorney had been in negotiations with federal authorities since then, the source said. Olsen had wanted immunity before testifying. Olsen’s attorney released a statement saying the actress “had nothing to do” with Ledger’s drugs and had already provided “relevant information” to investigators. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and Olsen’s rep both declined to comment. Ledger, 28, was found dead in his Soho apartment on Jan. 22, and the coroner determined the actor died of an accidental overdose of prescription drugs for pain, anxiety and sleep.

And that, folks, is that. To be honest, I never thought that things would be brought to this point, I never anticipated that subpoenas would even be issued so I’m not all that surprised that the investigation was ended (called off?). By the sounds of it, the investigation shouldn’t've even gotten this far (since “a massive investigation … launched over an accidental death in which no criminality was even hinted at” has never happened before). Hopefully now Heath can just rest in peace and the world can move on … and MK can finally get a peaceful night of sleep (which doesn’t necessarily mean her conscience is totally clear).

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With The Dark Knight, Nolan and Bale return to Gotham City for a second, even moodier and more savage installment of the superhero franchise they revamped in 2005 with Batman Begins. The movie delivers on its promise, pitting Batman against the freaky new fiend in psychotic cosmetics who robs banks and blows up hospitals for the sheer anarchic kick of it. Most of the familiar faces (and one new Two-Face) are on board, including wry butler Alfred (Michael Caine), stalwart police detective Gordon (Gary Oldman), and lawyer-slash-love interest Rachel Dawes (Maggie Gyllenhaal, taking over the role from Katie Holmes), as well as a new crusading district attorney named Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart). The Dark Knight has everything fans expect from the series: gizmos like a sleek new ”Bat Pod” motorcycle, eye-popping stunts (most performed the old-fashioned way, with real stuntmen and real explosions), and, of course, the brooding Bale, arguably the best, certainly the most serious actor ever to growl under the cowl. Still, when the film opens July 18, Ledger will be Topic A. His turn in The Dark Knight would have been widely talked about this summer even if the 28-year-old actor hadn’t died of an accidental prescription-drug overdose last January. It might have even earned him another Oscar nomination (it still could, posthumously). Now the performance is shrouded in tragedy, though, and may well be Ledger’s last cinematic testament (it’s unclear what Terry Gilliam will, or can, do with the actor’s unfinished footage from The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus). And that loads The Dark Knight with a poignancy its creators never anticipated. Certainly one they never desired. Along with the grief it caused friends and family, Ledger’s death cast a shadow of uncertainty over the film. It had Warner Bros. reexamining its entire marketing plans for the movie, conducting taste tests on the appropriateness of Ledger’s clown face on publicity stills and in trailers. Hardly the way the studio had hoped it would be launching its biggest summer thrill ride.

To be honest, I haven’t even read the entire coverstory for fear of reading too much about the movie that is still over a week away from release. If you are so inclined, you can read the article online HERE and risk the spoilers for yourself (a new trailer for The Dark Knight ran in front of Hancock last night and I tried to cover my eyes … there’s just so much TDK stuff out there that I don’t want to see any more until the movie comes out on the 18th). Even still … there is a lot of cool stuff that I think we can see safely, without fear of spoiling the movie. After the jump, check out a photo of Heath Ledger wearing The Joker prosthetics on his face but without make-up … it’s kind of an eerie thing to see …

Apparently this photo originated in the forums at SuperHeroHype.com but ended up on THIS site, which claims that Heath had a part in the creation of The Joker’s make-up for the film:

[I]t was Heath who actually designed the make-up (NOT the make-up appliances which were designed by Conor). On the day of the make-up test he showed up with a very basic make-up kit consisting of store bought mascara, white grease paint and lipstick and and basically designed the make-up there on the spot — everyone loved it and it was the duty of the ‘Pro’ make-up artist to replicate it every day for the duration of the shoot

THIS site provides a bit more exposition explaining that altho Heath Ledger may have deigned the make-up look of The Joker, he was not responsible for the creation of the prosthetics that make up the Joker’s facial scars. Heath’s death is still such a tragedy, one that many of us will relive again and again over the coming weeks with the release of Batman: The Dark Knight, but we can still appreciate what an amazing actor … what an amazing man he was. I am not at all surprised to learn that he may have had a hand in the creation of the look of The Joker — I am confident he will deliver a stunning performance in the movie. From what I have surmised thus far from the little I’ve seen, Heath’s version of The Joker is by far the most psychotic portrayal of the character that has ever been seen in movies or on TV (a psychoticness more akin to the way The Joker exists in the darker Batman comic book titles). I hope all this talk of Oscar buzz isn’t off the mark … I would love to see the man be honored for his work, even if it has to be posthumously.

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