Breaking News - Heath Ledger

[Gellis Indigo]

From Fox News

Breaking News>>>Actor Heath Ledger Found Dead in New York City

And from TMZ.com

"TMZ has learned that Academy Award nominee Heath Ledger has died in NY.

He was found dead in his bed in one of his residences in Soho by his housekeeper at 3:35 PM ET today. Law enforcement sources tell TMZ they believe it was not a crime.

The 28-year-old actor has a two year old daughter with former fiancee Michelle Williams. He was set to play the Joker in the upcoming Batman film "The Dark Knight."

Story developing..."

[DoñaNina]

Wow. What. The. Hell.

[UnicornBee]

I just posted it too is Hussies Hangout. That makes very sad. He was/is one of my favorite actors

[SilverMirth]

This is so Sad.

http://www.nypost.com/seven/01222008/news/regionalnews/heath_ledger_dead_916418.htm

[DoñaNina]

Looks like it might have been suicide. Wow-ee.

[Pathos]

I'm hearing pills were found but they don't say sleeping pills. Not yet, anyway. It could have just been an overdose.

Shame...looked like he was about to take things to the next level. The buzz I'm hearing about his take on the Joker was he totally kicked ass.

[Lady Laurel]

That is so sad, he split with his wife last year. Makes me wonder if it was drug related.... Wow what a waste he was so young and talented.

[Selena]

Oh, how tragic! What a fine actor. This is so sad.

[Buxom Wench]

If it was accidental, it truly is tragic.

If it was intentional, he chose a permanent solution to a temporary problem.

Either way, true talent was lost and now a little girl will grow up without her daddy.


::candle::

[Phoenix McHeit]

The buzz I'm hearing about his take on the Joker was he totally kicked ass.

I heard they wrapped filming already - here's hoping they got everything they need for his Final movie.

[Gellis Indigo]

Only 28, with his star on the rise.

I believe he was in rehab last year as well. It's just a terrible shame.
May he find Peace.::candle::

[Cruisewench]

just heard this on the news, still in shock, he was only 2 yrs older than my husband! My thoughts go out to his family, especially his little girl.

[Pathos]

I heard they wrapped filming already - here's hoping they got everything they need for his Final movie.
Unfortunately he was currently shooting a film for Terry Gilliam. Here's a pic.

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.tmz.com/media/2008/01/0122_heath_ledger_inf.jpg

Like Terry Gilliam doesn't have enough problems getting his movies made.

[renren]

That is SO sad!
And a little girl,without her dad now, double sad..

[Phoenix McHeit]

Unfortunately he was currently shooting a film for Terry Gilliam.

Oh man, I didn't know about that one.

Like Terry Gilliam doesn't have enough problems getting his movies made. Terry Gilliam... from Python? That guy? omg.....

[Pathos]

Terry Gilliam... from Python? That guy? omg.....
The same. One of our very best, most imaginative filmmakers.

You knew he was a director...right?

[Cyranno DeBoberac]

Unfortunately he was currently shooting a film for Terry Gilliam. Here's a pic.

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.tmz.com/media/2008/01/0122_heath_ledger_inf.jpg

Like Terry Gilliam doesn't have enough problems getting his movies made.

What's Terry shooting? Pagliacci???

[Pathos]

What's Terry shooting? Pagliacci???
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Imaginarium_of_Doctor_Parnassus

They've already updated it with Heaths death.

[Phoenix McHeit]

Yeah I knew that - well, to be honest I only found that out recently. I was watching the Bonus Features part of some DVD... and Terry was there, speaking of his view of whatever scene. And I can't for-the-life-of-me remember which movie it was, either.

I always watch those bits - especially 'the making of' parts. I love them.

[Torra]

That is such a sad happening. In a way, I'm glad he was such a good actor with so many movies, for the sake of his daughter. She'll be able to watch them and see what her daddy did, and how good he was. My thoughts and prayers are with her, and the rest of his family and friends.

[Phoenix McHeit]

From here: (bolding mine) http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22788914/?GT1=10755

Ledger told The New York Times in a November interview that he “stressed out a little too much” during the Dylan film, and had trouble sleeping while portraying the Joker, whom he called a “psychopathic, mass-murdering, schizophrenic clown with zero empathy.”“Last week I probably slept an average of two hours a night,” Ledger told the newspaper. “I couldn’t stop thinking. My body was exhausted, and my mind was still going.” He said he took two Ambien pills, which only worked for an hour, the paper said.



