Heath's Curtain Call: Final Role Screened at Cannes

Heath Ledger 's final role before his tragic death premiered today for the first time.

The 28-year-old actor who died of an accidental drug overdose in January 2008 filmed about half his role for "The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus," a film described as a "fantastical morality tale," before his untimely death, the Times UK reported.

"I think it was people's love for Heath that meant this film was finally done," film director Terry Gilliam said.

The film made its debut today at Cannes, where it was well-received by the audience, the paper reported.

Actors Johnny Depp, Jude Law, Colin Farrell stepped in to complete Ledger's role and donated their earnings to his 2-year-old daughter, Matilda, the paper reported.

Ledger plays a character named Tony who is a "snake oil salesman" that "believes whatever comes out of his mouth" and joins the Imaginarium after he is saved by its members from a hanging death, the director said.

"There was irony throughout this film and there was even more irony post Health's death," Gilliam told the Times. "I hope he would be pleased with it. I think he would be."

The Australian "Brokeback Mountain" actor died in his Soho loft after a drug overdose last year.

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