Heath Ledger died yesterday afternoon, as you certainly are aware of by now.
It was shocking - there are many celebrities right now who we pretty much expect to die, Britney Spears and Amy Winehouse springing grossly to mind, but Heath Ledger's death caught me like a gut punch. If capering for our entertainment is so soul-destroying that it wears 28 year olds out and leaves them sick and alone and naked and dead even with their fame, maybe we should double-check on how much entertainment we actually need. I'm tired of watching talented young people fall apart for my entertainment, their every horrible decision captured for my enjoyment. I'm tired of seeing dozens of flashbulbs pop as some sad, bagged body is brought out, capturing it's lonely last trip for my viewing pleasure.
Heath Ledger, it has been reported, had pneumonia and was on a possibly-fatal combination of antibiotics, sleeping pills and antidepressants. ANTIDEPRESSANTS. That's horrifying, that a young man with a thriving career, critical acclaim, millions of dollars and all of perks that fame brings - endless attractive sexual partners! fancy clothes! interesting drugs! - was that unhappy. (this was meant ironically, people!) What does our society possibly have to offer anyone if the winners aren't happy with their prize?
Our cultural rot is well displayed by our celebrities, I think, this weary horde of promiscuous drug addicts that we admire and despise. Occasionally - more then occasionally - one of them dies and we then find that we always loved them. And now an actually talented, respected young actor has unexpectedly died and his child has no father and if my son wanted to be an actor, I would lock him in his room. "Come out when you want to be an accountant," I would yell through the doorknob and by now, regardless of what I think, some already-famous two year old has landed back in the United States, unaware that this is the start of her life without her promising, handsome father, unaware that our eyes are now on her, eager to watch her stumble and fall.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
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81 comments:
well said. I agree this one caught me by surprise. So young and attractive and full of promise. You described it perfectly. And I loved this "Come out when you want to be an accountant,"!!
Really well said Beck!
Right on, Beck. Right on.
This was quite touching. Very well written.
Really well written, exactly what I have been thinking. when did we become a people who needed such gruesome details...why should it be important how he was found? what his house looked like? etc? jeez leave the poor man some dignity. Its disgusting.
Took the words right out of my mouth. I absolutely expected this from Britney, Lindsay, Amy. Not him. It's so sad. And as I was reading your post, Amazing Grace came on my radio. Now I am melancholy. RIP Heath.
My new years resolution this year was to stay away from all the gossip sites. It's helped my self-respect enormously.
It's a tragic loss for sure.. I confess I STILL can't watch a River Phoenix movie without thinking WHY???
People are always saying to me, "Your daughter is so pretty - you should really get her into modeling and acting."
My response is always, "OH GOD FORBID!" Or "PERISH THE THOUGHT."
Why on earth do I get such puzzled responses when I say that's not the path I'd choose for Bean? Why on earth would I want my child to go the way of the many young entertainers whose lives are destroyed, usually before they can even vote?
No thanks. I'm with you, Beck.
A beautifully written post - this truly captures the truth of this horrible trend our society finds so captivating.
"What does our society possibly have to offer anyone if the winners aren't happy with their prize?"
This will stick with me for some time, I think. I will tuck it away in my mind, ready to pull out for those times when the self-doubt creeps in and I begin to question my decision to do something with my life that goes against the expectation of our society. Thank you.
Argh. I found out about his death by reading your blog. Gee, I guess I AM totally isolated when I don't read the news.
This hit me, too. More because I found someone close to me dead the same way (although not naked) and it was also a bad combination of drugs. But more than that, he was medicating his sadness and it ended up being an overdose, but probably not intentional. Maybe like Heath.
I firmly believe that, no matter how wealthy, famous, or "wonderful" ones life is, if that person doesn't have a relationship with God, there is still a real void. And so many of us try to fill the void with work, drug of choice, search for wealth, etc. But what is a celebrity to do. He already has the wealth and, as you said, ability to self-medicate. But obviously that isn't enough. Even for the rich and famous.
So sad. Poor Heath. Poor child.
I have been incapable of getting my head around why this is bothering me... thanks for the clarification. These stars are rich, famous, get everything they desire and yet still are not satisfied. What will satisfy us? What is missing? Why are we never happy?