Doesn't seem like a suicide. At least not from this early angle.



I know from personal experience... if you're sleep deprived... there comes a point when you'll do ANYTHING for a good night's sleep.

[Pathos]

You play those dark characters it can really mess with your mind.

Especially if you're one of those method actors who has to get all inside the characters head.

[Winifred Baskerville]

You play those dark characters it can really mess with your mind.

Especially if you're one of those method actors who has to get all inside the characters head.

Which is why I fear for Christian Bale, but he's been playing dark and/or incredibly complex characters for the majority of his career. Heath was just getting started, relatively speaking.

*sigh*

[lady Amalthea]

How horrible, I just saw on the news the police bringing his body out to the car, with hundreds of paparazzi snapping pictures. No respect for the dead. One website has about 40 of them posted already. Disgusting.

I enjoyed his movies, so sad.

[Pathos]

Which is why I fear for Christian Bale, but he's been playing dark and/or incredibly complex characters for the majority of his career.
Christian seems a lot more grounded. He's been acting since he was a kid and he's very notorious about keeping his private life private. He does his movie...does the minimal amount of promotion necessary...then goes home to his wife and daughter.

I think he'll be fine.

[Andreadoria]

I found out at work today. It is truly sad. I feel for his daughter.

If in fact if he was sleep deprived it can cause serious problems. I didn't sleep for almost 2 months and I was seeing thing, forgetting everything and if that was the case he probably did not realize how many pills he took.

May he rest in peace. May his Family be left to their grief.

He was truly becoming one of the greatest.
::candle::

[Cyranno DeBoberac]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Imaginarium_of_Doctor_Parnassus
A story about the leader of a traveling theater troupe who, through a deal with the Devil (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devil), takes audience members through a magical mirror to explore their imaginations.Wow... that just screams Gilliam. :)

[Cyranno DeBoberac]

"He said he took two Ambien pills, which only worked for an hour"

I thought that Ambien stuff was supposed to be like chloraform. How bad does your insomnia have to be for Ambien to not work???

[Peaches O Malley]

So very sad. I doubt very much it was suicide, he didn't seem the type to leave behind his daughter. I really feel bad for little Mathilda.
I hope he is at peace.

[Pathos]

Wow... that just screams Gilliam. :)
Gilliam is probably screaming right now.

[Ysobelle]

Seems like everyone who knew him is screaming. And crying. Ugh. I do, in a weird way, hope it was an accident. I hate thinking anyone would be in that much pain.

[WenchLadyKate]

Just so sad. I'm gonna go pop Knights Tale into the DVD player.

[Neelloca]

The plain Abien worked for me for about one week, then it didn't at all. The Ambien CR works better, but there are times when I have to team it up with Trazodone.

Yes....SERIOUS sleep problems here!

[/B]I thought that Ambien stuff was supposed to be like chloraform. How bad does your insomnia have to be for Ambien to not work???

[Ysobelle]

The minute I see a "Heath playing poker with Marilyn and James and Bogey" poster, I'm gonna kill someone.

[Jayde]

Umm...just....wow.

I didn't hear about this until just now. That's just so sad.

[Cyranno DeBoberac]

Just so sad. I'm gonna go pop Knights Tale into the DVD player.


LICHTENSTEIN!!!!

[Cyranno DeBoberac]

The minute I see a "Heath playing poker with Marilyn and James and Bogey" poster, I'm gonna kill someone.


http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/8939/poker2jj3.jpg

[Ysobelle]

Bob-- just...sigh.

[Gellis Indigo]

The plain Abien worked for me for about one week, then it didn't at all. The Ambien CR works better, but there are times when I have to team it up with Trazodone.

Yes....SERIOUS sleep problems here!

I've been in that situation too. I didn't sleep for about 2 months either, and then Ambien to the rescue! But then it stopped working. When you're that sleep deprived you become very disoriented and forgetful.
The part that scares me is the reports that say he was surrounded by prescription meds.

