Heath Ledger’s hometown of Perth, Australia paid tribute to the late actor as they named a new performing arts centre in his honour Tuesday.
The naming ceremony for the $87 million, 575-seat Heath Ledger Theatre was attended by Western Australia premier Alan Carpenter and Ledger’s father Kim, among others.
“Heath Ledger was totally dedicated to the craft of being an actor and that’s what made him successful,” said Carpenter.
“I think what we’re doing is continuing that support for young people who want to make a career in the arts and acting, stage and in film, whatever it happens to be.”
Kim Ledger said he was pleasantly surprised when told several weeks ago of the upcoming tribute to his son.
“He was such a giver to the arts right across the board. I really feel that there’s not a lot of things he’d put his name to, but he’d put his name to that,” he said.
Ledger, who was nominated for a best actor Oscar for his role in 2005′s “Brokeback Mountain,” died in January at the age of 28 of an accidental prescription drug overdose.
He can be seen as The Joker in the upcoming Batman movie “The Dark Knight,” his final completed film performance. The movie opens July 18.
