FameCrawler : died

Wayman Tisdale Dead

Whit Honea — Fri, 15 May 2009 20:09:00 GMT

Wayman Tisdale has died after battling cancer of the knee for two years.

Tisdale played in the NBA for the Pacers, Kings and Suns and was on the U.S. Olympic team that won a gold medal.

Tisdale left basketball to pursue his love of music. He played smooth jazz on bass guitar.

Wayman Tisdale is survived by his wife and their four children. He was 44-years-old.

As a lifelong Suns fan, not to mention a lover of jazz, I have very fond memories of Mr. Tisdale over the years. Very sad.

Our thoughts to his family, friends and fans in his passing.

Source

David Cameron Loses Son

Whit Honea — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 19:04:00 GMT

David Cameron is the popular leader of the Conservative Party in the United Kingdom.

He and his family have suffered a terrible tragedy.

Their eldest son, six-year-old Ivan, died early this morning.

According to Hello magazine Ivan had cerebral palsy and epilepsy. He fell ill Tuesday night "and was taken to St Mary's hospital where he died early Wednesday."

David and his wife Samantha also have a daughter, Nancy, and a son named Arthur.

From Hello: "Prime Minister Gordon Brown was one of the first to send condolences, saying the prayers of the country were with the family. "I know Ivan was a child who brought joy to all those who knew him and his was a life surrounded by love," he added."

Very sad. Our thoughts to the Cameron family during this awful time.

Source

Lark Previn, Daughter of Mia Farrow, Dead on Christmas Day

Whit Honea — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 23:06:00 GMT

Lark Previn died on Christmas Day. Previn was the daughter of Mia Farrow and Andre Previn.

Lark, who had been ailing for some time, had two daughters, Sara (13) and Christine (12).

Lark's sister is Soon-Yi Previn who is married to their one time stepfather(ish) Woody Allen.

Our condolences to the family and friends of Lark, but especially her children.

Source/Photo

MC Breed Has Died

Whit Honea — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 20:01:00 GMT

MC Breed has died. Eric "MC" Breed was a 37-year-old rapper from Michigan who had suffered from kidney failure earlier this year. MC Breed is best known for his songs "Gotta Get Mine" which featured the late rapper 2Pac, and "Ain't No Future in Yo' Frontin'".

At the time of his death Breed was completing a new album called "The Original Breed: Swag Heavy" which was to include such rappers as The D.O.C. and Too Short.

MC Breed was reportedly in need of a kidney transplant. He died in his sleep at a friend's home.

Eric Breed left behind three daughters.

Source/Photo

Jennifer Hudson Family Murders: Suspect A Free Man?

Sassy Smith — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 12:09:00 GMT

Jennifer and Julia Hudson's mother and brother were murdered, as well as Julia's only child, Julian, 7, two weeks ago. William Balfour, Julia's estranged husband is the only suspect in custody at this time, and he may be released from jail on Monday.

According to TMZ, Balfour is being held on a parole violation in a case that is unrelated to the Hudson murders. If there is not enough evidence to prove there was a parole violation, he'll walk Monday - a free man. Balfour will go before the Illinois State Parole Review Board Monday morning at 9 a.m.

If Balfour is charged between now and Monday morning with the Hudson murders, then he'll be kept in custody - or if he is found guilty of violating parole.

To date, no other suspect is being held in the murders.

Of course, William Balfour is innocent until proven guilty of murdering his mother-in-law, brother-in-law and stepson.

[Source]

Jennifer Hudson's Nephew: Death Ruled Homicide

Hudson Murder Weapon Found

A Mother's Anguish: Julian King's Soul At Ease

Jennifer Hudson Family Private & Public Memorials

Sassy Smith — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 21:03:00 GMT

Jennifer Hudson and her sister Julia are grieving the loss of their loved ones - their mom Darnell Hudson Donerson, brother Jason Hudson and Julia's only child, 7-year-old Julian King, were all murdered last week. Now they will lay them to rest and remember their lives, here on this earth. There will be both a private funeral for close friends and family, as well as a public memorial service for people who would like to pay their respects.