[RaevynCait]

Ambien's NOT all that and a bag of chips or anything, at least for me. Several years ago, when I first took it, it worked really well... but I built tolerance to it in a matter of months.
Last year, when my apnea & RLS were diagnosed, I got my CPAP, and the dr. put me on Requip for the RLS. Yeah, that was great for about 2 hours, then I was WIDE AWAKE for several hours. We tried Ambien CR, and that worked for about 3 nights, then BAM, it stopped working. The last thing he prescribed for me some generic something or other that worked pretty well. I'm not on anything these days, other than an occasional Advil PM, and sleeping fine most of the time. I truly feel for anyone who is sleep diminished or deprived!

[KissMeKate]

Just so sad. I'm gonna go pop Knights Tale into the DVD player.

One of my favorites has always been "10 Things I Hate About You", but I seem to like all the versions of "Taming of the Shrew" that I have come across.

[Psyche]

I thought that Ambien stuff was supposed to be like chloraform. How bad does your insomnia have to be for Ambien to not work???
I will just cut and paste what I wrote about this yesterday...
For some, Ambien is a miracle drug. For others, like myself, it was a nightmare.

I watched an interview with Heath Ledger that scared me. Seeing that brought flashbacks of when I was taking Ambien.

I was prescribed it first while in the Navy hospital recovering from my injuries. I started having dramatic personality issues and episodes where people thought I was whacked out on drugs.

I went off Ambien and all meds for a while and went back to normal. The VA later prescribed it for me and I immediately went back to the 'manic' and psychotic state I had been in before. I made a lot of very poor life choices that I never would have made unmedicated. Unfortunately, because I was under the influence, I was pretty oblivious to the whole thing. It took me trying to collapse all visible veins with a needle while in an emergency room for a doctor to finally put 2 and 2 together and take me permanently off Ambien. It is now on my "allergic" list because of how it effected me.

I have no doubt that Ambien effected Heath Ledger in very negative ways. It makes me sad to see what people are saying about him, especially about that interview.

May he rest in peace.
I hate Ambien with a purple passion and shudder every time I hear someone is on it.

[Lady Brigid]

May he rest in peace. :(

[Cyranno DeBoberac]

One of my favorites has always been "10 Things I Hate About You", but I seem to like all the versions of "Taming of the Shrew" that I have come across.

I'm the same way with "Twelfth Night".

[DoñaNina]

http://thesuperficial.com/2008/01/jack_nicholson_asked_to_autogr.php

Apparently Jack Nicholson said he warned Heath about drugs.. or.. something. I dunno. Kind of a weird thing to say. Maybe he warned him about the medication he was on?

[surlywench]

[/B]I thought that Ambien stuff was supposed to be like chloraform. How bad does your insomnia have to be for Ambien to not work???

For some people, but not for others. A friend of mine can take it, but has to be super, super, SUPER careful about the dose. Any less and it doesn't work, any more and she falls into a drug induced psychosis. It's not good.

[Gemdrite]

I'm the same way with "Twelfth Night".
I absolutely adore that play and any acted versions of it.

This interview that he was criticized for...does anyone have a link? I don't know what interview this was and would like to read it.

[Kathryn Blakeley]

So guess who's decided to crash Heath's funeral?

Our favourite guy - Fred f***ing Phelps.

:irked::censored:

[Ysobelle]

I saw that in the news. And while I'd think Mr. Ledger would be buried in his native Australia, should the funeral take place in the States, and should the odious Phelps and his ilk attend, I think it may be the funeral at which a deliberate and long-deferred murder takes place.

[Mylilpinkpig]

Did you see the press release Phelps issued? It's enough to make you want to vomit. he celebrates the "fact" that Heath Ledger is burning in hell. It made my skin crawl reading it. Someone needs to stuff a sock in this idiots mouth.

[Torra]

the odious Phelps and his ilk attend

Come come, of course they're going to attend. They want to exercise their right to make idiots and fools of themselves! Don't murder them, they wouldn't understand it. Better to lock them up and make them watch Queer as Folk on a loop.

[Ysobelle]

Come come, of course they're going to attend. They want to exercise their right to make idiots and fools of themselves! Don't murder them, they wouldn't understand it. Better to lock them up and make them watch Queer as Folk on a loop.

The very fact that people like Phelps exist means there are people out there also crazy enough to shoot him. It's gonna happen. I'm not sure I'll mourn, but it would be karmic.

[Gellis Indigo]

Come come, of course they're going to attend. They want to exercise their right to make idiots and fools of themselves! Don't murder them, they wouldn't understand it. Better to lock them up and make them watch Queer as Folk on a loop.

