Heath Ledger was an Australian actor renowned for his versatility and intense performances. He rose to prominence in the late 1990s and early 2000s with roles in films like "10 Things I Hate About You" and "A Knight's Tale." Ledger garnered critical acclaim for his performances in films such as "Brokeback Mountain," for which he received an Academy Award nomination. He posthumously won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his iconic portrayal of the Joker in "The Dark Knight." His untimely death in 2008 at the age of 28 shocked the world, leaving behind a legacy of memorable and impactful performances.