Members of the neighborhood and community where the Hudson family resided, who would like to pay their respects to the family may do so on Sunday, November 2. Although Jennifer and Julia will not be attending the public service, there will be other family members present.

The private memorial service will be held on Monday, November 3 at 9 a.m. at the Apostolic Church of God in Dorchester. It is by invitation only.

The Hudson sisters have set up the Hudson-King Foundation For Families of Slain Victims in honor or their loved ones.

"The specific purpose of the Foundation is to care for the needs of families who have lost relatives to a violent crime. This encompasses their basic needs of food, clothing and shelter as well as grief counseling."

Donations to the Hudson-King Foundation:

c/o Abrams Garfinkel Margolis Bergson, LLP
Attn: William L. Abrams, Esq.
237 West 35th Street, 4th Floor
New York, NY 10001

William Balfour, estranged husband of Julia Hudson has been labeled as "a person of interest" in the triple homicide and is currently in custody (for a parole violation) and has thus far, not been charged in the Hudson deaths.

[Source|Source]

Related Posts

Hudson Murder Weapon Found

Whit Honea — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 00:01:00 GMT

Police believe they may have discovered the murder weapon used in the triple homicide which claimed the lives of Jennifer Hudson's mother, brother and 7-year-old nephew. A gun was found by search personnel in a deserted lot roughly one block from the scene where Julian King, Hudson's nephew, was found in a parked car.

This news doesn't get any easier to talk about, hopefully this find by authorities will provide some answers for the Hudson family.

Source

A Mother's Anguish: Julian King's Soul At Ease

Sassy Smith — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 20:41:00 GMT

It's hard to even begin to imagine the pain that Jennifer and Julia Hudson are feeling after their family members were brutally murdered. The saddest of all - that little 7-year-old Julian King lost his young life in such a horrific way. Julian's mom has written a message about her loved ones, that is truly heartbreaking.

Julia Hudson wrote:

"When I started my MySpace all of the above was true, now because I chose to do what was natural to me and love someone, it cost me my beautiful family.

“It cost me my beautiful, loving, supporting mother Darnell, my true blue baby brother Jason - I love you baby – and last but not never least, my only son Julian, my innocent baby…

“[Julian's] soul is at ease. I take comfort in knowing that Julian is with my mother and my brother and most of all the Lord, and now he’s my angel, he’s protecting me."

As a mom, I can't imagine losing a child in such a way. I hope Julia and Jennifer are surronded by the comfort of friends, family and their faith.

Related

Jennifer Hudson's Nephew: Death Ruled Homicide

Whit Honea — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 20:22:00 GMT

The horrible death of Jennifer Hudson's nephew has officially been ruled a homicide.

Authorities in Chicago have revealed that 7-year-old Julian King died of multiple gunshot wounds.

Julian was taken from the house in which Hudson's mother and brother were found shot to death.

Sad and sick.

Our thoughts continue to go out to the Hudson family.

Source

Confirmed: Body ID'd As Julian King

trix — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 20:23:00 GMT

The FBI and the Chicago Police have confirmed that the body of the young boy found in the family's SUV, is the body of Julian King, Jennifer Hudson's nephew. As we reported earlier, the Amber Alert was cancelled after the body was found.
Julian was the last victim in this tragedy for Jennifer Hudson's family and our prayers are with the family.
It's such a horrible situation, we hope that the person responsible for these crimes is punished to the full extent of the law.
Our sympathies are with Jennifer and her family.

Jennifer Hudson: FBI Believes Body IS That Of Julian King

BREAKING: Child's Body Found - Could Be That Of Julian King

Jennifer Hudson Offers $100,000 for Nephew's Safe Return

Jennifer Hudson's Personal Message: Help Us Find My Nephew

Jennifer Hudson's Family Killed, Possible Kidnapping

Jennifer Hudson Tragedy: Rep Releases Statement

Barack Obama: Jennifer Hudson Is In Our Thoughts

Jennifer Hudson's Family Confirmed Murdered; Nephew Kidnapped

Jennifer Hudson Murders: Police Looking For William Balfour

Source

Jennifer Hudson: FBI Believes Body IS That Of Julian King

Sassy Smith — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 17:23:00 GMT

Although Chicago police have not confirmed that the body of an African American boy found early this morning is that of Jennifer Hudson's nephew, Deputy Director John Pistole says that the body is "believed to be" that of 7-year-old Julian King.