*rotfl**rotfl*Now that is a fabulous idea!!

[Phoenix McHeit]

but it would be karmic.

Do we really want him as a 'martyr'?

[Buxom Wench]

Do we really want him as a 'martyr'?

To a select few, he will be a martyr.
To the rest of us, it will be one less piece of organic waste using oxygen.

[Phoenix McHeit]

To a select few, he will be a martyr.
To the rest of us, it will be one less piece of organic waste using oxygen.

That's just the trouble with martyrs. I'm sure something along those lines was said about Joan of Arc, too.

You can't pick & choose.

mar·tyr http://cache.lexico.com/g/d/premium.gif http://cache.lexico.com/dictionary/graphics/luna/thinsp.pnghttp://cache.lexico.com/g/d/speaker.gif (https://secure.reference.com/premium/login.html?rd=2&u=http%3A%2F%2Fdictionary.reference.com%2Fbrowse%2 FMartyr) /ˈmɑrhttp://cache.lexico.com/dictionary/graphics/luna/thinsp.pngtər/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[mahr-ter] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation –noun 1.a person who willingly suffers death rather than renounce his or her religion. 2.a person who is put to death or endures great suffering on behalf of any belief, principle, or cause: a martyr to the cause of social justice. 3.a person who undergoes severe or constant suffering: a martyr to severe headaches. 4.a person who seeks sympathy or attention by feigning or exaggerating pain, deprivation, etc. –verb (used with object) 5.to make a martyr of, esp. by putting to death. 6.to torment or torture.

[Buxom Wench]

That's just the trouble with martyrs. I'm sure something along those lines was said about Joan of Arc, too.

You can't pick & choose. If you die in the course of your personal religious beliefs, you're a martyr.

Remember, it is that person's religious beliefs, not necessarily the masses of that religion.

[Phoenix McHeit]

See above edit. He'd be martyred. Whether we choose to recognize it as such is irrelevant.

[Mylilpinkpig]

Tmz is streaming live from out side the funeral home where they are having a private viewing of him for the family. :chomp: someone needs to go there and smack these idiots upside their heads.

[Selena]

See above edit. He'd be martyred. Whether we choose to recognize it as such is irrelevant.

I agree with Phee on this stance.

Even if it's as little as his his inbred offspring and their inbred offspring, he will be shown in that light if that were to come to pass.

[Pathos]

Who gives a fuck what they think?

[Cyranno DeBoberac]

Do we really want him as a 'martyr'?

Let see... we get to have him dead, but he'll be a martyr.... hmmm..... I think we come out ahead in that trade.

[LdyJhawk]

Because apparently it's NEVER too soon for companies to profit off death..

http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/3412/heathledgememorialdw5.jpg


Way to go, Best Buy. Stay classy

[Isabelle Warwicke]

Did you see the press release Phelps issued? It's enough to make you want to vomit. he celebrates the "fact" that Heath Ledger is burning in hell. It made my skin crawl reading it. Someone needs to stuff a sock in this idiots mouth.

Now that Phucknut Phelps is attacking Hollywood, perhaps the media will start attacking him. You don't piss off the Hollywood Gay Mafia.

[Cyranno DeBoberac]

You don't piss off the Hollywood Gay Mafia.

Especially if you consider their interpretation of "whacking" somone. http://img486.imageshack.us/img486/9758/eek9jo.gif


:wink:

[Pathos]

Because apparently it's NEVER too soon for companies to profit off death..

http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/3412/heathledgememorialdw5.jpg


Way to go, Best Buy. Stay classy
That looks like something an individual employee did. Not a company-wide thing.

[surlywench]

That looks like something an individual employee did. Not a company-wide thing.

If Best Buy is like most other retail chains, that employee can be fired. Any and ALL in-store signage MUST be approved by corporate - and generally, ONLY corp. generated signage is allowed at all, EVER. So if it's something that was done "on the fly" and someone complains, then the employee responsible could likely loose their job in a hurry.

[DoñaNina]

If Best Buy is like most other retail chains, that employee can be fired. Any and ALL in-store signage MUST be approved by corporate - and generally, ONLY corp. generated signage is allowed at all, EVER. So if it's something that was done "on the fly" and someone complains, then the employee responsible could likely loose their job in a hurry.

I hope they do something because that display was in very bad taste.. I'm wondering if Elliot in the Morning did a "He died; you win!" contest the day after.

