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Heath Ledger's Vanity Fair Cover - Interesting or Inappropriate?

PopSugar — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:00:06 -0700

The August cover of Vanity Fair features an old photo of Heath Ledger with more quotes and information about the final days of his life. Heath's friends and colleagues reveal more about his medical and psychological states at the time of his death, while also suggesting that his breakup with Michelle Williams and their custody battle may have played a big role. The article is accompanied by a portfolio of photos of the actor. It's interesting timing to give Heath the cover story, but what do you think of bringing all this new information to light - interesting or inappropriate?

Remembering Heath Ledger One Year Later

PopSugar — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 10:30:16 -0800

It's hard to believe a whole year has elapsed since the tragic and untimely death of Heath Ledger. It's only fitting on the one year anniversary of his death, Heath has been honored posthumously with his second Oscar nomination, this time for his chilling performance in The Dark Knight. The talented actor and loving father continues to be missed dearly by his family, friends, fans and Hollywood community. Take a look back at the years as Heath claimed fame, fell in love and became an award-worthy actor.

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Heath's Friends Weigh In on His Life One Year Later

PopSugar — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 10:30:18 -0800

It's hard to believe almost a year has gone by since Heath Ledger's tragic passing, but next Thursday will be the one-year anniversary of his death. He's already been honored with a few posthumous awards, including a Golden Globe, and with Oscar nominations less than a week away, the buzz around Heath's performance in The Dark Knight is as loud as ever. To continue honoring and celebrating his memory, Entertainment Weekly made Heath its cover story with quotes and highlights about his life from the people that worked closely with the actor and grew to know and love him over the years. Here are a few highlights from the touching article:

Gil Junger, director, 10 Things I Hate About You: "Heath came in to read, and he exuded a sexuality so uncommon for a man of that age. As soon as he left, I stood up and said, 'Ladies, I have never wanted to sleep with a man, but if I had to, that would be the man. Please hire him immediately.'"
Todd Black, producer, A Knight's Tale: "Heath was the pied piper. If you were sad, he took care of you. If you were happy, he made you happier just by dancing or talking or laughing. Fear didn't enter his psyche. He would say whatever was on his mind. If he didn't like you, you would know it, and if he liked you, you would know it."
Wes Bentley, friend and costar, The Four Feathers: "Heath's fun clouded its way through a room. It was infectious. If you were stuck in an elevator with him, you'd be entertained. He liked to go to Vegas dressed snazzy. He'd walk the streets of Vegas and never really have a plan, dressed up in a pink blazer and a tie. He liked to get a boat and travel to the Greek islands. Some people think he'd party too much and take drugs. That wasn't the case. It was young energy. He was high off life."
Terry Gilliam, director, The Brothers Grimm: "All of us who were close to Heath knew what was going on, and it was not the most pleasant experience. . . . He was obsessed with his daughter. She became the center of his thoughts. He would drag her up to my house in London. Here's Heath, Academy Award nominee, and he'd just grab his daughter, stick her in a backpack, hop on the Tube, and come up to the house. Nobody would have thought, There's Heath Ledger. He was just a guy with a kid."

To read a lot more quotes from costars and friends about Heath's life and tragic death, just read more.

Mel Gibson, costar, The Patriot: "We'd hook up from time to time and chat. He did ask me a couple of times for advice, but I just said, 'Hey, follow your own gut, dude. You're doing alright so far. Don't listen to me. I've often been known to be quite wrong about a lot of things.' But he was his own man. He was going to do what he was going to do. He was looking for a way to fulfill himself in his art and in who he was. He didn't have the cart before the horse."
Nicola Pecorini, friend and cinematographer, The Order and Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus: "Heath would sometimes ask for help to escape: 'Can you call me at 5:15 so I can pick up the phone and get off this interview?' It was very funny, because he was like a big kid - you know, 'Get me out of Science 101.' He went along for the ride, but at times it was a bit too much for him. He'd call me and say, 'Can I come play with your kid?' My son at the time was 10, and Heath would come and spend hours playing soldiers with him, just to get away from everything."
Catherine Hardwicke, director, The Lords of Dogtown: "During the awards and celebratory parties for Brokeback, he told me, 'I don't want to work. I want to take a year or two off where Michelle and I will move to Holland and ride bikes.' This dream took root in his mind: How can I get away? How can I get time to renew my soul? But the business doesn't want you to take that time. He was so desirable, everyone was offering him the most delicious things in the world on a daily basis."
Gary Oldman, costar, The Dark Knight: "I kind of raised my eyebrow at the casting and thought, Oh, I wonder how that will be. But any concerns that one may have had vanished when you got on the set with him. I did a couple of scenes with Heath in the first leg of the shoot in London. I called a friend and he said, 'How's Heath?' I said, 'He's breathtaking. He's going to be astounding.' I could tell just working for five minutes with him."
Pecorini: "He was so solid into keeping clean, it was quite stunning. I really think he died of a broken heart. I know it can sound very romantic, but it's very tragic. I think that's what killed him."
Steve Alexander, his CAA Agent: "We were making these incredible plans about what was next, career-wise. The day after he died, he was going to meet Steven Spielberg to explore the idea of playing Tom Hayden in a movie about the Chicago 7. This wasn't a guy who was even for a second thinking about checking out in any way, shape, or form. There's a moment in The Dark Knight when Heath's hanging upside down and he says to Batman, 'You and I are destined to do this forever.' It's a very sad moment. A sequel certainly would have happened. I cringe when I read that he was a tortured soul or a Method actor who couldn't get out of his own way because he'd played this dark character. It's just not true."
Oldman: "If Heath does get an Oscar nomination, I can just picture him up there, looking down and going, F---!"

