Oscar-nominated actor Heath Ledger found dead in New York apartment

Award-winning actor, heart-throb and father to a two-year-old girl, the actor Heath Ledger died yesterday at his home in New York. Prescription drugs and sleeping pills were found in his room, however it is not yet clear exactly how he died. 

Heath Ledger was famous for his starring role in Brokeback Mountain. He was nominated for Best Actor Oscar for this role in 2005. His recent work included the Bob Dylan movie I’m Not There, and his role as the Joker in the latest Batman movie, The Dark Knight. 

Friends say that 28 year old Heath had been depressed since he split from fiancée Michelle Williams, the mother of his daughter Matilda. However, Ledger’s family in Australia insists that he would not have taken his own life. An autopsy will give clues as to whether the fatal overdose was accidental or not. 

Heath Ledger recently finished filming a new movie in London called The Imaginarium of Dr Parnassus, directed by Terry Gilliam. 

Heath’s acting career began in an Australian television series. His Hollywood break came when he was chosen out of 500 others by Mel Gibson to play his son in The Patriot. 

News of Heath Ledger’s sudden death has shocked the world. Tributes have poured in to this young, hugely talented actor.