Here’s my theory - he was one of America’s sweethearts. He died young and pretty and tragically. It was sad. They’re going to push it as far as they can…
However, I believe the hype over Ledger in general is overrated. Think on this -

Australian, considered a “hunk”, heartthrob, crossed boundaries that no one else had, somewhat cheesy, better as a second fiddle or “costar” but still not a bad actor - just not really lead material. History of depression, alcohol and substance use and abuse, estranged wife and cute kid. small scuffles with the law, mostly small bits with a few big “popular” roles.

If Mel Gibson, who has all of that and more, literally, were to die tomorrow of an “accidental” overdose - would he receive the same accolades?

And though I am not a Gibson fan - career wise - he was ten times the actor that Ledger was and had many blockbusters under his belt, not just a few noteworthy mainstream roles. Ledger did do many films and they’re mostly all well known bits but not major true mainstream parts.

Why is he now a God when people barely bothered with him when he was alive?

Nobody gave a rat’s ass about Jimmy Dean either. He was a moody drunk with a pissy outlook. He did three big films and the third wasn’t released until after his death - after said release - he was suddenly hailed as an angel, a tragic loss o humanity, a master actor and the hunk to which all hunks are still measured against.

Hollyweird, I just don’t get it…

Oh, and there’s a link on my site, in the right hand sidebar, for writers prompts and memes if you ever run out of inspiration for fiction bits - those links have saved me from massive block many a dark and painful night…