Reclusive actor WES BENTLEY issued a rare statement about his friend and co-star, Heath Ledger, describing him as a "vibrant man" and a "friend forever". The pair became close pals after working together on the 2002 movie Four Feathers.

Says Bentley:

"Heath was an essential piece of my life. At one point we were as close as two people could get without being blood. That closeness came from sharing a similar, life-altering experience in life at a young age where very few could relate, and those who could often were pre-occupied with competition. It would have been isolating, not to mention boring, without him."

"He lived in a way that spread so much spark to so many people every day he had. Heath not only lived for himself, if he could've he would lived for all of us as well. That was his way... "

"My prayers are with all who loved him, his family, Michelle, and Matilda."

"I don't know if I could have come back (to acting) without him."