Sundance audience reacts to Heath Ledger's passing

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Chubbybubbles Sat, Feb 2, 2008 at 03:23 AM EST

To all those that complain about the sensationalism in Heath Ledger's death aren't you the very same gossip hags that are reading these columns and watching these videos and snatching up the US and the People magazines? You can't have your cake and eat it too - much like celebrities can not. They can't ask for $20 mil a picture and then try to live in a world of solitude. They must understand - Hollywood doesn't really give a crap about your talent -they care about your appeal to mass audiences. And as such the mass population is largely the same. And we can't suck ourselves into the 98 straight hours of celeb-reality television and the TMZ's -- and then demand them to shut off the valve when actors die. He was a private man and had a family and loved ones -- but he also had a tremendous following and many fans that felt a true connection with him -- something he or his family probably never realized. Heath obviously probably never truly realized himself. Hope he is basking now

E-Dawg Mon, Jan 28, 2008 at 07:18 PM EST

Heath's passing has disturbed me as well. You know who else I feel bad for. Brad Renfro WHO? An even YOUNGER gifted actor, 25, with a daughter who will never know him. Tragedy aside, what a jip that your untimely death, if you plan to go out in a blaze like that, is over-shadowed a few days later by a BIGGER young star's death. Renfro got shafted in the suckiest way and means possible.
Don't do drugs.

Anthony Breznican Mon, Jan 28, 2008 at 01:48 PM EST

Hi, I'm the reporter in question here. Don't stone me. I saw this and the comments calling me a "dirtbag" and "a-hole" and thought I'd respond to the discussion. Here's my blog on this incident: http://www.usatoday.com/community/profile.htm?UID=6ab13b5c8e652fa6&plckController=PersonaBlog&plckScript=personaScript&plckElementId=personaDest&plckPersonaPage=BlogViewPost&plckPostId=Blog%3a6ab13b5c8e652fa6Post%3af16bbe56-c45c-439c-9d2c-2bd8cd793abd
I agree I should have asked in private, (my thinking was it would be a moment of collective remembrance in that setting -- then we move on. Mistake.) I take my lumps, but does Popwatch mischaracterize it here? Mutual friends tell me Whitney was fueled with honest emotion after the movie, and not sanctimony. But she's teeing off a somewhat unfairly, per the audio recording of my question. I should perhaps just let it go now, but I believe in accountability. The blog link is mine. Thanks for hearing me out.

Dexter Graves Mon, Jan 28, 2008 at 05:31 AM EST

I can understand if the star in question had bene Jake Gylenhall or Matt Damon, who'd both recently costarred with Heath in the past two films. Asking Josh Hartnett seemed kind of frivolous. They might have well asked Howard Stern what he thought. This whole thing is just so tragic its too much for words. There hasn't been a young actor who's death shook the world like this since River Pheonix died almost fifteen years ago...

JennyB Sun, Jan 27, 2008 at 12:27 PM EST

I feel like you can ask Hollywood stars about Ledger's death, but in a provate forum where they have the opportunity to gracefully decline comment at a time when everyone is soemotional... to do so at a very public forum like that pushes too hard and removes the ability of others to choose for themselves whether or not they feel comfortable saying anything at all.

Lisa Sat, Jan 26, 2008 at 11:47 AM EST

There is NO reason why a reporter should not ask that question. How can you pretend something that tragic didn't happen?

Tori Sat, Jan 26, 2008 at 07:09 AM EST

Whatever happened to "A body has been discovered but the name will not be released until the family is notified"? How do you think the Ledger family felt when they heard the story of Heath's death on the radio? It was leaked out of the privacy of his apartment and onto all US networks before his family even knew.

But wait, there's more. The footage of him being taken out of his building in a body bag, and worse still, a distraught Michelle and Matilda arriving in Brooklyn? Sorry, but it's just appalling, and all for what? Ratings? Sales?

At least in Australia Heath will be able to rest in peace in his hometown of Perth - the last place in the world where his privacy was respected (for even Sydney drove the poor guy away). The Sundance journalist was out of line but sadly, he was just acting like pretty much everyone else in the media has.

The tragedy is a young man of only 28 died. Only 28.

There's no dignity in life or death if you're famous. Why would anyone want it?

queenie Fri, Jan 25, 2008 at 09:26 PM EST

I completely agree, there comes a certain point when things should be kept private and not exploited. My heart goes out to his family, and my prayers to his daughter. I must say that the Australians at least show much more class when it comes to tragedy and celebrities. Unlike us Americans who thrive on any celebrity that falls.

Alicia Thu, Jan 24, 2008 at 07:51 PM EST

that was so so terribly wrong on the part of the journalist. How dare you ask someone how they are reacting to a "friends" death. Come on!! I don't know what I would have done if someone asked me something like that. I know I would have been extremely taken aback and from there I don't know. Probably wouldnt have had been able to respond like Josh did and for him doing that I give him kudos. But seriously, just because they're celebrities doesn't mean they don't have feelings. The paparazzi and reporters need 2 back off and leave these people mourn in peace.