The body matching the description of Julian King was found around 8 a.m this morning in a parked, white SUV - a vehicle that matched the description of the SUV issued in the Amber Alert on Friday. The Amber Alert has now been canceled.

It's been reported that the boy was shot several times in the back of the vehicle. The Hudson family members are expected to ID the body.

I think this confirms the worst fears. How very sad and tragic. Our deepest sympathies to the Hudson family.

[Source|Source|Source]

Jennifer Hudson Offers $100,000 for Nephew's Safe Return

Jennifer Hudson's Personal Message: Help Us Find My Nephew

Jennifer Hudson's Family Killed, Possible Kidnapping

Jennifer Hudson Tragedy: Rep Releases Statement

Barack Obama: Jennifer Hudson Is In Our Thoughts

Jennifer Hudson's Family Confirmed Murdered; Nephew Kidnapped

Jennifer Hudson Murders: Police Looking For William Balfour

BREAKING: Child's Body Found - Could Be That Of Julian King

Sassy Smith — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:51:00 GMT

Jennifer Hudson's nephew, 7-year-old Julian King has been missing since the bodies of his grandmother and uncle (Hudson's mom and brother) were found on Friday afternoon. Authorities are now saying that a child's body has been found in a vehicle on Chicago's West Side this morning and they are now investigating.

According to reports:

The Cook Country medical examiner's office has sent investigators to the scene in the 1300 block of South Kolin Avenue where the boy was found around 8 a.m., an office spokesperson said. The child had not been identified.

A Chicago police spokesman released no information about the discovery.

An Amber Alert was issued Friday after Julian was reported missing and FBI were also called in to help in the search.

The body found is that of a young, black male and it was found in a white SUV, the same type of vehicle issued in the Amber Alert.

This is so sad. We send our thoughts and prayers to the family.

[Source]

Jennifer Hudson's Personal Message: Help Us Find My Nephew

Jennifer Hudson's Family Killed, Possible Kidnapping

Jennifer Hudson Tragedy: Rep Releases Statement

Barack Obama: Jennifer Hudson Is In Our Thoughts

Jennifer Hudson's Family Confirmed Murdered; Nephew Kidnapped

Jennifer Hudson Murders: Police Looking For William Balfour

Jennifer Hudson Offers $100,000 for Nephew's Safe Return

Karl Erikson — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 03:16:00 GMT

Jennifer Hudson has offered a $100,000 reward for the safe return of her missing 7-year-old nephew, Julian, who has been gone since Friday. Two days after her mother and brother were fatally shot, Hudson's rep gave a statement. "Jennifer and her family appreciate the enormous amount of love, support and prayers they have received while she and her family try to cope with this tragedy."

"We ask that all inquiries be directed to the Chicago Police Department, Area 1 Detective Division at 312-747-8380."

Ross Rice, special agent and spokesman for the Chicago office of the FBI, said, "I can confirm that we have been asked to provide assistance to the Chicago police department to assist in the search for 7-year-old Julian King." When asked if they had any promising leads, Ross said, "The key word there is assisting. It is still a Chicago police investigation, both the murder and the kidnapping, and any announcements would be best to come from them."

We're hoping that some information comes down quickly about Julian. In the meantime, Jennifer posted a recent photo of Julian and what he was last seen wearing on her Myspace page.

