Star Ledger: More About Why Heath Quit Me

• On learning of his death, the most amazing thing to me was that I'd always taken it for granted that Heath Ledger was older than he actually was. You don't often get a view of a gift as great as his in someone that young even though talented. And I do mean gift -- that certain something you can't go out and buy or be taught that sets some of us at the head of the class. Nonetheless, he did a great deal with his gift while he had use of it and maybe he can be forgiven his short stay because he showed us so much. There are two disturbing things about all this however. First, learning of the possiblity that this all may have happened just because footing the bill for a career and a name kept him in such a state of unrest that he couldn't find a place of ease inside except through medication. Second, the press and fanatic public have hyped his passing near tantamount to the death of Christ it would seem. This is most unfortunate, somewhat pathetic too, in that there are places worldwide where people known for nothing in particular left this life totally unknown that same Tuesday but will not be remembered despite the equally sad, even quite possibly sadder circumstances that removed them. Well � what can you say?

• Anyone who's ever performed live knows the feeling when you go home after the show, after the after-party, you stand waiting for the rush of exhiliration that never comes, or something like Jackie Susann said.

• I know the feeling! I fet like a king while shooting the E! True Hollywood Story about Liza Minnelli, then sadly had to ride my bike home alone.

• Dr. Drew was speaking last night on CNN about the very thing Raftery address' here. I really resent the news media reporting unsubstantiated rumors as fact such as he was discovered in Mary Kate Olsens home. Lies like that have to be very painful for his loved ones and friends. Days after Heath's untimely death, it's like they don't care what they say as long as they can keep saying "Heath Ledger."

• Yes, it is very sad that Heath Ledger has died. Sad that his daughter will grow up without a father and sad that her mother will be left alone to raise her. We have all heard the "I can only see myself when reflected in the lens of a camera" story before. It is because, as actors, at the very core of our being...before we decide to channel our art into masterpieces (or pieces of shit)...we WANT ATTENTION. When an actor of Ledger's former stature arrives on set, a well-orchestrated ballet jumps into movement. His every whim and desire is catered to to ensure that he will be able to give the very best performance on that day. They are treated like pharaohs who never hear the word "no". It makes perfect sense to me that after principal photography is done and everyone goes their seperate ways and the next morning YOU have to get your chai latte BY YOURSELF!!!!!!!! Yeah, that drive over to the Coffee Bean on Sunset can be real fuckin' lonely. Mix in some dissociative yet recreational drugs into the mix and I can see an end in sight,

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