Calgary's film community is in shock after Heath Ledger, Oscar nominated star of the made-in-Alberta Brokeback Mountain, was found dead yesterday in Manhattan.

Those who worked with Ledger, whose role in the Ang Lee-directed cowboy love story launched him to fame, said he was always friendly and professional.

Calgary actor Larry Reese, who played the minister who married Ledger and Michelle Williams' character, said it was apparent Ledger and Williams were falling in love.

"He was very protective of her. She had hurt her leg and he was extremely thoughtful of her," said Reese.

"Of course they were falling in love, but that was a secret at the time."

Ledger and Williams later became engaged, but split last year. They have a three-year-old daughter, Matilda Rose Ledger.

"That's the thing to remember -- not only have we lost this very young and talented actor, but he was this young father as well," said Reese.

According to Reese, the Austrialian-born actor was eager to talk and make friends, but was always professional when it came time to work.

"I told him my daughter was a huge fan and he said, 'Well, I will write her a letter,' and he did.

"He went off and found a pen and some paper and he wrote her this really nice note thanking her for being a fan and saying he really appreciated that she liked his work," said Reese.

Luke Azevedo, Commissioner for Film, Television and Creative Industry for Calgary, said the death came as a shocking blow to the city's actors and crew.

"He was part of a film that brought a lot of attention to our film community and industry -- we were proud to work with him and we're very saddened by his loss," said Azevedo.

"Brokeback Mountain brought a lot of success to the film in Calgary -- it was an extremely significant piece for us. It's always sad to see someone that young and talented pass away."

Ledger starred alongside Jake Gyllenhaal.

Reese says Ledger may have been an A-lister in Hollywood, but in Calgary he was down to earth and approachable.

"He didn't have an ego -- he was as open and curious about my life as I was about his," said Reese, who shared a ride in the same van with Ledger and Williams many times.

Erin Larson, spokeswoman for Alberta Film, said the fact that Ledger earned his Oscar nomination for his role in Brokeback means a lot to the province's film sector.

"It means he did some of his best work here -- it's really a loss that the industry is going to feel across the board," said Larson. "The impact of Brokeback Mountain was huge for our province."


More Artists