Unbelievable

That's the only word I can think to express the news I heard today.  Sure, I realize we can't live forever but you really do expect some people to make it a little further.  Especially those that are seemingly healthy, wealthy and have an awful lot to live for.  It just goes to show you really never know what goes on behind closed doors with these Hollywood types.

As usual, I am getting ahead of myself.  What I am referring to is the shocking news about actor Heath Ledger.  He was found dead earlier this afternoon in his apartment from what is reported as a drug overdose.  He was a whopping 28-years-old.

When you think about it, we were about due for a young star to be taken too soon.  I guess one could count Brad Renfro's recent passing, but he wasn't near the nova that Ledger was.  I'm guessing most of the people reading this would have no idea who Renfro even was (he played the older kid in "The Client").  Anyone who watches movies knows who Heath was.

For a brief minute, it seemed like Owen Wilson was heading down a path of self-destruction.  Maybe the media was just getting a little over zealous and making too much out of nothing.  All that energy spent on his deeds was all for naught as he turned out okay while Heath is the one no one saw coming.

I could not think of a single movie Heath has been in that I did not like.  Ever since he first came on the scene with "10 Things I Hate About You", he had the likable guy part down and could act to boot.  He rocked "A Knight's Tale" and even the small underrated part he had in "Monster's Ball".  I have no doubt that he is definitely going to be a smash as the Joker in the upcoming Batman movie "The Dark Knight".

And let me break some news here that you can't tell anyone else.  One day when there was nothing at all on cable and there was still HBO in the house, I saw "Brokeback Mountain" was coming on.  I just had to see what was all the fuss was about.  Let me just say that Heath AND Jake Gyllenaal played them roles a little TOO good.

It's all for naught now as Heath becomes the latest in a string of young actors gone in his prime.  Yet another lesson that money and fame really can't buy everything.  Either that or when they do, one has to be careful of everything else that comes along with that success. 

Rest in peace, Heath.