Who is Heath Ledger?

If I was to say the name “Heath Ledger” two years ago the reaction I would receive would be completely different than the one received today. Two words, signifying one man, an actor poised to become one of the greatest of his time. Or is this just the symbol we attach to him now? Was he really on his way to become one of those elite actors among the ranks of Marlon Brando and Paul Newman, or is this just our societies reaction to losing a young man far too soon?
Now, when the words “Heath Ledger” are said the thoughts that come racing to our minds are not teen idol, Australian actor, or curly blonde hair but rather simply one word – the joker. Jonathan Culler writes that signs “…are defined by a network if relations, both internal and external” (56). Internally, through Ledger’s portrayal of the character, society sees a troubled young man lost within a dark character and an actor that has given himself to the role beyond all recognition of the initial self. Externally we see a distraught character bound by hatred and disillusioned ideas of anarchy trying to set the world ablaze. This character serves as a symbol, not only in regards to the fictional character, but now (due to Ledger’s death) a symbol of his own plight in his final days. The image of the Joker is not simply one for Ledger but a symbol for Ledger’s downfall leading towards his death. His submission to his roles, especially while filming the Dark Knight, led to his dependency on pharmaceutical drugs and preeminent death.
Today, Ledger is not only an actor but is also the Joker. In this respect he has embodied the sign through the outcome of his passing. Since there will be no other opportunities to understand Ledger as a father, a man, or in another role, the memory of his self will be seen through his portrayal of the symbol (the Joker). He is forever immortalized in this complex character, which in itself is a shell of a human being.