WATCH: ‘I Am Heath Ledger’ Documentary Shows Never-Before-Seen Footage of the Late Actor

Heath Ledger ’s loved ones honor the brilliant actor in the first trailer for I Am Heath Ledger. SpikeTV’s forthcoming documentary about Ledger’s life and career.

The first glimpse at the 90-minute film features candid home footage of the late actor, who died as a result of an accidental overdose in on Jan. 22, 2008, and one-on-one interviews with the people that were closest to him while he was alive.

“He was always a director,” says his childhood friend Trevor DiCarlo. “Acting was just a way to get there.”

Ben Mendelsohn . who portrayed Daggett in The Dark Knight Rises. asserts that Brokeback Mountain was the film that made Ledger’s career.

“Before Brokeback Mountain came in, it would have been unthinkable to have a romantic tragedy involving two gay cowboys,” he says. “This is one of the biggest heartthrobs on earth taking on that character. That’s an artist.”

“He wanted fame, but then when he got it, he didn’t want it,” adds filmmaker Matt Amato.

Watch the moving trailer at the top of the page. I Am Heath Ledger will screen at the Tribeca Film Festival on April 23, 2017, before it premieres on SpikeTV on May 17, 2017, at 10 p.m. EST/PST.