Nicole Thu, Jan 24, 2008 at 04:46 PM EST

I encourage the freedom of speech but not when people abuse it like this reporter clearly did. Those actors were not there to discuss Ledger the reporter’s persistence in getting an answer was disrespectful and uncompassionate. Reporters are supposed to be cunning, clever and perhaps a little ruthless, but they should also be intelligent not desperate for answers of how someone is privately dealing with someone’s death. With all the turmoil in the world right now I had hope these reporters could put there talents to better use.

Steve Thu, Jan 24, 2008 at 12:26 PM EST

To be totally honest I did not see the same problem with this question being asked as everyone else. Its not like he asked a member of his family how his death has effected them. Just a fellow actor. I do think this guy is a dirtbag for keep trying to ask the same question after averyone booed him but the intial question I don't see a big deal. People need to stop hiding from things that pain you and attack it head on. Its the only way to help the grief.

Rebekah Wed, Jan 23, 2008 at 11:47 PM EST

Great article and Bravo to Josh Hartnett.

Arden Wed, Jan 23, 2008 at 05:15 PM EST

Ames' comment reminds me of something either Cronkite or Barbara Walters said back in the day. When you are interviewing someone who is grieving, whether celebrity or unknown, you NEVER ask, "How are you feeling?" or "What are you feeling?" It's a dumb, obvious question. How do you THINK they're feeling? Being a reporter does not preclude being a human being. I'm a journalism student and I hate people giving the profession a bad name.

EMB Wed, Jan 23, 2008 at 04:29 PM EST

USA Today's Anthony Breznican cops to being the a-hole who asked the question. Here's what he had to say: "I tried to tackle the elephant in the room by asking Josh Hartnett at a post-screening Q&A if he knew Ledger or had any thoughts or remembrances. He initially shook his head, then said simply that it was a tragedy for the whole industry... Also, the audience booed the question. (I blog about when interviews go well, so I may as well cop to things when they go badly.) I can respect the crowd's feeling. There's a lot of tacky celebrity coverage out there, and folks here are especially sensitive to it (though my intentions were not that.) Sundance is a place where the focus is refreshingly on stories and the people who tell them. The sad thing for movie fans is that Ledger won't be among them any more."

Snarf Wed, Jan 23, 2008 at 03:43 PM EST

Hell of a way to find out someone you worked with has died. Tacky tacky tacky.

vw Wed, Jan 23, 2008 at 03:34 PM EST

Inappropriate question. Inappropriate timing. Josh Hartnett?? Heath Ledger was a relatively private person. People need to respect those boundaries he set. People's curiosity does not give a right to know all. Manners,decent consideration and respect need a major comeback in this country in the media and for everyone else too that supports that sort of behavior.That reporter didn't need to ask that question. Who has a burning desire to know what Josh Hartnett thinks about it? The reporter just wanted a sound bite to add to the fray. Was he that hard up for a question to ask? Couldn't come up with anything else? Dud Reporter. The people who say it's no big deal add fuel to the reporters and paps who are so insensitive and disrespectful and violating everyone's basic right to privacy. There is a public life and a private life and we would do well to remember that and treat each other kindly.

Pamela Wed, Jan 23, 2008 at 02:54 PM EST

The Q and A forum for the question was undoubtedly inappropriate. The timing was too. There are other legitimate and less intrusive ways to gather information on how people who worked with or knew Heath Ledger reacted to news of his untimely death, and to gather comments on his talent and abilities.

The reporter's actions were sadly indicative of the media's and public's somewhat twisted relationship with entertainers and their lives. I dearly wish the focus was on their work but it can only get better if the general public no longer provides a market that allows over 300 paparazzi - in LA alone - to "earn a living" following/stalking celebrities every move. As with Salamander's comments, below, I lamely hoped that the death of Princess Diana might have caused those types of "reporters" and photographers to question their work, but look at where we are now.

And I will add my thanks to EW for excellent and considerate coverage you have given to Ledger's passing.

Salamander Wed, Jan 23, 2008 at 02:11 PM EST

Many years ago, celebrities and politicians were treated with a little respect. Now, it's a feeding frenzy to try and snap that inapproprate picture or egg them on to make an inapproprate remark. The media is out of control. I had hoped the death of Princess Diana would bring about some personal introspection on the part of the paparazzi and reporters, but even that event didn't motivate them to change. What a pathetic way to make a living.

Britt Wed, Jan 23, 2008 at 11:43 AM EST

All I can say is that I agree with Alex. 100% It's disgusting to think that people still say and do the most inappropriate things at the worst possible times. They know what they're doing!! They know how rude and insensitive they're being! They just don't care. Tell me...what does Ledger's death have to do with the Film "August"????? No one said to go on with the festival as if nothing happened, but why, when asking an actor about his film, would you just throw that in there.

