Farewell, good knight

The sudden death of Academy Award nominee Heath Ledger has left his family and fans in complete shock.

Ledger’s housekeeper and masseuse found the actor face down and naked in his New York City apartment earlier this week, along with bottles of sleeping pills and anti-anxiety medication. Autopsy results turned up inconclusive, leaving many to speculate about the details of his death, according to foxnews.com.

Rather than pondering the circumstances of this travesty, consider paying your respects with a tribute marathon of the handsome Australian’s most memorable films.

10 Things I Hate About You: Loosely based on Shakespeare’s classic “The Taming of the Shrew,” this movie solidified Ledger’s status as a heartthrob in the minds of young women everywhere.

A Knight’s Tale: In this 14th-century love story, Ledger portrays a peasant with skills that go far beyond jousting. His charm alone is reason enough to add this movie to your must-see list.

The Patriot: Acting as Mel Gibson’s war-hungry son during the American Revolution, Ledger gives an emotionally engaging performance, outweighing any unwelcome thoughts of the ignominious comments Gibson has made in his personal life.

Lords of Dogtown: Ledger provides an unforgettable portrayal of Skip Engblom, a short-tempered surf- and skate-shop owner in Venice, California during the mid-1970s.

Brokeback Mountain: In case you’ve been living in a cave for the past few years, Brokeback Mountain – which scored him an Academy Award nomination – was one of Ledger’s most controversial roles. The critical acclaim is not the only reason to watch the film – Ledger also knows how to properly wear a pair of blue jeans.

I’m Not There: This unconventional Bob Dylan biopic features Ledger’s convincing depiction of the artist as a complex divorcee.

In July, Ledger’s portrayal of the Joker in The Dark Knight will give those whose mourning period has yet to cease a chance to bid one final farewell.