Well according to the Vanity Fair tribute to the late actor, that’s exactly what he wanted. That comes as a surprise to me as his performance was so masterful that you’d think an actor of his caliber would’ve welcomed the opportunity to play such an outrageous character. But his friend/agent Steven Alexander told Vanity Fair’s contributing editor that Ledger had a pay-or-play deal for his role as the Joker that he could pretty much bail and still get paid. So he purposely delivered such an over-the-top performance hoping he’d get fired so he could go on a lengthy vacation instead! Ironically, director Chris Nolan liked his performance and so did critics and film goers.

From what I’ve read, Ledger was a private person who shun publicity and the fame that came with the job as an actor. The article confirmed that unlike most actors, he definitely had an apathy for stardom. This was a quote from Alexander:

“[Ledger] was always hesitant to be in a summer blockbuster, with the dolls and action figures and everything else that comes with one of those movies. He was afraid it would define him and limit his choices.“

Hmmm, strange that he thought so as I’d think the success would mean he could pick ANY role he wanted. Ledger had been quite well-known before he took on the Joker role so I doubt he’d be typecast into playing comic-book villains. Besides, he’s so unrecognizable anyway with all those goop on his face, most people probably won’t recognize him if they passed him on the street. Nobody will ever know how much of an impact the role had on him, whether it intensified his chronic insomnia to such a lethal degree. Reportedly, his breakup with Michelle Williams and fighting for custody of his daughter also hit him hard.

Just like Michael Jackson, Ledger seemed to have had everything but yet were devoid of hope and inner peace. No matter how HUGE our problems seem to be, I think they’re rather trivial compared to the larger scheme of things. As a Christian, I’m blessed to know where my hope and strength comes from (Philipians 4:13 – I can do everything through him who gives me strength). I know I’m never alone in facing my troubles. As the world paid tribute to the King of Pop, I pray that we all would reflect on what really matters in life, and that we’d turn to the real King of heaven and earth, the only one who can help carry us through anything and everything.