Things like this make me think it would do North America a great deal of good if we just turned our TV's off! People would be alot happier not knowing what they are missing out on by not being a celebrity and just maybe some celebrities would have a shot at normalcy (whatever that is). This is one of the reasons why I'm not too bummed that there is STILL a writer's strike going on. All of that being said while there are two tv's on in my house blaring children's shows and I just got my turn back on the computer from a Wow Wow Wubbzy game.
I just posted about this as well... so incredibly sad and scary and frustrating.
THere's a lot to be said for 'not having enough time' to watch as much telly as I'd like to.
Best wishes
Oh, how beautiful, true, and sad, sad, sad.
Yes, this one was a shock to me.
People have asked me why I never pursued a singing career and I thought, "No way!". I can't imagine living every move in the spotlight. I can't imagine what celebrities go through. I can't believe that people actually dream of that kind of stardom. It just blows me away.
When will this stop? Something in our society has to change.
Another great post, Beck!
I was so shocked I gasped out loud. Well put Beck, as always you bring the thoughts to reality. I would have never imagined he would go this way.
I have nothing to add to this...you said it all.
Heidi
You captured my thoughts (and so much more) so eloquently!
You nailed this. And it is so sad.
I was picking up books when my favorite librarian came out and looked distressed. And then he told me.
And we pondered: How could this happen to him, of all people?
You captured all I wanted to say, every word.
I am thinking of his little girl today and praying she has an easier path, against all odds.
So sad, Ms. Beck, and so true. You said exactly what I am feeling. God rest his soul.
You have any space in that room for my kids, in case they decide to be actors?
Emily
Well said, Beck. I truly don't get why people who have been given so much (earned or not) treat themselves so poorly.
It breaks my heart. You stated so well, Beck! So, so sad, this vicious circle we have created.
I read that he was on anti depressants and sleeping pills because he couldn't sleep while filming his role as the Joker in Batman. The character was so vile it really got to him.
You're so right. The Hollywood world is soul-destroying.
I do worry a little because my daughter has a natural flair for acting and limelight-hogging. I may have to lock her in her room until she agrees to be an accountant (or at least a teacher.)
Excellent, Beck. Youth and beauty and money and nice places to live in NYC obviously don't equal Joy on every level. So tragic.
I feel for his daughter.
I was so sad to hear about Heath's passing as I really liked him and had thought he was one of those that wouldn't fall in such a way. But, I also have to say, coming from a theatre background, it is so difficult sometime to switch on & off the character you are developing and that really does one over on your soul & personality and whatever else in your life. It is not easy, especially when you combine the crazy hours they keep and sleep they never get. You're right- maybe we should re-evaluate just why and how much we need the entertainment we think we need.
Steph
This is one of the many reasons I rarely ever (ok never) blog about celebrity and pop culture. Each voice fewer means that much less spectacle.
As for the anti-depressants, their use may well have been for clinical not circumstantial depression.
As for being an actor, I am married to one and I will very strongly support my daughter should she want to be one. The arts needs good, dedicated, talented people. I will never, however, encourage her to seek celebrity or fame and should it ever find her I will do my best to shelter her as, no doubt, Sarah Polley's family did for her.
I'm so...frustrated with what celebrity means right now. I'm so frustrated that we all assume that money and fame equals an easy life and happiness.
I'm just so bloody tired of the fact that an actor can't leave his job, and his "public" face outside of a door and lead a life with some semblance of privacy.
Sad. I am saddened by the death of an actor I respected and liked. I just wonder how many must die before people change their ways. Will this make anyone unsubscribed from their gossip sites? doubtful. We'll just read more.
Sorry for ranting.
Good post. I would not have known what on earth to say about the situation, but you did it well.
Wow, that is really sad. Your right, society will want to watch her fall. That is what sells much more than a well put together young lady. I feel so sad for that little girl.
Heath Ledger reminds me a lot of River Phoenix - so much talent gone! What a tragedy.
Man, you said it so well. Good form!!
So sad. My son said the other day that he was worried about the little gal that plays Hannah. "She is still so innocent" he said (he is 17 yrs-old). He is worried about her future. Will she fall prey to our insatiable celebrity-itis?
It is a sad thing.
That's pretty much exactly what I was thinking....only not about yelling through the doorknob to my son....my daughter, maybe. :)
I just learned this morning but I did wonder why a picture of Heath Ledger in my archives was getting so much traffic last night. It also caught me like a punch to the gut.