[Pathos]

If Best Buy is like most other retail chains, that employee can be fired. Any and ALL in-store signage MUST be approved by corporate - and generally, ONLY corp. generated signage is allowed at all, EVER. So if it's something that was done "on the fly" and someone complains, then the employee responsible could likely loose their job in a hurry.
Yeah...I dealt with that in my years in retail. I put up my own signs all over the store. I did get in trouble but management realized people were actually buying more of the products I put my own signs on so they looked the other way.

Mine were of course done with much more class.

[Ysobelle]

I'm not so sure it's in bad taste. It's not, "He's dead! Save 20%!" I mean, I take it more as, "Ah, fuck, he's dead. Remember the incredible stuff he did."

Because it is abso-freakin'-lutely inevitable that they'll have people in there all week saying, "Do you have Brokeback Mountain on DVD?" Anyone else remember how John Lennon's album sales soared the day he was shot?

[DoñaNina]

That's true too, but I don't know, something about using his death as a marketting tool makes me a little sad.

[surlywench]

I'm not so sure it's in bad taste. It's not, "He's dead! Save 20%!" I mean, I take it more as, "Ah, fuck, he's dead. Remember the incredible stuff he did."

Because it is abso-freakin'-lutely inevitable that they'll have people in there all week saying, "Do you have Brokeback Mountain on DVD?" Anyone else remember how John Lennon's album sales soared the day he was shot?

It's incredibly tacky. If I saw that in my Best Buy here, I'd complain to the manager, and then I'd walk out.

[Isabelle Warwicke]

Because it is abso-freakin'-lutely inevitable that they'll have people in there all week saying, "Do you have Brokeback Mountain on DVD?" Anyone else remember how John Lennon's album sales soared the day he was shot?

This is true. So very true. I've never seen Brokeback...I may have to watch it now.

[Ysobelle]

It's incredibly tacky. If I saw that in my Best Buy here, I'd complain to the manager, and then I'd walk out.


Just as long as you don't take my car keys with you....

[Cyranno DeBoberac]

Anyone else remember how John Lennon's album sales soared the day he was shot?

:::waiting for all the "who's John Lennon?" replies to make me feel old...:::

[Cyranno DeBoberac]

It's incredibly tacky. If I saw that in my Best Buy here, I'd complain to the manager, and then I'd walk out.

That of course begs the question as to why on earth you'd be inside a Best Buy in the first place....

[Ysobelle]

:::waiting for all the "who's John Lennon?" replies to make me feel old...:::

Yeah, me, too. Here, share a Metamucil while we're waiting? I actually took a deep breath and said to my Minion Ryan last night,"Well, when I was your age...."

[Ysobelle]

This is true. So very true. I've never seen Brokeback...I may have to watch it now.



Yup. Exactly my point. It's a little morbid curiosity, but it's not monstrously callous.

[Phoenix McHeit]

I'm with Surlz on this one. I think it's in horrible, sickeningly bad taste. Yes, he died... yes, no one wanted it to happen... and yes, Its Too Freaking Soon for that kind of advert.

Have some respect, people... jeez.

[LdyJhawk]

Yeah, me, too. Here, share a Metamucil while we're waiting? I actually took a deep breath and said to my Minion Ryan last night,"Well, when I was your age...."

If anyone even remotely close to my age (and I'm 27 on Valentine's Day) dares utter those words I swear to God above I will kill them myself.

I already live in constant amazement at the lack of exposure to anything pre-New Kids on the Block many people in my age bracket show, but that would just tear it.

[LdyJhawk]

What gets me is they could have created an endcap display with those films prominently placed, no signage. If someone HAD wanted the movies, there you go.

It was the "OMG HE DIED WE NEED TO MAKE A NOTE OF THAT TO PROMPT FURTHER PURCHASE!" sign that made me blink.

Nothing says bottomfeeding scavenger quite like someone thinking, "wow, he died. How can we bend that more towards our profit margin?"* less than 48 hours afterwards


*even if it was one employee and not corporate, there is the unfortunate effect that they are the face of their company to the area. When the Best Buy employee here actually sat and argued with me that I was dumb and didn't want a garmin street pilot? I didn't say "Damn you Santana Row Best Buy Employee _____" I said, "Damn, Best Buy is populated with idiots"

[Cyranno DeBoberac]

Damn, Best Buy is populated with idiots

Quoted for Truth.

