It is hard to believe that it has been over a year since the tragic loss of one of the scariest “Jokers” in “Batman” history. One of the first Jokers, Jack Nicholson, warned Heath Ledger about the emotional drain the part of the “Joker” can put on an actor. It wasn’t until audiences flocked to the box office to see the new Batman movie that they realized just how serious Ledger took on the role.

“His voice sent shivers through my bones,” an audience member was quoted as saying after seeing the Batman thriller. There are very few actors that can transform a role like Ledger did in The Dark Knight and his films live on in the hearts of audiences around the world. He took on a powerful role as a gay cowboy in “Brokeback Mountain” in which he kissed Jake Gyllehnaal and won an Oscar for his performance.

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photo credit: John Griffiths

Heath Ledger, who tragically died of acute prescription drug intoxication in January of 2008, may have his life insurance policy revoked.  Ledger’s policy was carried by ReliaStar (a subsidiary of ING Americas), and its benefit was a reported $10 million. But lawyers for the life insurance company say they intend to investigate the matter, and “take the depositions of Mary-Kate Olsen, as well as the masseuse who was at Ledger’s home when he died.”

Though Ledger had not been taking any illegal substances at the time of his death according to the New York coroner, the insurance company is reportedly looking into the possibility that he had lied on his insurance application. If Ledger had lied, whether it was about any potential past illegal drug use, or the prescription drugs that he was taking, it’s possible that the $10 million policy will be revoked and his two-year-old daughter will not receive the benefits under her trust.