Film: "Brokeback Mountain"

Born: April 4, 1979 (Perth, Australia)

Bio:
Typecast as a hunky heartthrob when he first arrived on the America's big screens in 1999, Heath Ledger has worked hard to dispel the image that he's mere beefcake. After some early (although not spectacular) film and TV success in his native Australia, Ledger scored with U.S. audiences as a studly teen in "10 Things I Hate About You." He followed that success with a costarring role (opposite Mel Gibson) in "The Patriot." In a deliberate move against type, he took the role of a troubled corrections officer in "Monster's Ball." Other films have followed, and Ledger is poised to break out in his latest, controversial role as a ranch hand who harbors strong feelings for a fellow cowboy in "Brokeback Mountain."

Credits:
"Brokeback Mountain" (2005) "The Brothers Grimm" (2005) "Lords of Dogtown" (2005) "Candy" (2005) "The Order" (2003) Ned Kelly" (2003) The Four Feathers" (2002) "Monster's Ball" (2001) "A Knight's Tale" (2001) "The Patriot" (2000) Two Hands" (1999) "10 Things I Hate About You" (1999) "Home and Away" (1988) "Roar" (1997) "Paws" (1997) "Blackrock" (1997) "Sweat" (1996) "Ship to Shore" (1993) "Clowning Around" (1992)

Notable: Named one of People magazine's "50 Most Beautiful People" in 2001, Ledger has been linked with some of moviedom's most beautiful young actresses, including Naomi Watts, Heather Graham, Lisa Zane and Michelle Williams (with whom he has a child).