Heath Ledger is Dead

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

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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1201. To 1202: How much is WBC paying you to say stupid stuff like that?

The problem with the Baptists at WBC is that they don't hold them under long enough....

Posted at 10:09PM on Jan 28th 2008 by Ewwwwww

1202. Heath was and is my all time faverite Australian actor! from one Ausie to anouther

Posted at 10:54PM on Jan 28th 2008 by BENITA

1203. You will be greatly missed, it's been nearly a week, and I still cannot believe it. Who cares about his sex life, he was truly a unique person and actor.

RIP Heath

Posted at 10:57PM on Jan 28th 2008 by RIPHeath-O

1204. Here in Australia we miss Heath and feel very sad.
I personally feel for Matilda and Michelle and his family for their loss

Posted at 11:36PM on Jan 28th 2008 by Oz-fan

1205. ok so like to the person who posted comment 195, you obiviously did not watch the movie. it was one of the best love stories i have ever seen, heard, or read about. everyone should want a love like that. i commend heath and josh from taking on such hard acting role with people like you telling them it is wrong. i am terribly sad to see someone like heath pass. GOD BLESS HIS SOUL. may he rest in peace. and may people like you (#195) stop being so irrogant and open your eyes and remove all your prejudices. gays are people too.

Posted at 12:30AM on Jan 29th 2008 by megs32

1206. haha, I don't even know who this guy is...until now that is

Posted at 12:49AM on Jan 29th 2008 by Free XBOX 360 Elite

1207. i would like to say sorry to the fam for there lost.heath was a wounderful actor and guy.i loved his film and always like watching him on tv.he will be missed more than any one can know.he was one of the best.rip to a wounderful man and actor.may his memory live on.it is sad to see him gone.i will always remember him and the good time i had watching his films and mutch more.

Posted at 5:01AM on Jan 29th 2008 by brandi

1208. WOW
Thanx

Posted at 7:18AM on Jan 29th 2008 by KVN

1209. so tragic,so sad :(( i can't stop thinking about him and his family especially matilda :( . He was a great actor and seemed like a good person...Heath rest in peace,you will be remembered and i hope your family will find the strenght to carry on,they have a lot to be proud of. you were loved

Posted at 8:40AM on Jan 29th 2008 by croatian girl

1210. OK, now your post is 1206, real cowboy. I don't know what happened to your original post but 1202 is directed at you. You are spewing the most disgusting filth about someone you didn't even know and a movie you say you never saw. Grow up, and stop taking Shirley Phelps-Roper's money - you're as bad as she is.

Posted at 9:22AM on Jan 29th 2008 by Ewwwwww

1211. It's been just about a week since Heath Ledger's death and I still can't seem to come to the realization that we will no longer see his passion for acting played out on the big screen any longer. I obviously did not know him but every time I hear anything on tv or in the media about his death, his short but great career and his grieving family......ESPECIALLY his little girl that probably has yet to grasp or understand that her dad is no longer alive and that she will never see his true passion for acting played out and his true LOVE for his daughter just breaks my heart and puts me to tears. I don't think I have ever been effected by an actors death as much as now and there has not been one day since last Tuesday that I have not cried. There was not one thing bad that could be said about Heath Ledger nor has there been one bad thing spoken about Heath Ledger for he was a humble, laid back, funny, entertaining, truely intelligent and passionate actor, son, brother and especially father who's life was tragically cut short. It makes me sick to read others peoples comments regarding his portrayal of a gay cowboy or someone's recent comment about his receding hairline....why does that make someone deserve to die or deserve to have his death mocked by neive, unintelligent people??!! for God's sake have a heart and some campassion and use your head. He was a GREAT, Talented actor who put passion into his work and was SO GOOD at it that his characters sucked you in and you forgot that that was even Heath Ledger playing the role. The entertainment industry and all of us who enjoyed being entertained by his great choice of characters and roles lost a gifted and talented actor. I am so sad and upset about this loss of such a great person and I can't imagine what his family and friends are going through at this moment.

I think I speak for almost everyone from his family and friends to his greatest fans when I say....WE WILL TRUELY MISS YOU HEATH LEDGER!!!

Posted at 10:21AM on Jan 29th 2008 by A girl in Shock!

1212. Too Bad! Another talented actor bites the dust. I can't wait to see him in The Dark Knight. It looks like he took the Joker to the next level. Probably a great performance? Anyway, lessons hopefully will be learned from this tragedy?

Posted at 10:46AM on Jan 29th 2008 by Bernard Herrmann

1213. Heath was a great actor, and will be terribly missed by many. The sad part is that now his daughter will grow up with out a dad. We all need to take a look at our lives, and ask ourselves is it worth it? Love the ones you have you never know when that one day will come, when you lose them.

Posted at 1:28PM on Jan 29th 2008 by Moodle

1214.
Your best was yet to come mate!! Yet another Aussie Icon gone who had more to offer. RIP Heath...

May your family find solace in the fact that you brought enjoyment to millions around the world.

KP - Bunbury Western Australia

Posted at 4:11PM on Jan 29th 2008 by KP-WestOztralian2008

1215. i loved him sooo much, he was so talented and really hot, R.I.P Heath

Posted at 5:58PM on Jan 29th 2008 by katie

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