Readers say goodbye to Heath Ledger

Readers shared their thoughts on the passing of actor Heath Ledger at latimes.com. What follows are excerpts:

Heath was the actor most like James Dean since James Dean. His performance in “Brokeback . . . “ will go down in film history as one of the greatest on record. I so admire his and Jake’s making of “Brokeback . . . “ As a gay man it gave me the first romantic film that I could personally identify with. I’ll be eternally grateful for the courage of these two actors . . . I’m very thankful we had him for a while.

-- Submitted by

Gary Rogers

“Only the good die young.”

-- Submitted by Sam

What a shame to have yet again lost someone so young with so much to offer us. We find far too much “worship” in gangsta types and people who are truly blessed with talent such as Heathcliff don’t get nearly the adulation they should. Rest in peace, dear boy.

-- Submitted by JD Brewer

I loved watching your films. This is a huge loss, but you will never be forgotten. You have a lot of fans over here in New Zealand that send their thoughts and wishes to all family and friends . . . May Matilda grow strong.

-- Submitted by Kylie/

New Zealand

I’m so wishing that this was a bad joke for his upcoming film “The Dark Knight” where he’s playing the Joker. I was so looking forward to seeing this film skyrocketing his career. . . . He was so human and not Hollywood.

-- Submitted by Kwok

I feel as if I lost a really good friend whom I never met.

-- Submitted by Clark

Not content to be just a face jockey, the motion picture industry has lost a bright light. RIP

-- Submitted by John

Heath was special, you could tell that by his acting. Sweet sweet man. Goodbye.

-- Submitted by Nena

It is always a tragedy when someone young dies, especially so unexpectedly. This young actor was very talented and at the pinnacle of his life. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, especially his little girl who will grow up not knowing who her dad was.

-- Submitted by Amber

from Texas

I know I speak for many of his UK fans that it feels like a light went out with his passing.

-- Submitted by Fiona May

Sooo sad, It’s times like this I hope heaven really does exist.

-- Submitted by Kellie

What a talented really special human being. His performances transcended acting and brought you into a close-felt human experience. Sympathy to his family and those he loved and loved him and sympathy to all of us for the loss of this great talent and the performances we will not get to see.

-- Submitted by Tim

You were supposed to teach us more in this life. . . . so sad to see you go so soon. You were needed elsewhere . . . our loss.

-- Submitted by Dudette

Still in shock, disbelieve and no words . . . An immense loss of very talented and gifted actor. He will be missed by all. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. Rest in peace, Mate. Your STAR will always shine.

-- Submitted by Helen,

The Netherlands

As a gay man, Ledger’s role in “Brokeback Mountain” was a social and political milestone. I thank him from the depths of my soul to making people just a little more tolerant.

-- Submitted by Arnold B.

In his films he will live forever.

-- Submitted by M.

from Germany