Source

Jennifer Hudson's Family Killed, Possible Kidnapping

Jennifer Hudson Tragedy: Rep Releases Statement

Barack Obama: Jennifer Hudson Is In Our Thoughts

Jennifer Hudson's Family Confirmed Murdered; Nephew Kidnapped

Jennifer Hudson Murders: Police Looking For William Balfour

Jennifer Hudson's Personal Message: Help Us Find My Nephew

Sassy Smith — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 19:52:00 GMT

Jennifer Hudson, dealing with the tragic murders of her mom, Darnell Donerson and brother, Jason Hudson, has made a public plea to help find her 7-year-old nephew, who has been missing since the deaths of her family.

William Balfour, who is the husband of Hudson's sister Julia and stepfather to little Julian, has been taken into custody for questioning in connection with the murders and possible kidnapping. However, he's not been cooperating with authorities and it's unclear if he knows the whereabouts of his stepson or if he has any information pertaining to him.

Authorities said the search for Julian would be citywide and residents and officers have also focused their efforts, "in the immediate vicinity," of the family's home.

Jennifer, on her MySpace page, has thanked everyone for their support and posted a photo of her sister's son.

She wrote:

"Thank you all for your prayers and your calls. Please keep praying for our family and that we get Julian King back home safely. If anyone has any information about his whereabouts please contact the authorities immediately ... Once again thank you all for being there for us through this tough time."

There is still an Amber Alert issued for Julian King and the FBI has also stepped in. William Balfour remains in custody but no charges have been laid to date.

We also pray for the safe return of Julian.

[Source]

Jennifer Hudson Tragedy: Rep Releases Statement

Barack Obama: Jennifer Hudson Is In Our Thoughts

Jennifer Hudson's Family Confirmed Murdered; Nephew Kidnapped

Jennifer Hudson Murders: Police Looking For William Balfour

Barack Obama: Jennifer Hudson Is In Our Thoughts

Sassy Smith — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 13:02:00 GMT

Singer and actress Jennifer Hudson is not doubt trying to cope with the tragic loss of her mom and brother after they were brutally murdered and their bodies discovered on Friday. Her 7-year-old nephew, Julian King is still missing at this time. Presidential candidate Barack Obama has sent a message to Jennifer from himself and his wife Michelle.

Obama, after hearing the news, said, "Michelle and I were absolutely heartbroken to learn about this unimaginable tragedy and we want Jennifer to know that she is in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. We also pray for the swift and safe return of her young nephew."

Jennifer had received a personal request from Obama's camp in August to sing the national anthem during the Democratic National Convention.

The man, who is a suspect in the murders and abduction of Hudson's nephew, is William Balfour, who is the husband of Jennifer's sister Julia (and stepfather to Julian). He's been arrested, and questioned, but not yet charged. He has served nearly seven years in prison for attempted murder, vehicular hijacking and possession of a stolen motor vehicle. He was released from prison in May 2006 and is still on probation.

FBI are now helping in the search for little Julian King.

[Source]

Jennifer Hudson Murders: Police Looking For William Balfour

Jennifer Hudson's Family Confirmed Murdered; Nephew Kidnapped

Jennifer Hudson's Family Killed, Possible Kidnapping

Jennifer Hudson Tragedy: Rep Releases Statement

Sassy Smith — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 04:35:00 GMT

Sadly, as we told you earlier, singer Jennifer Hudson's mom and brother were murdered in their home and found by a relative on Friday afternoon. There are a few more details emerging and Jennifer's rep, Lisa Kasteler, has issued a statement.

Kasteler said:

"We can confirm that there is an ongoing investigation concerning the deaths of Jennifer Hudson's mother, Darnell Donerson, and her brother, Jason Hudson. No further comment will be made and the family has asked that their privacy be respected at this difficult time."

*Edit* William Balfour is now in custody but has not been charged and the wherabouts of Julian King are still unknown.

Police have not released many details about the murders or the abduction of 7-year-old Julian King, but we do know that a man named William Balfour is the main suspect in the killings and kidnapping of the boy. It's rumored that he may be the husband of Jennifer Hudson's sister, Julia ,and father (or stepfather) to the young boy who is missing.

A neighbor of the family, Angela Russell, spoke with E! News, and said she heard gunshots Friday morning and believes that the murders are related to an ongoing dispute.

