Heath Ledger was an Australian actor born on April 4, 1979, in Perth. He gained global recognition for his impactful performances in various films, including "Brokeback Mountain" and "The Dark Knight." Ledger's portrayal of the Joker in the latter earned him a posthumous Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Tragically, he passed away on January 22, 2008, leaving behind a legacy of versatile and mesmerizing performances that continue to inspire audiences worldwide.