CELEBRITY

John Travolta tells: My tears for Heath

Thursday, January 24, 2008

THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2008

In a revealing interview, Hollywood superstar John Travolta opens up about his devastation over the death of his friend Heath Ledger.

WD: Did you know Heath? How has his death affected you?
JT: I did know Heath and I adored him. I am pretty devastated over this. He was my favourite actor and my favourite talent. It's like losing James Dean. I would give back all my awards and all my nominations just to have him back — I think he is a real loss as a persona and as a talent. And this whole evening is very hard for me. We are celebrating Australia week in the USA — and it's killing me. You know that he's both of us. He's Australian and from the United States, and he means a whole lot. It's bad situation.

WD: How did you meet him?
JT: I wanted to meet him because I was very impressed with him from the very beginning. His agent introduced me to him at a party, and I just fell — I used every accolade. Actors need other actors to be inspired by, and he was "my" actor.

WD: How did he respond?
JT: I forget that anyone younger than me grew up with me. He was beautiful in his reaction. I was an idol of his — my reacting that way to his work really blew him away, but he was very modest and almost bashful about the compliment — and didn't want to make a big deal about himself. But he was a big deal.

WD: Did you know of any troubles he may have been experiencing?
JT: As far as I knew he was on top of the world. He had everything going for him and was very serious about his craft, and was looking forward to the best work thrown his way. I know recently there was a separation [between him and Michelle Williams], but the thing is when you have the depth of character and feeling as Heath did — it's a double-edged sword. You are also feeling those things in life. Your sensitivities and perceptions are almost an assault on you. The most beautiful thing you can use in your craft is also the very thing that can make life harsher for you. I would be presumptuous to assume any reasons, it would be inappropriate. My feeling on Heath is I don't want to lose him at any age, 28 or 88, like Marlon Brando. I didn't like his passing, he was special to me, and he was a friend. At any age you don't want to lose someone like that — he was a valuable guy. I am truly sorry and my heart goes out to everyone who knew him and loved him, and actually, my heart goes out to me, I really don't like it. I don't like it… [trails off]

WD: Do you feel for young people in show business now?
JT: I was in a different era, I really don't know. My daughter is starting out in the business and she will be protected by me, and I admire anyone who holds it together nowadays. There are a lot of outside pressures, and then you add the complications of being a superstar — that talent, that depth, and who knows? We would have to be inside that person's head.

WD: What was his most inspirational movie for you?
JT: Well, the first movie I saw him in was The Patriot, but then with Brokeback — I don't think anyone will ever beat that performance, I don't know if it's possible.

In pictures:

Heath Ledger 1979 — 2008

Article: Heath Ledger found dead

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User comments

Gotta remember folks that johns a scientologist,and the stepford way is the call of his day,but appart from what we do know, how much do we not know,maybe johns followed heaths career wherever he could, apart from his busy schedule,anyway, i think johns tried to express,all he can, and even if new him better, he could,so saying all that is not bad,john really does go overboard with love and adoration,but you cant doubt the integrity of the man and the goodwill he beleives in.Good on you john,you are a man trying to express the best truth you can,hey who of us can claim to be perfect,we try to do what we think is right,in everyday life.And you know that we dont always agree with each other,but anything said good about Heath may be justified dont forget its heath were talking about here.peace in australia between australians ok and remember that heaths death seems to be an accidental death i feel sorry for heath and his daughter.This is not what we wanted for him or anyone.kindwordsjon.

Come off it Catey. You do not have the slightest idea what you are talking about. It makes me sick that ppl can say the vile things like you just did and get away with it. There is nothing to suggest John is in the closet so just shut your mouth and keep your foul ideas to yourself. Maybe grow up might be a good idea as well.

I am very devasted with the fact that one of the most beloved Australian actors is gone! He was a brilliant actor and a loving father and he did not deserve this harsh fate at all. You will be greatly missed by me and and I hope that we can meet someday as silly as that sounds.

im am still in shock over this wonderful actor i think the world will mourn for him for a long time yet its such a shocking tragedy who knows what was going through his mind before he died.....only he knows.My heart goes out to his family especially his daughter Matilda,noone will ever forget him

how very very sad,his poor family, i have sons of my own,and my heart breaks for his mother

Heath,goodbye for now,we will all meet again some day,meanwhile,your spirit will live on in your beautiful daughter,mother,father,sister and all those that are related to you.Your face will stay alive in all your movies which you lend to this world but your love Heath will last in our hearts forever.Thank you,for allowing us to see the real human you were caring,modest and evey inch a gentle soul

I agree with Travolta, a rare talent has been taken away from us all. I was looking forward to a larger body of work from this young man, but what we have on celluloid already is seriously special. Just a crying shame, man.

i have read some of the coments and yes we will a miss heath,we all do not no the facts as it reports it will take a week.he was sick with pneumonia and that may have caused it,i think jt said it just right.we do not know if it was an accident or not,we can only prayer that it was.it was a great actor.truthly missed. i feel for all his family and friends.why,i asked myself he was only 28. actors are just like us normal people,they just have alot of money. but i know i love him and i will miss him.r.i.p. heath. sadly missed for ever.xxxxxxoooooo.

i dun get why people are so cut at jt? i mean read all the rip heath forums, do you think any of those people who are devestated have ever met heath ledger? i think not. i am devestated and i never knew him. so why wouldnt jt be upset? just because they were not best m8s,it doesnt mean he didnt appeciate him as an actor, just like the rest of us.

TJ's comments are not going to harm anyone, if anything it was all positive. Not all interviews are going to be perfect. It just shows that we are all human and nobody's perfect, not even well known actors. May you rest in peace Heath.