by Entertainment News - News.com.au, 20 February 2006
Acclaimed American writer and director Terry Gilliam has defended Heath Ledger's public persona, saying the Australian actor simply does not like attention.
Media have increasingly focused on Ledger's private life in the past year, particularly since he was nominated for a best male actor Oscar for his portrayal of a gay cowboy in Brokeback Mountain.
"Heath is not a public kind of guy and this has been rough for him," Gilliam said. "He has had to go on Oprah Winfrey and Jay Leno. This is just agony for him."
Gilliam said Ledger was one of the greatest actors he had worked with.
"I think he is brilliant. When we were working I kept comparing him to Johnny Depp to be that facile, that versatile and that dedicated to do what he does," he said.
Acclaimed American writer and director Terry Gilliam has defended Heath Ledger's public persona, saying the Australian actor simply does not like attention.
Media have increasingly focused on Ledger's private life in the past year, particularly since he was nominated for a best male actor Oscar for his portrayal of a gay cowboy in Brokeback Mountain.
"Heath is not a public kind of guy and this has been rough for him," Gilliam said. "He has had to go on Oprah Winfrey and Jay Leno. This is just agony for him."
Gilliam said Ledger was one of the greatest actors he had worked with.
"I think he is brilliant. When we were working I kept comparing him to Johnny Depp to be that facile, that versatile and that dedicated to do what he does," he said.
