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I don't believe the role is really "cursed," as much as the media is playing it up to be. But when you look at the facts, it does seem a little too coincidental. For instance, when Nicholson played the role in 1989, he took an accidental overdose of the same medication Heath Ledger was taking. Of course he didn't die from it, but it can be assumed that since they were both taking the same medication (sleep aides), they may have both been suffering from night terrors & sleeplessness while filming. Two actors with the same problem, taking the same medication for it, while playing the same role? But you also have to consider the fact that Ledger was going through a really rough patch when this occurred. His girlfriend left him, & the newspapers were dogging his every step about it. When you factor that in with his demanding role & lack of sleep, well.. If he hadn't died, I'd be willing to bet he'd be in serious need of therapy now. As for the Joker. It's not a role any actor should get that close to. Nicholson has played plenty of madmen (The Shining, anyone?), so I don't think it affected him quite as much. But for Ledger to choose the Joker as his first villainous role? & to get so into the character as to spend days locked away, trying to find the voice & the mannerisms? It was a poor choice on his part, I believe. Only if another actor were to die (or, as in Nicholson's case, come close enough to it) while playing the Joker would I be serious in considering the part "cursed."

~~♥♔Cheri♔♥~~ ~~♥♔Cheri♔♥~~ July 26, 2008 19:04:19
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