Heath Ledger

December 16

Brokeback Mania

Brokeback Mountain (left) premieres in the U.S., and Ledger's performance as the tortured, strong-and-silent Ennis Del Mar earns raves. The Los Angeles Times calls the actor "breathtaking," adding that he "brings this film alive by going so deeply into character, you wonder if he'll be able to come back." Director Ang Lee tells PEOPLE that Ledger's performance is reminiscent of "a young [Marlon] Brando."

October

Surprise Split

It seemed Ledger couldn't stop gushing about his home life, calling Williams "the perfect mom" on The Oprah Winfrey Show in 2006. But in October 2007, Ledger and Williams announce their split. Soon after, Ledger is spotted with former supermodel Helena Christensen. But she is quick to shoot down rumors of romance. "It's so annoying," she tells PEOPLE. "I can't even tell you."

Joker's Wild

The Dark Knight – the sequel to 2005's Batman Begins starring Christian Bale – comes out in July 2008, but buzz about Ledger's portrayal of the Joker (left) has already begun. Michael Caine, who plays trusted Wayne family butler Alfred, tells MTV that Ledger's interpretation is "one of the scariest performances I've ever seen." Ledger adds, "He has zero empathy. It's the most fun I've had with a character and probably will ever have."

February 01

Michelle Breaks Her Silence

After Ledger's private memorial, Williams says in a statement, "My heart is broken...I am the mother of the most tender-hearted, high-spirited, beautiful little girl who is the spitting image of her father. All that I can cling to is his presence inside her that reveals itself every day." That same week, PEOPLE reveals heartbreaking details about Ledger's fear of losing Matilda and how his drug use affected his relationship with Williams.