It is such a pride for Heath Ledger's family that the actor's name is immortalized in the name of an art center in his hometown, Australia. The theater was named in the actor's honor on Tuesday, July 1, for his commitment to acting.
Western Australia state Premier Alan Carpenter said at a naming ceremony that the $87 million, 575-seat Heath Ledger Theater in Perth is a fitting tribute because the late actor always supported other young actors. "Heath Ledger was totally dedicated to the craft of being an actor and that's what made him successful. I think what we're doing is continuing that support for young people who want to make a career in the arts and acting, stage and in film, whatever it happens to be," Alan said in a statement.
Heath's father Kim Ledger, who attended Tuesday's ceremony, called the tribute a pleasant surprise. "He was such a giver to the arts right across the board. I really feel that there's not a lot of things he'd put his name to, but he'd put his name to that," he stated.
However, Alan's decision in naming the theater for Heath Ledger triggered criticism. On 6PR radio on Wednesday, July 2, media commentator Andrew Bolt attacked the decision as "cheap", saying Alan was just "advertising himself". He also questioned why Heath, who died from a prescription drug overdose in New York in January and had minimal stage work, should be given such an honor.
On the other hand, WA Screen Academy director John Rapsey said Heath had been a brilliant actor and he was happy to have him remembered in this way. "There is some merit in naming the theater after somebody whose career was built on film acting, from my point of view it's all acting. His performance in "Brokeback Mountain" will be remembered as one of the great screen performances," he claimed.
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