Lyn Wed, Jan 23, 2008 at 11:43 AM EST

I want to sincerely thank the editorial staff of EW for their incredible coverage of this major and very emotional event. Thank you for the lack of inappropriate speculation. EW's regard for the intelligence of its readers is commendable. Mr. Ledger was an artist; thank you for remembering him as one.

Dan Wed, Jan 23, 2008 at 10:59 AM EST

@Dave The Sundance Film Festival is not a locker room, and reaction to a death does not equate to a reaction to a fumbled ball. Just thought I'd let ya know.

Dave Wed, Jan 23, 2008 at 10:53 AM EST

Such questions are not usually asked to get the typical answer, but just in case Hartnett might have had something that could have been particularly provocative, insightful, memorable or outrageous. That's how some of the best locker-room postgame quotes come about. Obviously, everybody in movies feels sad about this loss. But please don't trash the reporter for asking the question.

Crystal Wed, Jan 23, 2008 at 10:52 AM EST

:::sigh::: It was in poor taste. But it was typical of the current media.

Perry Lucas Wed, Jan 23, 2008 at 10:39 AM EST

I'm not quite sure why he would ask Hartnett - did they work together - but I think it's fair to get reactions from people who knew and worked with Ledger. Obviously, you want to do it in a classy way - not at a Q&A for a film - but it has to be done. This is a major news story.

Mel Gibson, Nicole Kidman and others released statements through their spokespeople. By doing this I think it speaks postively on Ledger's character, much more so than silence.

Alex Wed, Jan 23, 2008 at 09:43 AM EST

All these comments, about half of them, that say "I don't see what was wrong, it sounds a normal question to me" just proves how much America has gotten to the leeches of the media industry. Not every reporter is this way, but there are some that will do anything to get their job, and people say, it's all part of it.

The truth is, it isn't. A good reporter has to set standards of respect. And regardless if Hartnett and Ledger were buddies, it's still a personal question. The public, and most significantly in this place, does not have a right to know. The man has been dead for not even day. Give him SOME rest.

Here's too his family and to his little girl. My heart goes out to them.

Ames Wed, Jan 23, 2008 at 09:31 AM EST

I can't stand it when entertainment reporters ask people what they think about the death of another celebrity. What really are they going to say? "It's a tragic loss and I pray for their family" is what they say. All the time. Every time. Because that it all they really can say. Why ask the question when you know the answer? This reporter was hoping to be the one to break the news and get Josh Hartnett to emotionally break down. Trashy.

s hill Wed, Jan 23, 2008 at 09:23 AM EST

It's a reasonable question if Josh knew Heath personally. Otherwise the question is a bit pointless but otherwise fair game.

Stef Wed, Jan 23, 2008 at 09:08 AM EST

I find it scary that people don't understand why it is inappropriate to ask for a comment on Heath Ledger's death. It's a tragedy, not an opportunity to grab a sound bite. It's nobody's business how Josh Hartnett reacted to this man's death, just like it's nobody's business in what state Heath was found when he died. How would you feel if a coworker died and someone came up to you during a big presentation of yours and said "How do you feel about this guy's death!? I have a right to know!!" The coverage of this man's untimely passing has already been ridiculous.

amy rad Wed, Jan 23, 2008 at 04:28 AM EST

i don't get it. the news waranted a comment. wouldn't josh hartnet skipped a press conference if he was distraught because the loss was affecting him too personally to speak? and he was free to just say "i prefer not to give a comment on that at this time, out of respect for his family" or somethin line that. i guess i don't get it. RIP heath

tuppy Wed, Jan 23, 2008 at 03:49 AM EST

I guess it's impossible for us outside of the room to get a sense of the vibe inside — If there was a collective understanding that everyone wanted to focus on the movies, frustration with that interviewer makes sense. But since everyone on my college campus is talking about his passing, from my perspective it seems like the people who actually knew and worked with him would be talking about it too: mourning together, comforting each other, reminiscing, sending thoughts/prayers — and that interviews would be a good forum in which to do that.

sundancin Wed, Jan 23, 2008 at 02:56 AM EST

I totally agree with Whitney, it was totally inappropriate in the setting. I was there and it killed the whole vibe. Ledgers death is traggic, but Sundance isn't hollywood, its about the moviemakers who come to share their work and for many its a pinnacle of a lifelong aspiration. I hated that dude for asking that question, it upset the people who took the time to come up and answer questions and it took away from the film fans that were in attendence.

tuppy Wed, Jan 23, 2008 at 02:22 AM EST

why on earth is it inappropriate to ask hollywood actors about the tragic passing of one of their own? surely it is more insulting to go on with the festival as if nothing has happened beyond the slopes of Park City.