A Different Perspective

Heath Ledger is found dead in US

My girlfriend asked me a couple of days ago if I would choose to be a famous director/actor if it meant we had to break up. I said no, and not just because that was the right answer to give your girlfriend.

Success does not guarantee happiness. Sometimes, the cost is too high. I don’t know anything, obviously, about the personal life of Heath Ledger. I feel for his daughter and ex-girlfriend in this time, but I certainly do not know if it was an intentional overdose, or an overdose at all for that matter, that lead to Heath Ledger’s death today. Whatever the circumstance, his talent and fortune did not seem to lead to contentment and happiness.

I don’t think it is actually an either/or question, though she had in mind what happens if she has to leave Los Angeles. Do I go with her or not. Too early in our relationship to answer that question any way, but I do know that the chance at success or fame with directing, writing, and acting will not weigh as heavily as the value of my relationships.

If that situation ever arises, I’d look at what relationships I would sacrifice by leaving Los Angeles. When I left Indiana, I believed I should lay down roots in Los Angeles. I did not want to be another transient passer-thru in L.A. That does not mean I would never consider leaving, but I do know that I would have to be convinced it is the right move to make. I do not take leaving my network of close, personal relationships lightly.

And, of course, it would matter if my girlfriend still has “girlfriend” status at that time, or if there’s another designation…

This entry was posted on Tuesday, January 22nd, 2008 at 4:57 pm and is filed under Life. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.