Heath Andrew Ledger was born on April 4, 1979 in Perth, Australia. Named after the main character in Charlotte Bronte’s Wuthering Heights, Ledger’s first major Hollywood role was in 1996, in the short-lived television series, Roar. He followed that up with roles in films such as 10 Things I Hate About You, The Patriot, Monster’s Ball and A Knight’s Tale. It was his role as Ennis Del Mar, a gay cowboy, in Brokeback Mountain that earned him critical acclaim (and an Academy Award nomination). He met former fiancée Michelle Williams on the set and had a daughter together, Matilda Rose. Ledger died on January 22, 2008 of an overdose of prescription drugs.

The Dark Knight (2008), I’m Not There (2007), Casanova (2005), Brokeback Mountain (2005), The Brothers Grimm (2005), Lords of Dogtown (2005), Ned Kelly (2003), The Four Feathers (2002), Monster’s Ball (2001), A Knight’s Tale (2001), The Patriot (2000), 10 Things I Hate About You (1999), Roar (1997-TV)