Russell believes that Hudson's sister Julia was having trouble with her husband and that she was considering divorcing him.

The neighbor said, "It has been pretty rough for a while. We do know that Ms. Hudsno's oldest daughter was having trouble with her husband. We do know that there were some domestic issues going on and we believe that is what this all about."

Monique Bond, Chicago Police spokeswoman said the murders appeared to be the result of domestic abuse, but declined to say more.

Russell said that Jennifer's mother babysat Julia's son (her grandson) Julian King everyday.

"She babysat for him everyday when her daughter was at work," says Russell. "[Julia] was here daily."

Angela said that Ms. Hudson was a friendly lady and well-liked by all, "even though her daughter was a superstar she never let it get to her. She was still very friendly with everyone in the neighborhood. The neighborhood kids used to visit her often just to help her out around the house. A lot of the kids used to go over there just to play with Jennifer, Julia and Jason - that is something that they still do on a regular basis. It wasn't unusual for the kids to go over and play with the baby everyday."

We are praying that little Julian King is found safe.

[Source]

Jennifer Hudson's Family Confirmed Murdered; Nephew Kidnapped

Jennifer Hudson Murders: Police Looking For William Balfour

Sassy Smith — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 00:17:00 GMT

As we told you earlier, tragedy struck American Idol alum Jennifer Hudson's family earlier today. Her mother and brother were found shot dead and her seven-year-old nephew, Julian King, is missing, believed kidnapped. Police are looking for William Balfour, who is a suspect in the murders and the kidnapping.

Let's hope that sweet little boy is found UNHARMED!

*Edit* Sad news - a body of a child matching the description of little Julian King has been found this morning in a white SUV that fits the description of the vehicle in the Amber Alert. You can read it here. William Balfour remains in custody but has not been charged with any crime as of yet.

Balfour is considered armed and dangerous and believed to be driving a white Chevy Suburban SUV with Illinois license plate X584859 or a teal/green Chrysler Concord four-door sedan with a left front headlight busted and hanging. The vehicle is scratched along the left side with temporary tags 332K823.

Julian is described as a black male with a medium complexion and brown eyes and black hair. He is 5 feet tall and 135 pounds.

Authorities are describing the scene as a "domestic incident that went horribly out of control." It's believed that Jennifer's mom Darnell Donnerson was found in the living room, shot in the head and her brother Jason, was found in the bedroom, shot in the chest. There was no sign of forced entry.

Police are not saying how Balfour is connected to the family, however, he did live in the Darnell Donnerson home in 2007 and there are reports that he is the boyfriend or husband of Hudson's sister, Julia. The couple are rumored to have been having domestic issues.

It's believed Hudson was in Florida when she heard the news and is "devastated," and was making her way back to Chicago.

Our hearts go out to Jennifer and her family.

[Source]

Jennifer Hudson's Family Confirmed Murdered; Nephew Kidnapped

HerBadMother — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 23:14:00 GMT

Oh, lord. This story is going from bad to worse. We reported an hour ago that Jennifer Hudson's mother and brother were found dead by gunshot tonight; now it appears that there's been a kidnapping as well.

Hudson's seven-year old nephew (pictured below) has been reported missing from the scene. TMZ reports that an all-points bulletin has been issued for the little boy:

An all points bulletin has been issued for a boy, believed to be Hudson's 7-year-old nephew (pictured below), who may have been taken from the scene. Police are looking for 1994 white Suburban with the license plate X584859.

The violence in this situation is being reported as likely being domestic. So, so terrible.

Source

Jennifer Hudson's Family Killed, Possible Kidnapping

Whit Honea — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 22:07:00 GMT

Jennifer Hudson's mother and brother were both found dead today in Hudson's Chicago home. The two had been shot.

There is a rumor floating around the internet that Hudson's niece was taken and being held for ransom, but that has not been confirmed.

We'll provide more information regarding this tragedy as it unfolds.

Our thoughts to the Hudson family.

