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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1246. I have been a great fun of Heath's work since his break on "10 things I hate about you" in 1999. This unfortunate news has really devastated me. His charismatic style, wide smile and great sense of humor made him all the more real. May God rest his soul in eternal peace and be with his family as they mourn his passing.

Posted at 7:07AM on Feb 7th 2008 by Njeri

1247. Last

Posted at 3:17PM on Feb 8th 2008 by Alan

1248. OH MY GOODNESS. I COULDN'T BELIEVE WHEN i HEARD. I'm so sad. He was one of my favorite actors. YOU NEVER KNOW WHO'S GONNA GO NEXT. YOU USUALLY THINK SOMEONE LIKE BRITNEY OR AMY WINEHOUSE WOULD DIE THIS TRAGICALLY BUT NOT AN EXTRAORDINARY ACTOR LIKE HEATH. I'M DEEPLY SADDENED BY THIS AND BY THE GRACE OF GOD HE WILL LIVE ON THROUGH HIS WORK AND HIS DAUGHTER,

DAMN JUST WHEN I WAS EXCITED ABOUT THE DARK KNIGHT

R.I.P HEATH LEDGER YOU WILL TRULY BE MISSED.
T_T

Posted at 12:27PM on Feb 10th 2008 by Michelle

1249. You need to get a life and have some respect for the dead. I take it by your comment that you have never lost someone you love, or respect. Have respect for those who knew and loved him. He was never one who was associated with the wild ones. Be a respectful and true human being, this also goes for all who have no respect for the dead and those who speculate without all the facts. Please have some respect for Heath who lost a very promising life, and his family and friends who loved him. Let him rest in peace without all the disrespect that you and others who have left their disrepectful, and in my opinion, discusting remarks for someone who had a great and promising life ahead of him Leave your opinions to yourself and let those grieve without the "crap" you spout without all the true facts of his death. I lost someone by an accidental overdose, and if it turns out that was the cause of death, it is NOT his fault, nor is it something he did by choice. Get educated on the facts. And if you still believe, you are a pathetic, insensative individual

Posted at 12:02AM on Jan 30th 2008 by havesomerespect

Posted at 10:35PM on Feb 11th 2008 by havesomerespect

1250. He made a ton of enemies with the far right wingers.
Accidental overdosis my ass.
I believe intruders forced him to take the stuff,then left,in that way
for the sake of niceties with the Ausies.Americans killed Heath,nah
I do not believe it,may say a Ausie.

Posted at 10:29PM on Feb 12th 2008 by liz blake

1251. i CANNOT BELIEVE THIS HAPPENED. i FEEL THIS IN THE PIT OF MY STOMACH BECAUSE HE WAS JUST AN ALL AROUND WONDERFUL MAN WHO SO MUCH LOVED AND LIVED FOR HIS DAUGHTER. I FEEL HORRIBLE FOR MICHELLE AS WELL. EVEN THOUGH THEY WERE NOT TOGETHER, THEY HAD A COMMON PURPOSE THAT WOULD'VE FOREVER TIED THEM TOGETHER AND I KNOW MICHELLE IS HEART BROKEN BY THIS.TELL ME WHY DOES THE GOOD DIE YOUNG?

Posted at 7:38AM on Feb 13th 2008 by JEZABEL

1252. i CANNOT BELIEVE THIS HAPPENED. i FEEL THIS IN THE PIT OF MY STOMACH
BECAUSE HE WAS JUST AN ALL AROUND WONDERFUL MAN WHO SO MUCH LOVED
AND LIVED FOR HIS DAUGHTER. I FEEL HORRIBLE FOR MICHELLE AS WELL.
EVEN THOUGH THEY WERE NOT TOGETHER, THEY HAD A COMMON PURPOSE THAT
WOULD'VE FOREVER TIED THEM TOGETHER AND I KNOW MICHELLE IS HEART
BROKEN BY THIS.TELL ME WHY DOES THE GOOD DIE YOUNG?

Posted at 7:57AM on Feb 13th 2008 by JEZABEL

1253. Rest In Peace, Heath...
He's a promising actor, making a name for himself...

Posted at 10:15AM on Feb 13th 2008 by dri_shadoe

1254. Ahh never DID see the movie 'BrokeButt Mounting' cos' I was roundin' up STEERS while 'they' were a roundin' up QUEERS.
Or put another way - REAL cowboys ride the PRAIRIES while some only ride the FAIRIES!
So, you gotta ask yourself just ONE question -
Which 'way' is best for the overall HEALTH and general WELL-BEING of the good Ol' USA?

Posted at 2:22PM on Feb 13th 2008 by A REAL Cowboy

1255. That is really tragic. He was a rare TALENT for my young generation. I hate that we always have to lose the great ones. rest in peace, "DAN" (CANDY).

Posted at 5:05PM on Feb 14th 2008 by Andi

1256. Its Sad ...
He was my fav.

Posted at 10:35PM on Feb 14th 2008 by Jessica Simpson

1257. that's awful! he was such a great actor. And ugh! That's just horrible! :'(

Posted at 10:02AM on Feb 19th 2008 by tosha352

1258. this is so sad.. i think about him everyday. i love you heath

Posted at 12:59AM on Feb 21st 2008 by love heath forever

1259. Um, ChiTown, it's Michelle WILLIAMS, not Phillips.... do your research first, then comment.

Posted at 5:46PM on Feb 28th 2008 by Crys

1260. Thanks for the good post very interesting

Posted at 6:12PM on Mar 12th 2008 by Foxy

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