Jack Nicholson (Joker 1) WARNED Heath Ledger (Joker 2)

Jack Nicholson, the original "Joker" from the 1989 "Batman" movie, says "I warned him" when asked about Heath Ledger's death. Apparently, Jack consulted Heath on the dangers of the sleeping pill "Ambien" (and the trauma of playing such a disturbed character as "The Joker").

Press: Jack! Any comment about Heath Ledger's death?

Jack: About what? Keith? (inaudible)

Press: Heath Ledger, the actor, died tonight in New York.

Jack: What happened to him?

Press: Overdose. He died in New York.

Jack: Oh that's too bad...Oh that's awful...I warned 'em! (laughter)

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• Heath
• Ledger
• Jack
• Nicholson
• Warning

[BaileyJapes]

Heath repeatedly said he'd had the time of his life playing the Joker. He'd finished that film and was working on the Gilliam film when he died. I know it's a better story, but he was not 'haunted' by the Joker. He was stressed, and depressed about being away from his daughter. He took two strong painkillers, two anti-anxiety medicines and two sleeping aids. Someone trying to kill themself would've taken more, but it was enough. Sadly, this happens every day. Even to brilliant, talented people.

[slinkhard84]

Nicholson's seen a lot of actors die of overdoses (and had some close calls himself), remember how long he's been in Hollywood. Explains the cynicism. It's not even a shock to him.

[vraciuz]

Cold answer for such a big actor....Heath was your colleague....asshole!

[HigherWaysWoman]

its no secret that those in the movie & music industry will ask spirits to enter into them in order to become the character they are portraying. Even Oprah admitted to doing this. I would imagine this is what JN was referring to when he said that he had warned Heath about playing this role & why JN also had a breakdown after portraying the joker.

[TheMintyMuffin]

@MalnourishedGoat

I like how you try to reduce the awesomeness of that performance to "gay cowboy". Shows a lot of class on your part...

[MalnourishedGoat]

@bathorycomplex Nicholson's performance is much closer to the source material. I can understand why you'd be upset with Jack's awkward cynicism and apparent lack of empathy in this clip, but I doubt Nicholson, one of the absolute greatest film actors of all time, is jealous of a gay cowboy.

[xDisturbedJokerFanx]

Jack didn't talk about the role he talked about the pills. He used those once and almost drove off a cliff so he warns people about them.

[JohnAnthony87]

drugs are bad mmmmkay

[LoPan99]

@bathorycomplex How so?

[bathorycomplex]

@BaileyJapes He also took some OTC allergy medication. ;( Such a shame he was such a beautifully, brilliantly talented actor.