R.I.P.
Heath Ledger is Dead

Posted Jan 22nd 2008 4:40PM by TMZ Staff

Heath Ledger TMZ has learned that 2006 Academy Award nominee Heath Ledger has died in NY.

He was found dead in his bed in one of his residences in Soho by his housekeeper at 3:35 PM ET today. Law enforcement sources tell TMZ they believe it was not a crime, adding that prescription pills were found near his body.

According to NYPD a masseuse arrived at Ledger's apartment and was let in by a housekeeper. When Ledger didn't answer his bedroom door, the housekeeper and the masseuse opened it and found him unconscious. They attempted to wake him; when they couldn't, they called 911.

We're told when paramedics responded, 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 28-year-old actor has a two year old daughter with former fiancee Michelle Williams -- they separated in September, 2007. He plays The Joker in the upcoming Batman film, "The Dark Knight" and is perhaps best known for his groundbreaking role as Ennis in "Brokeback Mountain."

We're told Heath had dinner last night with his model girlfriend Gemma Ward.

Story developing...

Filed under: R.I.P., Heath Ledger

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1186. Wow....you are such a homophobe "A REAL Cowboy".... I never saw Brokeback Mountain, but I know that it was nominated for many awards. Leave it to a real loser to pick on someone who can't defend himself. (Seeing as he has sadly passed) I don't know how old you are, but in his 28 years of life I can guarantee that he accomplished more than you did in your sorry life. The "good Ol' USA" as you put it was founded on the beliefs of tollerance and freedom. I am not gay, but unlike you I have no problem with the gay populace. America is country of many peoples and many beliefs, respect them or you dont belong in the "good OL' USA"

Posted at 2:25AM on Jan 28th 2008 by J

1187. RIP Heath!!!! I can't believe he is gone:( He was such a talented actor. He was cut down before his time. I had no doubt in my mind that he would have been the next Marlon Brando. But instead he is the next James Dean. No words can express the pain I feel. He was such a tremendous presence, his death hsa more effect than any other news that has came along since 1/22. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends, especially his little girl. Who will never have memories of her father. Who will never have the opportunity to know such a amazing, talented man. Gone but never forgotten

Posted at 3:06AM on Jan 28th 2008 by adhart

1188. It truly amazes me that there are some of you out there that are so hateful, judgmental and just plain nasty.
Do you honestly have nothing better to do then try to tarnish the reputation of a man that did nothing but try to entertain people? So what, he took on the role in Broke Back Mountain... That honestly means nothing more than the fact that he wasn't afraid to try other roles and not get pigeoned holed. Unlike people like Silvester Stallone and others that are just playing themselves in what ever movie they are in. It was a MOVIE that he played a PART in... Get over yourselves... As for all of the other chatter about how or what caused him to die, everyone should just reserve all of there wonderful comments until the corner's report comes back. It hasn't even been a week since this tragedy happened and how many different scenario's have we heard about? Bottom line, whatever your opinion is, a young talented man has lost his life and those that loved him are trying to deal with this fact. For one minute could you TRY to have a heart and silence all of your hateful comments and think how others are feeling at this time?!?!?! I know for some of you it will be hard but please try.

Posted at 3:21AM on Jan 28th 2008 by Raven

1189. "A REAL Cowboy"....I don't believe that your a cowboy at all... Just some sad homophobe who can't get any in real life. Let me call your girlfriend so she can read what you wrote....BAAAAAaaaa BAAaaaAA BaaaAAA... ( yes im calling that sheep you love so much). Just because you have a computer doesn't meen you should use it to bash and flame dead people, By the way....at least learn to type correctly, not like your hillbilly momma "done gone and teached you to speak, cos it makes you sound dumberer than you probably are" (I tried to dumb that down so you could understand it). Your Red-neck is showing...you might want to cover that up.

Posted at 6:41AM on Jan 28th 2008 by J

1190. I am from Australia, and I own "Two Hands" A movie that Heath starred in when first starting in the Industry back in 1998, He was only a year older then I am, and was a really cool actor. Sad he had to die when he did, but he will be missed by his fans

Posted at 8:15AM on Jan 28th 2008 by paul drennan

1191. oh my god he was soo young im sooooooo sad god bless his soul

Posted at 8:51AM on Jan 28th 2008 by parihan

1192. It would be nice if people could respond with something besides "first" especially for something tragic like this. Get a damn life people.

Posted at 1:51PM on Jan 28th 2008 by Carol

1193. the star-struck lot who live vicariously through the bigger-than-life have repeatedly expressed their dismay and surprise at such a loss. Isn't it what you wanted? How BORING is the n'er-do-wronger in Hollyw00d these days?

If he hadn't been a confused, screwed-up drug addict he wouldn't have caught your attention.

If he hadn't continued down the path of obliteration he would have faded away (again..BORING).

We like to hear about fame, but it's got nothing on infamy ...

Posted at 2:55PM on Jan 28th 2008 by whysoshocked

1194. this is shocking!! he was really hot & tall!

Posted at 3:43PM on Jan 28th 2008 by a dumb blonde

1195. heath, tu m as fait rire ,tu m as émus ,tu m as bouleversé,maintenant je te pleure .sincères condoléances a sa famille. paix. quebec/ montréal.

Posted at 5:10PM on Jan 28th 2008 by sandra canuel

1196. God rest your beautiful soul Heath. This is so hard to fathom....... Australia loves you, and we are heartbroken you have left us way oo early. Rest in peace forever. xoxox

Posted at 8:05PM on Jan 28th 2008 by Mandy

1197. For those who are condemning Heath for his amazing acting role in Brokeback Mountain, let this be said - he was a fine ACTOR, ACTING in a role. Do those actors who play murderers face the ire of the public for playing a much more terrible role??? No. Wake up people, he was PLAYING A ROLE, and a fine one at that. He was a son, a father, a friend, and so much more. Let's remember that and let his soul rest in peace and those who loved him grieve with dignity and respect.

Posted at 8:08PM on Jan 28th 2008 by Mandy

1198. To 1196, A REAL Cowboy,,,Not. Get a fricking life. Brokeback Mountain was a M O V I E not real life although based on a brave gay cowboy. You must be a homophob and totally insensitive to say such moronic things. I find most homophobic idiots like you are either a religious freak or scared you might be gay yourself! I am a heterosexual who doesn't necessarily agree with the gay lifestyle but hey the world even accepts morons like you. Can't you get over the fact he was in a MOVIE which not only showed the range of his talent but as Heath said in his words he liked roles which stretched his acting abilites. Do you think it was easy playing gay when you are straight? Grieve for his daughter and family he left behind and don't concentrate on what is not even relevant. AND you are not the only one on commenting on this story that focused on insignificant things and not the tragedy of his death or anyone's death at such a young age and with such talent. And that goes for ALL individuals not necessarily celebrities. Now his young daughter is without a Father. Is that what happened to you?

Posted at 8:37PM on Jan 28th 2008 by You Have Got To Be Kidding!

1199. Excuse me, my comment was directed at 1199 NOT 1196, Apparently several of us had the same feeling about your insensitive comment. And I love the comment, 1190 he must be missing his sheep. He's must be the poster boy for "when Men where Men and Sheep were scared"!!!!

Posted at 8:42PM on Jan 28th 2008 by You Have Got To Be Kidding!

1200. This has been on my mind for a few days. I have never seen any of his films but since he died I have looked at some clips and it is just such a loss. He seemed so genuine in an industry full of not so geniune people. God Bless you Heath. Matilda, Michelle and the rest of his friends and family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Posted at 9:00PM on Jan 28th 2008 by Laura W.

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