I have no doubt that this will be an amazing performance, and despite the untimely death for which were all sorry at least we can be thankful that he went out on a high in his carrier, playing a role that he describe as incredibly fun and challenging. I can't wait to go and see this film, not only because I'm a massive Batman fan, but because I believe Heath deserves every viewer he can get for what I believe will be an incredible performance of an iconic character. As someone that lost a father at an early age I wish I could directly send my condolences to his wife and daughter, but right now, I guess this as good a place as any to voice my sorrow.

This looks fantastic, but I don't envy the producers or actors working the junket. Guess what 99 percent of the press questions are going to be about...

That just tore my heart out a little bit.

Better to have your final bow be in a decentmovie, instead of some piece of crud. Ledger, like Oliver Reed and Sir Ralp Richardson, is oddly lucky in that regard.

I met him first with Ben Harper, and then I just finished working with Heath on this film. I'm so flip-fucked in shock right now I cannot breathe. Most chillingly...and sadly...is that when people see this film - and the Joker's back story? Tears will pour like screams of heartbreak. I've known few PEOPLE (much less an actor) with a depth of soul that outweighs their contrived public persona as Heath had...he was a warm, haunted person. This is all too much. I hope you will all keep Michelle and Matilda in your prayers. Poor Michelle...the burden she'll carry will be devestating.
To each of you I ask this, in his memory: If you know of ANYONE hurting and alone tonight - a friend whose been through divorce, or lsot a job, or someone recently finding their life in upheaval...call them or see them tonight. Tell them that they are loved, are not alone, and that a brighter day does lay ahead. LISTEN to their problems, and offer them love and friendship. We should never let those we care about feel alone and under a dark cloud. You might just save a life. Sometimes cries for help are silent...and masked with a smile.

I just saw the "Why so serious?" ad for the first time yesterday. Scared me then, terrifies me now.

@whitekidinflatbush: I know...I've had that teaser poster as my desktop wallpaper for weeks, and now I can't look at it...I was also looking forward to hearing him deliver that laugh that's in the trailer too...

Shit, creepier than The Crow.

I'm going back to my BBM soundtrack and cry some more now.

kristism gellemhal is absolved!!

I have been weepy from the moment I heard this and that just made me weepier.

Loved him. My favourite young actor. Fucking brilliant, and sort of under-rated. His role in Brokeback was one of the best of his generation, I thought.

Will continue battle to stop myself from bawling.

Evanessence: what a lovely post. When I heard this today I was truly crushed. The first thing I thought about was his daughter, who I'm sure he loved dearly. The poor girl will have to grow up with this tragic story of her father. But he left a legacy of not only his devotion to her, but some amazing, not to mention ground-breaking performances. May he rest in peace and prayers and hugs to the parents, Michelle, and Matilda.

I tell you, watching the trailer now gives me the most incredible sense of unease, anticipation, and wonderment all wrapped into one.

I miss that guy.

"Let's put a smile on that face." Now that's a line that gets scarier whenever I think of it.

@Evanessence: I had a trivial piece of info to add, but your comment has made all others beside the point. Thank you for something truly profound.

I think we all knew this was going to be an amazing film from the get go and I cannot wait to see it. Dammit I am sad.
Evanessence, thanks for your comment, it was put better than anything I have read.

As an Australian I mourn the death of a fellow Aussie. But moreso, I grieve for the person that came from far away to the U.S. to pursue their dream of making it in Hollywood, only to die here and at such a young age.

Cannot believe he's gone. It's so sad. He was so talented and seemed to be in such a good place as a dad. His look in this film is fantastic and I love that he was playing a villain. (probably first batman movie I really want to see.) Just so sad all around; reminiscent of River Phoenix in terms of lost talent. R.I.P Heath and love to Michelle and Matilda.

Goodnight, sweet prince.

One of the first things I thought of when I heard the news was also Brandon Lee's performance in The Crow, and how similarly sad/disturbing it will be to watch Heath in The Dark Knight. I know it's fresh in everyone's mind right now, but I hope his death doesn't cause the studio to dilute the portrayal in any way. It should be seen the way it was intended; anything less would be an insult to his legacy.

@ClipOnGirl:
By the time the picture hits the theaters most people will have forgotten he's dead.

@Cacafuego: Huh? Not likely.

@3cardkitty:
Believe me--the only reason people will remember he's dead is because of the studio promo people flogging the fact. Life goes on and the average person's attention span is not that long. The basic response will be "Oh--that's right. He died earlier this year, didn't he?" The counter-balance is the response: "I thought he died years ago."

@Evanessence: OK that's tearing my heart out a lot. All you people out there, I hope you are doing okay. Mr. Ledger's story happens to people at all levels of success in this business and this life--but the entertainment industry in particular works over the ones who have the magic...

@Cacafuego: Right, but for whatever reason and with whatever reaction, I don't think they're going to "forget he's dead."

@Evanessence: After a week and a half of pretending to my friends that I'm not absolutely devastated and heartbroken by a break-up, I pray they read your post. I feel better (a little tiny bit) just reading it myself.