[Ravin' Raven]

If anyone even remotely close to my age (and I'm 27 on Valentine's Day) dares utter those words I swear to God above I will kill them myself.

I already live in constant amazement at the lack of exposure to anything pre-New Kids on the Block many people in my age bracket show, but that would just tear it.

Who are New Kids on the Block? ;-) ::runfore:

(just remember, I'm old enough to be your mother young lady so watch that reply!!! ::runfore:)

[Ysobelle]

Meh. Somehow, if it were a big sale, I'd be pissed. But it's a card table that says, "We know you're going to ask, so here are his movies."

[surlywench]

Just as long as you don't take my car keys with you....

What on earth would you need your car keys for in a Best Buy?

[Ysobelle]

What on earth would you need your car keys for in a Best Buy?

Getting home after you've stalked out?

[Gemdrite]

http://consumerist.com/348429/best-takes-in+store-display-cashing-in-on-heath-ledgers-death-very-seriously

Update on Best Buy situation.

[Selena]

Update--- Tox reports are in.
Can't say I'm surprised.

*****************





NEW YORK -- The medical examiner has concluded that actor Heath Ledger's death was an accident, and the result of the abuse of prescription medications.


The medical examiner released results of the toxicology report Wednesday, saying Ledger died as the result of acute intoxication by the combined effects of six drugs, including pain killers, sleeping pills, and anti-anxiety drugs.

The six drugs found in his system were oxycodone, hydrocodone, diazepam, temazepam, alprazolam, and doxylamine, the medical examiner's office said.

The drugs are the generic names for the OxyContin painkiller, the anti-anxiety drug Valium, Xanax, an anti-anxiety drug, and the sleep aids Restoril and Unisom. Hydrocodone is another name for the better-known Vicodin.


Ledger was found dead in his Manhattan apartment on Jan. 22.
Ledger, 28, was found face down and naked on his bed and naked at 3:26 p.m. by his housekeeper.
His housekeeper had entered Ledger's room to let him know that a masseuse had arrived for an appointment, police said.
Police sources said investigators found two bottles of sleeping and anti-anxiety pills at the apartment.
While not a marquee movie star, Ledger was a respected, award-winning actor who chose his roles carefully rather than cashing in on his heartthrob looks. He was nominated for an Oscar for his performance as a gay cowboy in "Brokeback Mountain," where he met Michelle Williams, who played his wife in the 2005 film. The two had a daughter, now 2-year-old Matilda, and lived together until they split up last year.
The death was a shocking and unforeseen conclusion for one of Hollywood's bright young stars. Though his leading man looks propelled him to early stardom in films like "10 Things I Hate About You" and "A Knight's Tale," his career took a notable turn toward dramatic and brooding roles with 2001's "Monster's Ball."


http://www.wnbc.com/news/15224103/detail.html

[KissMeKate]

That's quite the cocktail they found in his system, so I'm not surprised either. Still sad, he had so much potential! :cry:

[Andreadoria]

Hollywood and their legal Drugs Strike again!!!

What a shame. He was probably given one for one reason and then the others to counter side effects.

This has happened to regular people tooo many times, the sad part is it is never news worthy. I know a few this has happened to.

I feel for his daughter.

[LadyLaura]

EEK! Looks like he was doubling up on everything! Two different pain meds, two anti-anxiety, and two types of sleeping pills. And taking the anti-anxiety WITH the sleeping pills is a definate no-no anyhow. ALL these pills are things that would be depressants of some type, no wonder he didn't wake up. And lord only knows the dosages! What a shame!

[FairieTink]

EEK! Looks like he was doubling up on everything! Two different pain meds, two anti-anxiety, and two types of sleeping pills. And taking the anti-anxiety WITH the sleeping pills is a definate no-no anyhow. ALL these pills are things that would be depressants of some type, no wonder he didn't wake up. And lord only knows the dosages! What a shame!

The report I read said he wasn't taking more than his suggested dose, it was just a combo of them all.

[DoñaNina]

The report I read said he wasn't taking more than his suggested dose, it was just a combo of them all.

That's what his parents say, but not what the autopsy says. I think they're trying to save face, which I can understand.

[Phoenix McHeit]

That's what his parents say, but not what the autopsy says. I think they're trying to save face, which I can understand.

