Heath Ledger was one the most charismatic and powerful screen presences of his generation. Having established a high-profile acting career by the age of 21 with the lead in 'A Knight's Tale', the young Australian went on to pursue a succession of increasingly diverse and often subversive roles that challenged the film industry's initial impression of him as a mere teen-idol. While a limited number of his early roles would hint at the greatness of which he was capable, it was not until his melancholy, Oscar-nominated performance in Ang Lee's modern classic 'Brokeback Mountain' that Heath proved beyond question the blistering extent of his abilities and secured his place amongst the Hollywood elite, bringing to this new status a depth of artistry absent in all but the most accomplished of his contemporaries. His sudden death at the age of 28 rocked the film industry to its core, created an international media storm, and threw a poignant shadow over the completed body of work that has now become his legacy. This book explores Heath's relationships with actresses Heather Graham, Naomi Watts, and Michelle Williams (his ex-fiancée and the mother of his daughter Matilda), recounts the full story of the making of 'Brokeback Mountain', and details that film's subsequent impact. It charts Ledger's increasingly troubled state of mind as the role of the Joker in 'The Dark Knight' took a disturbing physical and psychological toll, and examines the dissatisfaction with his own performances that plagued him until the very end. Heath Ledger: Hollywood's Dark Star is the definitive story of the life and times of a compelling and intense young man whose loss will be profoundly felt for many years to come.

Heath Ledger was a superstar on the world stage, a gorgeous guy, a true romantic, a man who was dedicated to his craft and who loved a laugh. This is the definitive look at the real life of Heath Ledger from childhood to fully-fledged stardom, with exclusive personal insights from his family and friends, by an Australian journalist and author Janet-Fife-Yeomans. This is an Australian story about the beginning of a legend.

The Joker in 2008's mega-hit movie The Dark Knight was an incredible, Oscar-worthy performance by this young and troubled actor. Tweens and teens were crazy about the film, and the world mourned when Ledger died. This book examines Ledger's brief career, background, and personal life, as well as the controversies surrounding his death. From his breakout role in the teen flick 10 Things I Hate About You to his Oscar nomination for his performance in Brokeback Mountain, Ledger's biography is bound to intrigue young movie fans. Lives Cut Short is a series in Essential Library, an imprint of ABDO Publishing Company.

From the time he first appeared in a school production of PETER PAN, aged just 10, Heath Ledger knew that he wanted to be an actor. His journey from his home in Perth, Western Australia, to international stardom in Hollywood was tragically brief, yet eventful. Ledger lived his entire adult life as a sought-after celebrity in the full and unrelenting glare of the media spotlight. The book follows Ledger's rise to fame from his early beginnings as a teenager on Australian TV to critical acclaim and international box-office success, detailing his many high-profile romances along the way. Heath ledger was one of Hollywood's most promising stars, having appeared in the movies 10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU, THE PATRIOT, MONSTER'S BALL, A KNIGHT'S TALE and BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN.

Ever wondered how Heath Ledger rose to stardom? Ledger was born on April 4, 1979 in Perth, an isolated town in Western Australia. He was the son of Sally Ledger, a French teacher, and Kim Ledger, a racecar driver and mining engineer. His father’s family established and owned the Ledger Engineering Foundry. He was of English, Scottish, and Irish descent. For more interesting facts you must read the biography. Grab your biography book now!

Young, cocksure, handsome and absurdly talented, Australian actor Heath Ledger shot to prominence with his first Hollywood film "10 Things I Hate About You": and a star was born. With huge charisma and smouldering looks lighting up the screen in a series of subsequent films, Heath was soon established as Hollywood A-list, dating a series of beauties such as Heather Graham and Naomi Watts, and living every young man's dream.But it was his award-winning and controversial role as Ennis Del Mar in "Brokeback Mountain" that cemented his place in the pantheon of acting greats - he was one of the youngest people ever to be nominated for an Oscar. And it was on the set of this film that he fell in love with his co-star Michelle Williams. Though the relationship wasn't to last, the couple had a daughter in 2005.With the world at his feet and a film-stealing turn in the new Batman movie, "The Dark Knight", in the can, there was worldwide shock and disbelief when the news broke that he had been found dead in his New York apartment on 22 January 2008. Prescription drugs, found next to his dead body, were thought to be the cause, but mystery surrounded the circumstances. Was it an accidental death? Or were the pressures of life in the spotlight too great to bear?What is certain is that this young man, who touched the lives of so many people, leaves behind a grief-stricken public and family, including a two-year-old daughter. This is the tragic story of the brilliant actor whose light shone so brightly but all too briefly upon the world.

HEATH WAVE! Heath Ledger may come from the land Down Under, but he's taking Hollywood by storm! After starting out in local musical theater, this talented hottie left his hometown, Perth, and headed to Sydney to forge a career in television and film. Success came easily in Australia, with Heath landing roles in the TV drama Sweat, as well as some Aussie films. Then, at 17 and with less than a dollar in his pocket, the precocious actor decided to try his luck in Los Angeles. He gained instant recognition starring opposite Julia Stiles in 10 Things I Hate About You, but the critical acclaim poured in after he nearly stole the show from Mel Gibson in The Patriot. And the rest has been Hollywood history. With lead roles in the eagerly anticipated films A Knight's Tale and The Four Feathers, Heath's career is on fire! Now, read all about Heath: his family life, his hobbies, his attitude toward show business, and more. In The Heath Is On, you'll get all the info on this up-and-coming young star: gossip, anecdotes, horoscope, vital stats -- it's all in here! The Heath is definitely on!