Heath Ledger's death?

Question:I've been taught that actors should be cautious in calling on emotions that can leave them w/ difficulties in getting out of that place or mode of acting in which they've put themselves. Not saying this is what killed Heath Ledger, I think his death was a terrible accident, and not suicide. But I know how drainning it can be emotionally doing certain roles, and it's been said by heath Ledger himself that he's had problems sleeping after completing his work on playing the character of The Joker, and it was unsettling for him and the method he used in preparing for this very heavy psychological role was very bold, as an actor one has to respect that, but I can't help but think that maybe this was a factor in this accident. If heard stories of how it took months for Gary Oldman to get out of the character of Dracula because he was so submerged in it. I'd appreciate any serious feedback on this.

R.I.P Heath Ledger

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I've been taught that actors should be cautious in calling on emotions that can leave them w/ difficulties in getting out of that place or mode of acting in which they've put themselves. Not saying this is what killed Heath Ledger, I think his death was a terrible accident, and not suicide. But I know how drainning it can be emotionally doing certain roles, and it's been said by heath Ledger himself that he's had problems sleeping after completing his work on playing the character of The Joker, and it was unsettling for him and the method he used in preparing for this very heavy psychological role was very bold, as an actor one has to respect that, but I can't help but think that maybe this was a factor in this accident. If heard stories of how it took months for Gary Oldman to get out of the character of Dracula because he was so submerged in it. I'd appreciate any serious feedback on this.

R.I.P Heath Ledger

Stanislavski (on whose work Strassberg based the Actor's Studio) TOTALLY opposed using psychology or emotions to develope a character. He believed in play acting. You take a role. You develop it. You look at reality, pick clothes and other aids to help you build the character.

Everyone has to remember show biz is not brain surgery.

He had an amazing career going for him, children, good looks, and talent.

It's hard to imagine how his death wouldn't be an accident, but you honestly don't know what has gone on in his personal life.
I've heard he was substance abuser and such, so maybe he overdosed on too many of those sleeping pills which caused his death.

I could also see where his role in playing The Joker could play into his death, where he had to go through all the psychological preparations and maybe that did drive him into the point of insanity because he couldn't get the idea of playing that character out of his life.

All you can really do is wait while his death becomes more and more examined and friends and family are questioned about his last moments alive before we can make any assumptions.

<3

I agree. Jack Nicholson even said that playing the joker himself was a hard role, and that he warned Heath not only about taking medicine to help him sleep, but about the severity and mental strain of playing such an intense role. It is definitely a tragedy for any young and talented person to have their life ended so soon.

~*RIP Heath*~

Heath's death was deffinatly a terrible shame. He was supposed to be the next Brad Pitt. But it was worst for his family. They weren't informed of his desth. They found out from the media. Plus he was the second dead star in 2 or 3 weeks. This is very sad. Heath was a good guy. Life was going great for him. He was lovin life, lovin his career, and lovin his daughter. It's really sad when they die at such a young age. He will be missed terribly. Now Johnny Depp will play the Joker.

RIP Heath Ledger
~Amy~