Ang Lee Mourns Loss of Ledger
Associated Press
Jan 23, 2008
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AP Photo This image provided by Focus Features shows actor Heath Ledger portraying the character Ennis Del Mar, center, and director Ang Lee, right, in the movie "Brokeback Mountain." |
HONG KONG - Taiwanese director Ang Lee mourned the death of Heath Ledger, saying working with the Australian-born actor was "one of the purest joys of my life."
Ledger costarred with Jake Gyllenhaal in Lee's Oscar-winning movie "Brokeback Mountain." He played Ennis Del Mar in the gay romance about two ranch hands who carried on a secret love affair.
"Working with Heath was one of the purest joys of my life. He brought to the role of Ennis more than any of us could have imagined - a thirst for life, for love, and for truth, and a vulnerability that made everyone who knew him love him. His death is heartbreaking," Lee said in an e-mail to The Associated Press.
Ledger's performance in "Brokeback Mountain" earned him a best actor Oscar nomination. Lee garnered the best director award for the film.
The 28-year-old actor was found dead Tuesday by his housekeeper and masseuse in New York City - lying naked and face-down at the foot of his bed, with prescription sleeping pills nearby, police said.
An initial autopsy on the actor was inconclusive.
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