R.I.P. Heath Ledger

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Actor Heath Ledger was found dead in his Manhattan apartment on Tuesday, possibly of a drug overdose, New York City police said.

The Australian-born Ledger, 28, who was nominated for an Oscar last year for "Brokeback Mountain," was found dead by a housekeeper at his apartment in the trendy SoHo neighborhood, police spokesman Paul Browne said.

"We are investigating the possibility of an overdose," Browne said.

The housekeeper found Ledger at 3:26 p.m. (2026 GMT) and tried to wake him for his appointment to have a massage, Browne said. As far as he knew, only Ledger and the housekeeper were in the apartment, Browne said.

"There were pills within the vicinity of the bed," Browne said.

Ledger was nominated as best lead actor for his role as a gay cowboy in "Brokeback Mountain," but the award went to Philip Seymour Hoffman for his role as Truman Capote.

The handsome star was reported last year to have broken up with his longtime companion, actress Michelle Williams, who played his wife in "Brokeback" and was the real-life mother of the actor's young daughter, Matilda.

Ledger's other film credits included "A Knight's Tale," "The Patriot" and "Monster's Ball." He is currently starring in "I'm Not There," one of several actors playing a role representing Bob Dylan, and was due to appear as The Joker in the next Batman film.

(Reporting by Christine Kearney and Steve Gorman; Editing by Patricia Zengerle)

*Was checking my Yahoo mail, and found this article. Its a shame he died so young!*

OMG

i was about to post dis
aww its soo sad 😭 😭

cos i loved him

he was soo hot
and now hes dead
wat about his poor daughter ?

ohh its soo depressing

Heath Ledger was such a talented actor! and i just learnt he had been cast as joker for the new Batman movie too so much was still in store for him.. its a shame his life was cut so short My heart goes out to his family..

this came as such a shock! and the impact here is huge since hez an Australian actor, and that too one of the few big ones who made it to Hollywood.

RIP Heath Ledger.

rest in peace bb

i'll always love you

i really liked him... RIP HEATH!

OMG!... I was devastated when I heard about this . I loved his acting to bits
R.I.P Heath.

I reallly really loved Heath, especially in 10 things I hate about you, and A Knight's tale. This is a terrible shock to me.

R.I.P Heath. 😭 May God give his loved ones the strength to bear this terrible loss.

i was totally shocked to read this news. i remember seeing it when i opened the MSN homepage. god.. i really cannot believe that heath is dead. he was one of my favourite hollywood actors. his performances are flawless.👏👏 i especially loved him in The Brothers Grimm & A Knight's Tale.

it's such a pity. he is still so young & his daughter? oh my god.. she's so little. she still needs her dad.😭😭😭

rest in peace heath. i'll always miss you & your tremendous performances in films.😭

its soo sad 😭
he really had what it takes to be a great actor
may his soul rest in peace

Originally posted by: darkness_123

I reallly really loved Heath, especially in 10 things I hate about you, and A Knight's tale. This is a terrible shock to me.

R.I.P Heath. 😭 May God give his loved ones the strength to bear this terrible loss.

Same here. Those were the two films that made me recognise him as an actor. I wasn't a fan but he was a commendable actor. RIP Heath, i pray that the mystery of his death can be discovered to provide closure for his loved ones. My deepest condolences are for his daughter.😭