Updated: A child is indeed missing, but the nephew, not the niece and an Amber alert has been issued.

Source/Photo

Best of FameCrawler: Week of September 26th

Whit Honea — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 20:00:00 GMT

Lindsay Lohan Trumps Clay Aiken's 'Oh, Hey, I'm A Gay Dad' Reveal. Sort Of. Maybe.

Criss Angel Car Crash Video

Was Oprah Found Dead?

Travis Barker and DJ AM's Plane Crash Explained?

Suri Cruise is Isolated and Lonely

Travis Barker Plane Crash: Statement Issued

Pamela Anderson's New Playboy Spread (Photos)

Sharon Stone Loses Custody of Child

Britney's Womanizer Leaked

Is Criss Angel Dead?

Sarah Palin Disney Movie: Head of Skate

From The There Is A God Files: Patrick Dempsey Likes A Good Spanking

Are Heath Ledger Costumes a Good Idea?

Whit Honea — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 22:09:00 GMT

Strollerderby is asking parents how they feel about letting children dress as The Joker from Batman. Obviously the idea is not a new one and has been done for years, but that was before the clown took it up a notch.

This isn't your father's Joker.

The last complete role of Heath Ledger is darker than other versions that preceded it on many levels. Ledger died during the process, which makes it somewhat creepy to begin with, but the fact that the role reached such heights- or depths as the case may be, puts The Joker in some pretty scary company. Sure, the character is fictional, but basically you're looking at Ted Bundy in a purple suit.

This won't be an issue for us as my boys haven't seen the latest Batman film (and won't for years), but even if the TV ads were to pull them in I'd have to use my power of veto on this decision. They can be something sweet and innocent, like Dracula.

DJ AM- Calls Mom, Nicole Richie Reacts To Plane Crash

trix — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 21:15:00 GMT

DJ AM (Adam Goldstein) was in a fatal plane crash last night and "was completely terrified and traumatized" from the experience. The medical staff said that he was lucky to be alive.

He was able to call his mom from the ambulance and tell her what happened. Oh my god, could you imagine getting that phone call, how terrifying.

"DJ AM suffered severe burns to his face. He is currently in a doctor-induced coma so he can "undergo skin grafts in an attempt to repair some of the extensive burn damage."

DJ AM's former fiancee, "Nicole Richie, 'is in shock, she wishes only the best for Adam and hopes he recovers from this, she's horribly upset about the people who died.'"

Joel Madden, Nicole's current partner and father of Harlow, is friends with Travis Barker, who was injured in the plane crash as well, feels terrible and hopes they recover.

Video News Report Here

Travis Barker and DJ AM's Plane Crash Explained?

Travis Barker and DJ AM in Critical Condition

Travis Barker's Ex Shanna Moakler Rushes To His Side

Source |Source

Updated: Travis Barker and DJ AM in Plane Crash

Whit Honea — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 18:11:00 GMT

Travis Barker and DJ AM were the only two survivors from a plane crash in Columbia, South Carolina. They are in critical condition.

Barker and Adam "DJ AM" Goldstein were leaving Columbia after playing a large outdoor concert Saturday night. According to CNN, "the Learjet 60 crashed on takeoff at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport at 11:53 p.m." It was headed to Van Nuys, California.

From CNN:

"They overran the end of runway 11. They impacted the antenna array and a number of lights at the end of the runway. They went through the perimeter fence and across the roadway here," said NTSB spokeswoman Debbie Hersman, briefing reporters on Saturday. "There was a significant post-crash fire."

William Owens told WIS-TV he was driving down Highway 302 when he said he saw a fireball go across the road.

"I didn't know what I had seen -- it was maybe 800 feet in front of me, but as I approached it closer though, I made out a fire. By then I was able to see the tail of the jet and I recognized it as a jet," Owens said.

Owens told the station he tried to get to the wreckage.

"It's in flames and the fuel is running across the road and I had to cross the fuel to get to the two guys that seemed to have been dumped on the highway," Owens said.