Sugar Bits - Kelly Rutherford's Custody Battle Heats Up

PopSugar — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 09:30:06 -0800

Kelly Rutherford filed emergency papers against her estranged husband, stating she's worried he will leave the country with their son Hermes and disappear. He countered with claims she has a physically abusive temper and has thrown a laptop at him. - E! Online
Howie Mandel was hospitalized with an irregular heartbeat yesterday while filming in Canada. It was not a heart attack, and he should be released soon. - AP
Mariska Hargitay is suffering from a collapsed lung. She is still expected to appear on the rest of her Law and Order: SVU episodes, although she missed the Golden Globes on Sunday. - Access Hollywood
John Travolta and Kelly Preston released a letter to their fellow residents of Ocala, thanking them for all of their condolences and help as they grieve for the death of their son, Jett. - Ocala Star-Banner
A judge granted Jennifer Love Hewitt's request for a restraining order against a man accused of stalking her. The man is not allowed to go near Jennifer, her ex-fiance, her mom, or Universal Studios for three years. - TMZ
Heath Ledger's Golden Globe award will be given in his memory to his daughter Matilda when she is older. - People

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Sugar Bits - Taylor Will Stay on as Jacob For Twilight Sequel

PopSugar — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 09:30:03 -0800

The author of the Twilight series and director of New Moon confirmed that Taylor Lautner will be reprising his role as Jacob Black in the next movie. There were rumors he would be replaced due to the necessary physical changes needed to continue in the role. - BuzzSugar
A 90210 rep confirmed they are in final talks with Tori Spelling to have her appear on the spinoff series at the end of January. Rumor has it her debut episode will be the one Jason Priestley directs. - Entertainment Tonight
Many celebrities, including Nicole Kidman, Naomi Watts, and Hugh Jackman, have contributed to Heath Ledger's scholarship fund, and an Australian actor will be chosen as the recipient over the next month. - People
Balthazar Getty might be kicked off Brothers & Sisters sooner than was initially expected, even before this current season ends. His rep denies this, but the studio had no comment. - E! Online
Cristiano Ronaldo got into a car accident in a Manchester tunnel earlier today, crashing into a construction barrier and completely wrecking his Ferrari, but fortunately he wasn't injured. - The Sun
Dr. Jan Adams, the plastic surgeon who operated on Kanye West's mother before she died, was sentenced to one year in jail after pleading no contest to a DUI yesterday. - TMZ

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Sugar Bits - Drama Arises Over Heath's Golden Globe Nom

PopSugar — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 09:30:00 -0800

There is supposedly conflict over who would accept Heath Ledger's Golden Globe award on his behalf if he wins. His father wants to do the honors, but the studio would like Michelle to accept it and represent Matilda. - Rush & Molloy
The Day the Earth Stood Still debuted at the top spot at the box office this weekend, earning $31 million as Four Christmases took second place. - BuzzSugar
NHL player Sean Avery was cut from the Dallas Stars after he made inappropriate comments calling Elisha Cuthbert his "sloppy seconds" in an interview. Avery is currently in a treatment center while the team decides what to do with his contract. - Us Weekly
Madonna and Guy Ritchie might be spending Christmas in London together for the sake of their children, despite all of the drama surrounding their divorce. - Daily Mail
Mad Men's Christina Hendricks announced that she is engaged to Geoffrey Arend, an actor in an upcoming series called Trust Me, which is also about ad men. - People
Scarlett Johansson is taking legal action against UK's Cosmopolitan for manufacturing an interview with Scarlett including quotes about Ryan Reynolds she claims she never said. - E! Online

Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

Biggest Headlines of 2008: RIP Heath Ledger

Molly — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 12:30:13 -0800

We've been counting down the most shocking headlines of 2008, and we'll be revealing more throughout the month of December. We hope you enjoy this look back at some of the posts and stories that created the most buzz throughout the year.

On January 22, 2008 we all learned a lesson about the tragic side of fame when we learned Heath Ledger had passed away of an apparent overdose that morning. As fans old and new alike tried to make sense of it and scramble for bits of information, the heartbreaking truth set in: we had lost one of the greatest actors of our time. He was a father, a son, a partner. He was known as a devoted actor and a kind person. He is still missed, he will be missed.

