With an update on Heath Ledger's funeral. The overwhelming amount of support from local New Yorkers, Heath's father Kim has confirmed with New York's Frank E Campbell Funeral Chapel that they will host his funeral, George Amado, Funeral Director had told the Associated Press that the family has requested that no details be revealed to the public. Reportedly, Heath's family is onroute to New York, and will arrive today. Stars are also arriving in New York, to join in with Heath's family for his funeral ceremony, more to come on that as the day progresses. What has been revealed is that there will be a memorial service for Heath in both New York, and LA, prior to his body being flown back to Perth Australia, where a private funeral will be held.
Hopefully during Heath Ledger's Funeral Ceremony in LA, protesters will give Heath's family and friends a little breathing room. The Westboro Baptist Church Leader, 78 year old Fred Phelps has vowed to picket Heath's ceremony, in his pursuit with his homophobic rage against the gay community, amoung others. Phelps, who is known for protesting against Fallen American Soldiers, Gay Rights Parades, and others, told Australian Current Affairs that;
'Dying time is truth time," Phelps said. "This is the best thing that ever happened to that family." He also spewed a range of other nasty things, including calling Australians Sodom's, plus relating to the fact he was glad Heath was gone. It's really hard to imagine anyone being so insensitive or rude about a young person dying, or gay people, or any other group in this day and age, but that man makes no excuses. It is a fact of life, that the Salem Witch hunting days ended in like the 1800's, along with self-righteous singers using God's name to suit their own predigest means. Regardless, all the Aussie's that I know, always say American's as a whole are friendly, kind and generous people, and Aussies would never take the rantings of an old wanker seriously. One of my Aussie Mate's told me an Aussie would just tell him to 'mind his own business and buggar off.' When the telecast airs, I'll set the link to that interview as a follow up in this article.
Back to New York.
Heath Ledger's body had been transferred to New York's Frank E Campbell funeral chapel after the autopsy, of which the preliminarily results were inconclusive. The esteemed Chapel who has in the past handled the funeral arrangements for Heads of State, United Nations Ambassadors, Film Stars, and Royalty has reportedly had been in contact with Heath's family, regarding the handling of arrangements for their son. Heath's apartment steps in the SoHo district is reportedly filled with roses, tulips, tropical flowers, candles, and sentiments paying tribute to the young star.
The Department of Foreign Affairs, DFAT, have graciously offered assistance as well to Heath's family, but it was unconfirmed as to the extent of what was offered. A DFAT spokeswoman said the consulate-general in New York had been in contact with police, and the spokeswoman stated, "Consular officials in Canberra (Australian Capital) have been in contact with his family, his nominated point-of-contact and have offered consular assistance."
It was however, indicated by ABC online, that DFAT did offer to setup the flight of Heath's body home to Australia for his funeral. Plans have somewhat changed, although after the memorial service, it's been specualted that his family will be bringing Heath's body home with them, Heath's father Kim reportedly said, that he just wants to be with son. It sounds as though, they can't bear the thought of Heath's body flying home alone.
On a happy note, Heath had spent some quality time with his family, last Christmas. According to Australian News, Heath spent December and part of January with his family. His homecoming brought him back to his Aussie roots, according to Aussie news, Heath hung out with Super Model Gamma Ward's sister's Sophie. Heath reportedly had phoned the media, the editor of The West Australian Newspaper, leaving a message graciously thanking the media for leaving him alone during his stay, the paper said.
Heath was quoted to say, "I don't know whether it's a conscious thing or an unconscious thing, giving me space and respecting my privacy," Heath Ledger said to the paper. "It's just been awesome. I've had the most beautiful time back here and being able to see all my friends and family ... It's really enabled me to be a boy again from home and feel like I'd never left," he added. "It's truly been an incredibly therapeutic and a much-needed trip home..."
Gamma Ward's sister Sophie told the Australia press, "He smoked cigarettes, but that's about it. He was drinking diet Coke when we were together and he said he was very committed to not drinking alcohol," she said. "I don't believe he took his own life deliberately." She also expressed that Heath was distraught over his break up with Michelle Williams, and missed his daughter Matilda. Sophie added, "We went to the movies and just did normal stuff ... but he was a bit edgy. He couldn't really relax." She told the Australian Newspaper, that Heath was going to London but was quite upset because he couldn't see his daughter as much as he'd like to, all his travelling was frustrating.
The sleeping pills taken by Heath Ledger have been under scrutiny with reports on Heath's death, as the tablet Ambien has been linked to adverse side effects by recent prescribers, and in Australia the drug is known as Stilnox, which according to Australian news, had serious reports of negative side effects. Jack Nicholson, had stated to a London reporter, that he warned people about the side effects of sleeping pills, Jack said he had a nasty experience while taking the tablets Ambien. Heath had reportedly about 6 different prescription drugs in his apartment, including a rolled up $20.00 bill, which was confirmed to not be linked to any drug residue.
Jack Nicholson, in London, told reporters that he had a bad experience with the sleeping pills called Ambien. Jack, who said he only took the prescription drug, due to the fact he was told that it was mild, said he had nearly drove off a cliff while taking the pills. Heath had during an interview indicated that he was taking the sleeping pill called Ambien. When Jack Nicholson heard about it, he said he warned people about the side effects of sleeping pills.
Russell Crowe said in Los Angeles stated, "He was a gentle, beautiful man, a fine actor, a loyal friend. I feel deeply for his family."
Brokeback Mountain Director Ang Lee paid tribute to Heath by stating, "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."
Actress Cate Blanchett had this to say, "I am shocked and very saddened by the news. I deeply respected Heath's work and always admired his continuing development as an artist. My thoughts are with his family and close friends."
Larry Williams, Heath's daughter's Grandad, Michelle's father, had made a sincere and heartfelt statement saying, "I think Tennyson got it right in the poem when he described someone as having died at a young age but burning the candles at both ends, and oh what a beautiful flame he made, that was Heath, what a beautiful flame he made and a great talent. My heart goes out to everyone in his family and my family. The saddest thing is his daughter whom he just loved dearly."
Dennis Hopper had also made a statement about Heath's death. "That's terrible. Drugs today... when we stopped taking drugs, they started. It is just an epidemic. I am sorry to hear that. He was a great talent."
And lastly Charlize Theron had this to say, " It's really, really sad. I hope his family is okay. I wish them the best."
A link to Jack Nicholson's interview on the BBC, on January 23rd 2008.
Heath Ledger will be sadly missed, and my heart goes out to his close family and friends.
Peace and Love
Written by: Sacreeta
