Jack Nicholson said he “warned” Heath Ledger before the star died.
Nicholson portrayed the Joker in the 1989 movie “Batman” — a role Ledger took on in the upcoming Batman movie “The Dark Knight.”
Nicholson was told of Ledger’s death by photographers outside a London restaurant, and he replied, “I warned him,” the Splash news agency reported. It’s unclear what he warned Ledger about.
Meanwhile, stars around the world are mourning Ledger.
— Naomi Watts, a onetime Ledger girlfriend, reportedly broke down in tears when she heard the news at the Sundance Film Festival. She then canceled all her events to promote the film “Funny Games,” Us magazine reported.
— Ang Lee, who directed Ledger in “Brokeback Mountain,” said. “Working with Heath was one of the purest joys of my life. He brought to the role of Ennis more than any of us could have imagined — a thirst for life, for love and for truth, and a vulnerability that made everyone who knew him love him. His death is heartbreaking.”
— Fellow Aussie Nicole Kidman said, “What a terrible tragedy. My heart goes out to Heath’s family,” according to Australia’s Daily Telegraph. http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,23095876-5001028,00.html
— Geoffrey Rush, who co-starred with Ledger in the movie “Candy,” told Entertainment Tonight that Ledger’s death is “such a sad event. I admired Heath enormously. He was a sensitive and committed and daring actor. This is truly a tragedy. I send my condolences to his family and friends and colleagues.”
— Actress Charlize Theron told Entertainment Tonight that “It’s really, really sad. I hope his family is okay. I wish them the best.”