Comments on: Sundance in shock over Heath Ledger

By: Andy

Andy — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 20:30:35 +0000

Andrew Lee and Dave Turner are right on the mark. I totally agree with their statements.

I would also like to add...entertaining the populace is not an easy task. Actors the likes of Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn, James Stewart don't come along every day. It takes hard work and dedication. And to see it in someone so young and talented is rare indeed. And when that someone is lost to the world at such a young age is a tremendous blow. It is nothing short of a tragedy. Maybe if the media would report on the work of the entertainers instead of their personal lives such tragedies could be avoided.

Lost to the world: Heath Ledger, River Phoenix, Anissa Jones, Daniel Smith, Bridgette Andersen, Freddie Prinze, Christopher Pettiet, Brad Renfro, Jonathan Brandis, David Strickland.

By: Anna Bianchi

Anna Bianchi — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 08:24:16 +0000

Goodbye sweet "Casanova"... you won my heart with your genuine smile and your wonderful talent. I think you'll be remembered just like this, anything people can say or do, they could never change what you were for us.

By: J. Ashby

J. Ashby — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 00:41:46 +0000

Certainly you have a right to ask the question. And just as certainly, they have a right to revoke your credentials. You, as the reporter, must decide if the "public's right to know" makes the risk worthwhile. Given the fact that this story has already been sensationalized beyond belief, I doubt the risk was necessary.

By: Rhonda Haley

Rhonda Haley — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 18:01:06 +0000

I liked the article,good show man.

By: Appleleena

Appleleena — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 03:01:41 +0000

Matt,

You should look in the mirror and be ashamed of yourself not only for your actions but for the fact that you won't even admit they were wrong. What happened to your compassion, not just as a reporter, but as a human being?

You article and arrogance didn't make me angry, it mad me sad.

By: Talia

Talia — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 10:57:58 +0000

I, too, am a reporter but I would never have even thought of questioning people about Heath Ledger right then and there. While I believe in the liberty of the press and a reporter's right to ask questions, I must admit there are limits. It's got nothing to do wtih "restraint"; it's merely respect and common sense. You should also know and accept that in this business, these things are bound to happen.
Unfortunately, entertainment journalism has become more about getting the scoop and sensationlization (even of a young man's death. The fact that he's a famous actor is secondary) rather than the reporting.
At this rate, I feel somewhat sorry for future journalists. This is not what our job is about. It's about talking about these artists' works.
You know, there are many, many people out there who'd love to attend Sundance, Cannes, Grammy Awards, etc. I feel privileged and if they ask me to refrain from asking insensitive questions, I will.

Heath, RIP. Your daughter will be proud of your legacy.

By: Audra

Audra — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 22:53:12 +0000

Real journalists do not report on movie/celebrity information; that is the realm of gossip columnists and movie reviewers.

The purpose of "real journalists" and "freedom of the press" involves the right of the public to know the unvarnished truth from unbiased sources about our government. This has nothing to do with prying into people's feelings about a celebrity's death. Real journalists are respectable and sometimes heroic in their efforts to expose the truth, but their reputations are compromised by being lumped into the same group as these celebrity gossip hacks.
Matt Carey: You don't have a leg to stand on; and you are NOT a journalist, so step down off your high horse.

We may have a right to know the facts surrounding Mr. Ledger's death, but that's where it ends. Of course those who knew and loved him are devestated by his passing; why do you have to make them talk about it? Are you hoping they will loose their composure? Their private grief is none of your dang business. It's silly to stick a microphone in their faces and make them talk about it unless they volunteer to be interviewed about that specifically. For all you know, the celebrities requested that the Sundance press officer make that statement.

Mr. Ledger was a respected actor who must be admired for his dedication to his work.

Jim: If people with "real jobs" approched their jobs with the dedication and professionalism that Mr. Ledger did, they should have no problem "making enough money to buy food." Rambling speculation about unsubstantiated rumors on the cause of his death only makes you look like as big a fool as the reporters who publish before the facts are in.

My heart aches for his young daughter, who, I hope in years to come, will be inspired by his example.

By: Dianna Camacho

Dianna Camacho — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 22:49:31 +0000

It is very unfortunate that news reports about this extremely talented,kind-hearted,lovely young man's untimely death are focused around a possible suicide or depression. The prescription drug bottles found at his home are in many,many homes today due to the fact that they are highly prescribed,especially for people that travel a lot and have frequent work schedule changes. The reporting of the alleged 20 dollar bill found rolled up in his home doesn't mean that it was actually his or used by him in the manner which is being implied. I'm sure Heath had a lot of friends/colleagues/girlfriends visit him at his home. I'm sick of implications being reported without actual facts!!! This man doesn't deserve this.

By: Airdorn

Airdorn — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 22:44:53 +0000

You reporters are vultures. Plain and simple.

That you veil the panting desire to spread 'he-said, she-said' gossip as some kind of noble effort only makes what you do more disgusting.

Kodos to the press agent who threatened to kick you out of the festival.

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 21:33:03 +0000

I am very saddened over the death of Heath Ledger. He was one of my alltime favorite actors. I can only imagine what Michelle is going through or any of his family or friends for that matter. He will be missed greatly by many. It is such a shame.