10 Secret Acting Methods You Never Knew

1. Heath Ledger Hid Himself In A Hotel Room For 6 Weeks To "Become" The Joker

There is a ton of hyperbole online about how the late, great Heath Ledger went "too method" while preparing to play The Joker in The Dark Knight, and that the Oscar-winning role "killed" him.

While that's clearly tabloid-fuelled hooey, Ledger did employ some specific acting techniques to get into character, but they're not really method: they're better described as the actor immersing himself in his own private character workshop.

In the six weeks before shooting started, Ledger reportedly secluded himself in a London hotel room to perfect the Clown Prince of Crime's voice - specifically his laugh - while writing a diary of his thoughts, feelings, and inspirations.

It's of course deeply tragic that Ledger's hectic work schedule made it difficult for him to sleep and may have contributed to his accidental overdose death, though it's also clear that his intense commitment to the part resulted in one of the most iconic and unforgettable performances in the history of blockbuster filmmaking.