Yes it is what the autopsy says:
The official said the death was ruled an accidental overdose not because he took a large number of pills at once but because of the cumulative effect that taking numerous drugs had on his system.

[Lady Anisette]

Poor thing must have really been desperate for sleep. There was some news earlier about him really having problems sleeping.... It is so sad really.

[Ysobelle]

That poor bastard. That's a hell of a mistake to make.

What a waste.

[LadyLaura]

Agreed that just the combo at recommended dose would probably be enough. Who knows, he could have been confused as to what time(s) he took which one(s). And some of these drugs stay in your system a LONG time, they have a "half-life", if you keep taking them, the amount in your system keeps adding up...

I agree, it is a waste.

[DoñaNina]

Okay, I got confused. They keep saying the word "overdose" which to me says that he took too much.

[Ysobelle]

Oh, he probably took the right amount. Of too many drugs at once.

I mean, if I had OxyContin, Vicodin, Valium, and G-d-knows-what-else in MY system all at the same time, I'd be lucky to remember I had feet, much less how much I'd taken of which drugs.

[DoñaNina]

Oh, he probably took the right amount. Of too many drugs at once.

Seriously dude must have been desperate. Could you imagine mixing that many drugs?? I get nervous when I take asprin and allergy medicine in the same day. : /

[LadyLaura]

Well, really, when I came back from my appendectomy, I had painkillers PLUS the three drugs I take normally, so no, not all THAT far fetched. However, to be SAFE, I would write down what I took and when, so as not to make any mistakes, and checked with the pharmacist about any possible reactions/interactions...

[surlywench]

Okay, I got confused. They keep saying the word "overdose" which to me says that he took too much.

an overdose can mean too much of ONE thing, or a combination of things. The combined effect of the prescribed amount of several drugs can constitute a drug overdose. It is simply too much for your system to handle all at the same time.

[Phoenix McHeit]

Update: http://movies.msn.com/movies/article.aspx?news=301273&GT1=7701

Good news for Terry Gilliam


Terry Gilliam's "The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus" has been saved from cinematic doom, according to Ain't It Cool News.
Despite the tragic death of pic's star Heath Ledger, Johnny Depp, Jude Law, and Colin Farrell have all signed on to play Ledger's character, 'Tony,' in the film.

[Cyranno DeBoberac]

Johnny Depp, Jude Law, and Colin Farrell have all signed on to play Ledger's characterUhhh.... isn't that a bit of overkill? Wouldn't just one actor suffice?

Then again, this is a Gilliam film. :wink:

I wonder if all three will be on screen at the same time, all reciting Heath's lines in unison. Maybe they can all wear a single huge three-headed tabard, like in Holy Grail. :D

[Phoenix McHeit]

Pssst - read the link, Bob.

Ledger's character is transported into three separate dimensions in the fantasy pic; these new worlds, which Ledger accesses via a paranormal mirror, will now be inhabitated by Depp, Law, and Farrell.

I'm supposing that Gilliam perhaps made it a bit like, 'when he crosses into the other world, he looks like a different person' kind of thing.

[Cyranno DeBoberac]

Ah, okay.

I still like my idea of a giant three-headed tabard better though. :wink:

So I guess Heath completed all the filming of scenes in the "real world", and now they just have to do his scenes in these alternate worlds. Interesting.

[Pathos]

Uhhh.... isn't that a bit of overkill? Wouldn't just one actor suffice?
I think the idea is when Heath's character goes through the mirror...he emerges as someone else. If Heath were still alive it would've allowed him to play 4 different versions of himself but without him...a different actor for each reality seems to me the only logical way.

It is good news. I'm sorry it had to happen this way but I'm excited to see the finished project. There had been rumors Johnny Depp might be involved but since he and Terry are friends his name gets thrown around a lot with regards to Terry's projects.

[Pathos]

I'm supposing that Gilliam perhaps made it a bit like, 'when he crosses into the other world, he looks like a different person' kind of thing.
Yeah...what she said.

Sometimes I take too long typing a response.

8-)

[Pathos]

Just to give you an idea of how often Gilliam's films have production problems...

http://www.theonion.com/content/node/32920

8-)

[Cyranno DeBoberac]

Just to give you an idea of how often Gilliam's films have production problems...

http://www.theonion.com/content/node/32920

8-)


That's great. I love The Onion.