I agree with your point about the culture of celebrity but feel the need to point out that depression is an illness that does not necessarily equate with any objective measure of (un)happiness or wealth or whatever. Still, I imagine it must be very difficult to be unhappy when according to our culture you have everything anyone could want...
I know, I was shocked too. I'm 28, have no money, a kid, and I have to work everyday. However, I'm thrilled with my life! I would never let me kids get into modeling or acting, etc. I don't want them to think it's all about how they look, anyway.
Amen, sister. And how does someone, Britney Spears for example, ever find her feet and get stable when the freak show follows her around everywhere she goes? Being a movie star ain't what it used to be.
Susan
I'm glad you said that so well now I don't have to bother. Well Done.
So shocking, so sad. I want to give him the benefit of the doubt, so right now, just shocked... just sad.
So, so true. Just last night, my niece attended the long-awaited Hannah Montana concert (Does it matter at all that "Hannah" has a real name? Not really, she "performs" under that name too! Two celebrity children for the price of one!) The mommies who escort their tiny daughters to the show looove to exclaim how Hannah is "so different!" and "so level-headed" and "Such a role model!" Ignoring the fact that she's just getting started, but because of the fame machine, in my eyes, she has never really had a chance.
Not so often does celebrity news make me gasp, but news of Heath did. It's so sad. Especially for his daughter. That's what makes me the saddest of all.
Well said.
Unspeakably sad.
poor matilda. he was just way, way too young.
really nicely written post, Beck!
This totally shocked me too -- I heard it on French CBC and doubted myself and looked it up on the Internet. Such a waste, and people outside the apartmetn taking pictures of the body bag.
But depression, I have to say, is not a matter of money or no money, accolades or no accolades. It hits all kinds of people, with little regard to how perfect or not their lives seem.
AMEN AND AMEN!
I had the same thought as I watched the news and there was footage of the body being brought to a waiting ambulance while throngs of rubberneckers gawked and took hundreds of pictures. And then I realized I was one of them, pulled through the television, through the camera lens. It felt disrespectful.
Entertainment Value???? Perhaps we need to re-assess what we value.
Yes, Beck, you said it well. It's grotesque. I am very sad about it as well and went to bed last night feeling very grateful that my life isn't under a lense.
Another of your great and thoughtful posts - thanks. It saddened me, too, reading the news on Heath Ledger yesterday night.
And when I listened to my Amy Winehouse recordings today I wondered, if she'll ever be able to record another CD.
But you are right about the cost of our entertainment. Have never seen it that way.
Kimberly - I liked you comment on the void. I think you are very right. Even we as Christians feel that void often enough, but we mostly know, where to go for help...
DrKnow spent the morning making a card of condolence for a classmate whose father died suddenly yesterday. She is 5.
At least she gets to mourn in private with out having to run the media gauntlet. Poor little -- well named -- Matilda.
My three year old wants to be an actor. "It is playing pretend for grown ups" is his assessment. I don't mind if he wants to be an actor. But I don't want him to be a STAR. The two are so different.
You know I wasn't sure who he was at first.
Yeah. I don't get out much.
But your thoughts match mine exactly.
Thought provoking post.
Tammy and Parker
He was a great Aussie actor who supported young people's theatre here in Sydney, often attending local productions put on by youth. He was humble and approachable. One of the good guys. He died too young.
Beautifully expressed, my friend.
I just found your site through reading the comments on my beautiful friend, Ser's blog. I appreciate very much the sentiments expressed in this piece. May we all stay vigilant in our pursuit of truth and goodness, and appropriately skeptical of a culture promoting cruel and senseless voyeurism as an acceptable form of entertainment. Thank you for shedding light on the insanity of it all.
All very well said. Something to think about.
Ten Things I Hate About You is a movie I can watch over and over. He is the main reason for this. I really loved him in First Knight. Admired him as an actor and as eye candy. I'm saddened by his sad, sad death.
Given the choice, I think I'd pick my simple life to most celebrities' existences. I'm glad you posted on this, I've been thinking of it also.
Very well said.I guess you've already read that many times today. I find it so dismal that our culture ascribes to be like these people. That we idolize them, and that they are absolutely miserable.