By the end of the 22nd, the details were still unknown but there were many theories being floated - some about Mary-Kate Olsen, though her involvement was never confirmed and the investigation is closed. His death was ruled an accident. A lethal combination of prescription drugs was found in his body.

To read more about the aftermath and his legacy just read more.

His friends and colleagues in Hollywood had only kind words and family released a statement saying: "Heath has touched so many people on so many different levels during his short life but few had the pleasure of truly knowing him. He was a down to earth, generous, kind-hearted, life-loving and selfless individual who was extremely inspirational to many."

Michelle released a heartbreaking statement saying, "My heart is broken. I am the mother of the most tender-hearted, high-spirited, beautiful little girl who is the spitting image of her father." In early February, Michelle joined Heath's family and loved ones for a beautiful celebration of his life and memorial service in Australia. It was the first most beautiful smile we saw on Michelle's face since the tragic loss.

We took a look back on his life through classic images and his fans - whether their favorite of his movies was 10 Things I Hate About You or Brokeback Mountain - reminisced about their favorite moments through tributes. There were hundreds of reasons, explanations and theories about why he passed away, but in the end the truth was just that he was gone too soon.

As the cold began to thaw in New York, we saw Michelle and Matilda emerge in Brooklyn for their happy walks and Michelle's carefully and radiantly stepped back onto the red carpet. In his hometown a theater was named in his honor, as was the scholarship set up in his name with Michelle making the first contribution.

In mid-July, The Dark Knight hit theaters to immense praise and broke box office record after box office record making upwards of $400 million already. It is slated for rerelease in early January 2009. Easily the most beloved movie of the Summer and perhaps best superhero movie of all time crowds gathered to see it again and again, constantly in awe of Heath's incredible performance.

The investigation into his death officially ended in early August, and in September his family chose to leave his estate to Matilda. Fellow actors Johnny Depp, Jude Law and Colin Farrell, the actors who took over Heath Ledger's role in his final movie The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus are donating their profits to Matilda.

Through his memorable performances especially The Dark Knight an Oscar contender, Heath's memory will not be forgotten. Michelle's grief breaks our hearts, but his beautiful mini me continues to grow and smile helping Heath's legacy live on.

Source, Source, Splash News Online and Flynet

Are You Surprised By the Top Ten Most Valuable Celebrity Faces of 2008?

PopSugar — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 09:00:00 -0700

Forbes just released their annual list of the celebrity faces that sell the most magazine covers, and it's definitely a shake up from last year. Angelina took the top spot, followed by Jennifer Aniston, Heath Ledger, Jamie Lynn Spears, Nicole Richie, Jessica Simpson, Suri Cruise, Shiloh Jolie-Pitt, Heidi Montag, and Owen Wilson. Sounds like shocking headlines played a major role in this year's list, so tell us - are you surprised by the top ten most valuable celebrity faces of 2008?

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Sugar Bits - Julia Roberts and More to Honor Paul Newman

PopSugar — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 09:30:51 -0700

Julia Roberts, Tom Hanks, and Sean Penn will honor the late Paul Newman at a benefit for his charities at Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco on Oct. 27. - Us Weekly
Eagle Eye opened at the top spot at the box office this weekend, bringing in $29.2 million, as the fourth best September debut. Nights in Rodanthe snagged the second spot with $13.6 million. - BuzzSugar
The NFL and NBC have confirmed the rumors that Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band will play at the 2009 Super Bowl halftime show in Tampa on Feb. 1. - AP
Photos have surfaced of Heather Locklear during her DUI arrest this weekend. - TMZ
Kanye will not be charged with felony counts after his attack on a paparazzi at LAX airport earlier this month. - AP
Matilda's trustee is suing Heath Ledger's life insurance company because they are delaying paying out the $10 million policy until they investigate whether he committed suicide, despite his death being ruled accidental by police. - TMZ
ICYMI Ryan Reynolds and Scarlett Johansson got married at a remote wilderness resort in Vancouver on Saturday.

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Sugar Bits - Amy Adams Is Engaged!

PopSugar — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 09:30:34 -0700

Amy Adams is engaged to her boyfriend of six years, Darren Legallo, and the wedding is being planned for next year. - USA Today
Rapper Nas gave a speech and joined political groups outside of the NYC Fox News building yesterday to turn in a petition protesting the network's portrayal of African-Americans. - CitizenSugar
Anne Hathaway's diaries, along with other personal items, were seized by the FBI in its ongoing investigation of her ex-boyfriend Raffaello Follieri, who thinks that she may have set him up. - Rush & Molloy
50 Cent filed a lawsuit against Taco Bell yesterday, saying the chain used his name without permission in an ad where they claimed to send a letter asking the rapper to call himself 99 Cent for a day. - AP
Prior to his death, Heath Ledger was a silent investor in a Brooklyn bar called Five Leaves, and his father has released funds to finish the construction of the new bar. - Page Six
Mindy McCready checked into rehab in Arizona on July 16 after overdosing on Ambien and vodka and being rushed to the emergency room in Nashville. - E! Online

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