Heath Ledger

Heath Ledger, an Australian actor and music video director, carved a career out of nuanced roles in both his homeland and Hollywood, from the brooding Ennis Del Mar in "Brokeback Mountain" to the iconic Joker in "The Dark Knight." His portrayal of the latter earned him a posthumous Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, cementing his legacy as a chameleon-like performer capable of embodying dark, complex characters. Before his untimely death in 2008 from an accidental drug overdose, Ledger had already captured critical acclaim for his varied performances, including a New York Film Critics Circle Award for "Brokeback Mountain" and an Independent Spirit Award for "I'm Not There," in which he played one of six characters inspired by Bob Dylan.