Heath Ledger [Movie]

Heath Ledger 1979 - 2008 Movies Feb 20 2008

Intro

Ever since he danced across the bleachers while singing in 10 Things I Hate I About You in 1999, Heath Ledger has been one of Hollywood’s most popular actors. Tragically, the Australian star died last month at the age of 28.

Ledger’s death, and the mysterious circumstances surrounding it, have been a major topic of conversation lately both in the media and among friends. Listen in as Marni tells Amanda the bad news.

Dialogue

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Amanda

Marni

Marni: Did you hear about Heath Ledger?

Amanda: What about him?

Marni: Oh my God, he died.

Amanda: What? What is he, 27, 28 years old?

Marni: 28 years old and he died…

Amanda: Baby girl, right?

Marni: Yes.

Amanda: Didn’t he just separate from his wife? Recently, maybe within the last six months?

Marni: Yeah. Michelle Williams.

Amanda: OK I have to ask. Suicide? Drug overdose? It wasn’t a murder, right?

Marni: No. They don’t really know. And there was this whole weird involvement with Mary-Kate Olsen apparently.

Amanda: What?

Marni: Well, he was unconscious and his masseuse came in and thought he was sleeping, was setting up for a massage and called Mary-Kate Olsen instead of calling 9-1-1 immediately and there may be repercussions with that. In actuality, he was already dead so there was nothing they could have done.

Amanda: Interesting. Mary-Kate Olsen.

Marni: Yeah. So, I don’t know they’re connected…friends…

Amanda: Autopsy yet?

Marni: Not yet, but apparently he was taking Ambien…

Amanda: That’s it?

Marni: And they think he may have actually overdosed on that. Or potentially had a heart attack. I’ve also heard that.

Amanda: At 28 though? I guess it’s possible.

Marni: Very very sad. He was very talented. And get this. This is the crazy thing. People were protesting at his funeral.

Amanda: Why?

Marni: Because of his role in Brokeback Mountain.

Amanda: Oh, because it was phenomenal?

Marni: Well, exactly but apparently because they are such horrible people that they would protest a role that he played…

Amanda: That would have been wonderful for his wife and his daughter, you know?

Marni: Yeah, and his family. That’s really nice.

Amanda: That was his breakthrough performance.

Marni: It was incredible, and I think he was very talented and he will be missed.

Amanda: He just got started.

Discussion

Amanda hadn’t heard that Heath Ledger died. When Marni tells her, the first thing she thinks of is his baby daughter and his wife from whom he separated only six months ago.

When Amanda asks how Ledger died, Marni says that no one is quite sure but that it somehow involved young actress Mary-Kate Olsen. Amanda is quite surprised and Marni explains that when Ledger’s masseuse found him dead, she called Mary-Kate Olsen for some reason.

Marni guesses that Ledger may have died of an accidental overdose of prescription drugs. This has since been confirmed as the cause of his death.

Vocab X 9-1-1 n. Definition: police emergency line Example: Somebody call 9-1-1! There's been an accident! prescription drug n. Definition: drugs a doctor tells you to take; medicine Example: The doctor was fired for giving prescription drugs to people who didn't need them masseuse n. Definition: a woman who gives massages Example: Someday I'll be a star with my own personal masseuse. Until then, my back will just have to hurt. drug overdose n. Definition: when some dies or comes close to dying from consuming a lot of drugs in one sitting Example: It was the first time he had tried heroin, and tragically, he overdosed. separate v. Definition: to no longer live with your husband or wife in preparation for a divorce Example: My husband and I haven't divorced yet, but we've been separated for a year. bleachers n. Definition: rows of seats where spectators sit at sporting events Example: The pass was so bad that the ball landed in the bleachers. breakthrough n. Definition: event that changes things; major event that makes a difference Example: Michael Jordan had a breakthrough game when he scored 63 points. phenomenal adj. Definition: amazing; exceptional; better than most things Example: This pizza is phenomenal. I've never eaten pizza this good in my whole life. heart attack n. Definition: when someone's heart valves are clogged; the heart stops beating Example: My great grandfather had a heart attack and died. autopsy n. Definition: a medical procedure that determines how someone died Example: The autopsy revealed that she had been poisoned.

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