I hadn't planned on blogging about celebs but I talked about Heath today too. I liked your post a lot because I hadn't thought of it in those terms. If my daughter wanted something like this I would totally discourage it.
What an absolutely perfect post.
It is all just so sad.
You said exactly what I think but avoided writing because I didn;t think I could get it right. You got it right. Wonderful writing Beck, wonderful post!
I don't know what the tipping point for me was...oh wait, I do. It was the uTube video of Britney being carted away from her house as her son stared bleakly from another car at the flashbulbs.
That was it, I thought.
I will not be part of this. And I haven't. Not a single video, web page click, or magazine article. If enough people just opt out, perhaps things will get better and young, talented people don't need to die.
This is exactly why his death just wrecked me. You nailed it exactly.
I agree. But I'm even more frustrated by how much attention we pay to "celebrities" these days. Yesterday the US economy took a huge plunge, there was a war going on in Iraq, we are months away from selecting a new President and young women like WhyMommy were having double mastectomies because we don't yet have a cure breast cancer. And yet THIS was the lead story.
I'll step off my soapbox now. Sorry.
Well, that was incredibly well said...I must say. Tragic, really.
I agree with the others.. very well said. I, too, will tell my children that they may not be famous, if they say that is their dream... Is it strange to say that my dreams for them are greater?
I was thinking earlier about how, when paparazzi push in people's faces and the people push back, they get arrested and in the papers on charges of assault. I think this voyeurism has got to stop. Until it does, there will continue to be headlines like this one.
This is an excellent post. I was trying to figure out why this particular death got to me (I live in L.A., I've spent most of my adult life in/around the entertainment industry), and you put your finger on a lot of things.
In this town, it is possible to meet all your goals early in life. Once that happens, if you don't have a higher purpose, depression can set in. I've seen it first hand. In fact, I may just blog about it.
I'm so glad you posted about this. I wanted to, but didn't havr time. Beautifully put.
Genius, Beck. Pure genius. I heard the news a day after it happened (London pony express being so slow..) and I got angry. Angry at the fact that this promising mult-millionaire chose drugs and self-obsession over his little daughter. Stupid stupid stupid. How selfish.
Yes, Beck, well said.
so sad indeed.... I had to post about his death as well... don't know why his death has affected me so much.
That is so depressing on so many levels. What is wrong with those people out there in Hollywood, and what is wrong with us as a culture that we admire them and pity ourselves? Is it that much different than the gladiator ring, really? I find the whole Brittany Spears thing to be revolting. She's bleeding while the sharks circle. Did we learn NOTHING from Anna Nicole's trainwreck?
And you know what's weirder? These people who are so lost, living in some neverland divorced from reality actually get to speak to CONGRESS for some reason. They have authority and influence - based upon what? They make political speeches and people actually LISTEN. They endorse presidential candidates and write books, for goodness' sake. What the...?! Are they deluded - or are we? Maybe both.
Well, the whole Heath Ledger thing just goes to show that contentment and satisfaction cannot be bought and beauty and fame do not guarantee happiness. It's such a gift, something I ought to be more thankful for on a daily basis. Isn't it interesting when you think about it - sometimes the very things we think we lack are the things that could choke out those simple precious gifts we already have.
By the way, how are you feeling? Empathy coming your way...
I actually hadn't heard about it yet.
Our society is getting more and more morbid by the hour...
beck, i've been reading all the coverage of heath's passing and yours is by far the most poignant to me. all i could think about when i heard the news was the beautiful fatherless child, and Michelle Williams too, whom i have no doubt is probably still in love with the father of her baby. very well written!
I was similarly shocked and saddened. What a tragedy, especially for his family and friends.
So many great thoughts here... It's all sickeningly sad.
Amen, girl. Amen.
Well done, Beck. Yes.
This WAS a surprise. The first thing I thought was, "Poor Michelle Williams." It must be a crushing blow to lose the father of your child, especially one who still seemed to be quite involved, even if you are no longer together. The loss of the extra support, the extra person in your child's life, the endless explaining ahead... All so very sad.
Wow, this is really well-put. I couldn't have said it better myself. His death has really bothered me, for these reasons.
Very well written, your expression of what happened was right on. It's sad when anyone dies, and when they are young and have a child it's even sadder. He will be miss in the entertainment world and most of all in his family's world.
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