Heath Ledger is Dead

Heath Ledger was found dead Tuesday at a Manhattan residence, and police said a drug overdose may have been the cause. He was only 28 years old.

NYPD spokesman Paul Browne said Ledger had an appointment for a massage at the downtown Manhattan apartment believed to be his home. The masseuse arrived at Ledger's apartment and was let in by a housekeeper.

When he didn't answer his bedroom door, the housekeeper and the masseuse opened it and found him unconscious. They attempted to wake him and when that didn't work, they called 911.

When paramedics arrived at the scene, the actor was in full cardiac arrest. They attempted to perform CPR on him, but were unsuccessful.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Australian-born actor was nominated for an Oscar, SAG Award, BAFTA, and Golden Globe for his portrayal of Ennis del Mar in "Brokeback Mountain," where he met his wife, actress Michelle Williams, in 2005. Ledger and Williams had lived in Brooklyn and had a daughter, Matilda, until they split up last year.

Ledger is to appear as the Joker this year in "The Dark Night," a sequel to 2005's "Batman Begins." This will most likely be a haunting performance and fortunately (unfortunately?) increase ticket sales.

Dark Knight Trailer, Posters and Websites

Heath had starring roles in "A Knight's Tale" and "The Patriot," and played the suicidal son of Billy Bob Thornton in "Monster's Ball." I must have worn out my copy of Knight's Tale because I have seen it dozens of times.

Heath played one version of Bob Dylan in the loose biopic I'm Not There, which was nominated for a few Oscars this year.

I'm Not There Movie 2007 Review

Heath was in the middle of filming The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus, so there is no word yet on how Terry Gilliam will proceed with the production.

Buy Brokeback Mountain (Widescreen Edition) DVD

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Get the Heath Ledger Signed Joker Picture from Dark Knight Batman