Owens told WIS-TV the two men were running around and pulling off clothing to put out the flames. He said he asked them if anyone else was on board the plane and they said four people were with them.

"We turned to the jet to try and see if there was anything we could do, but immediately, there was nothing anyone could do," Owens said.

The four other people on the plane were pilot Sarah Lemmon, 31, co-pilot James Bland, 52, Chris Baker, 29, and Charles Still, 25, all from California.

Travis Barker has been the subject of various rumors over the past couple of years regarding his alleged death. He and Goldstein are listed in critical condition with severe burns.

Travis Barker has two children.

Updated

Heath Ledger's Impact on Chris Nolan

Whit Honea — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 20:03:00 GMT

Chris Nolan, the director of The Dark Knight, wrote a very nice piece on Heath Ledger for Newsweek. It is reprinted below:

One night, as I’m standing on LaSalle Street in Chicago, trying to line up a shot for “The Dark Knight,” a production assistant skateboards into my line of sight. Silently, I curse the moment that Heath first skated onto our set in full character makeup. I’d fretted about the reaction of Batman fans to a skateboarding Joker, but the actual result was a proliferation of skateboards among the younger crew members. If you’d asked those kids why they had chosen to bring their boards to work, they would have answered honestly that they didn’t know. That’s real charisma—as invisible and natural as gravity. That’s what Heath had.

Heath was bursting with creativity. It was in his every gesture. He once told me that he liked to wait between jobs until he was creatively hungry. Until he needed it again. He brought that attitude to our set every day. There aren’t many actors who can make you feel ashamed of how often you complain about doing the best job in the world. Heath was one of them.

One time he and another actor were shooting a complex scene. We had two days to shoot it, and at the end of the first day, they’d really found something and Heath was worried that he might not have it if we stopped. He wanted to carry on and finish. It’s tough to ask the crew to work late when we all know there’s plenty of time to finish the next day. But everyone seemed to understand that Heath had something special and that we had to capture it before it disappeared. Months later, I learned that as Heath left the set that night, he quietly thanked each crew member for working late. Quietly. Not trying to make a point, just grateful for the chance to create that they’d given him.

Those nights on the streets of Chicago were filled with stunts. These can be boring times for an actor, but Heath was fascinated, eagerly accepting our invitation to ride in the camera car as we chased vehicles through movie traffic—not just for the thrill ride, but to be a part of it. Of everything. He’d brought his laptop along in the car, and we had a high-speed screening of two of his works-in-progress: short films he’d made that were exciting and haunting. Their exuberance made me feel jaded and leaden. I’ve never felt as old as I did watching Heath explore his talents. That night I made him an offer—knowing he wouldn’t take me up on it—that he should feel free to come by the set when he had a night off so he could see what we were up to.

When you get into the edit suite after shooting a movie, you feel a responsibility to an actor who has trusted you, and Heath gave us everything. As we started my cut, I would wonder about each take we chose, each trim we made. I would visualize the screening where we’d have to show him the finished film—sitting three or four rows behind him, watching the movements of his head for clues to what he was thinking about what we’d done with all that he’d given us. Now that screening will never be real. I see him every day in my edit suite. I study his face, his voice. And I miss him terribly.

Back on LaSalle Street, I turn to my assistant director and I tell him to clear the skateboarding kid out of my line of sight when I realize—it’s Heath, woolly hat pulled low over his eyes, here on his night off to take me up on my offer. I can’t help but smile.

Photo/Source: The Dark Knight Blog

Spying on the Neighbors: 1-22-08

Whit Honea — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 20:57:00 GMT

Damn crazy kids, what with their celebrity and their gossip and the stuff.

Apparently Quentin Tarantino has a ~~death~~ Britney wish. (Britney Groupie)

Eric McCormack and his son Finnigan let the dogs out. (Celebrity Baby Scoop)

Camilla Alves likes pirates and flowers. (dlisted)

Usher's father passes. (Teen Hollywood)

Johnny Depp moving to England. (fametastic)

Brunch with Reese and Jake. (Gossip Girls)