Jan 22, 2008 - In a shocking bit of news, Oscar-nominated actor Heath Ledger was found dead in a Manhattan apartment today. According to preliminary reports, pills were found near the 28-year-old actor's body. Police do not suspect foul play.
NYPD spokesman Paul Browne told the Associated Press Ledger was discovered in bed by a housekeeper. The housekeeper had entered his room to let him know the masseuse had arrived for their scheduled appointment and found the actor nonresponsive.
Ledger's short but packed film career began in the early '90s. It was the 1999 teen romantic comedy 10 Things I Hate About You that really got the Australian actor noticed - and not just by women. Ledger went on to prove he was capable of handling any genre, and had just wrapped filming The Dark Knight for director Christopher Nolan. Ledger plays The Joker in the second Batman film to star Christian Bale. The Dark Knight is scheduled to hit theaters on July 18th. There's no word yet from Warner Bros as to how publicity surrounding that film will change because of Ledger's death. The next advertising campaign for The Dark Knight film was supposed to revolve around Ledger's character. The film is currently in the post-production stage.
Ledger earned a Best Actor Oscar nomination for his role as a gay cowboy in the critically acclaimed drama Brokeback Mountain. Ledger fell in love with his onscreen wife, Michelle Williams, while shooting that film. The couple became first-time parents on October 28, 2005. Ledger and Williams ended their 3-year relationship in September 2007.
Updated Jan 23 - The pills found near Ledger's naked body were prescription sleeping pills. No illegal drugs were found in the apartment and the initial autopsy findings were inconclusive. It will take 10 -14 days to get the results of the toxicology report to determine the cause of Ledger's death.
Friends, family and fellow actors are speaking out about Ledger's life and career. In an interview with MTV, Lords of Dogtown writer Stacy Peralta said, "There's a fallacy about being famous. It's not what we think it is. The only value in life is the value you share with people. I just hope he's OK now. I hope Heath Ledger is resting in peace now."
In Perth, Australia, Ledger's father spoke to the press on behalf of his family. "We, Heath's family, can confirm the very tragic, untimely and accidental passing of our dearly loved son, brother and doting father of Matilda," said Kim Ledger. "He was a down-to-earth, generous, kindhearted, life-loving unselfish individual extremely inspirational to many." Kim Ledger concluded by asking the public and the media to respect the family's privacy at this tragic time.
Michelle Williams learned the news of Ledger's death while filming Mammoth in Sweden. Williams and the couple's daughter, Matilda, are returning to New York to be with family.
Updated Jan 25 - Family and friends are gathering today in New York for a private viewing. Plans for Ledger's burial are being kept secret.
