Heath Ledger Dead at Age 28

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

22 Jan 2008 03:53 PM

Heath Ledger, the 2006 Academy Award nominee for his role in "Brokeback Mountain" has died in New York. He was 28.

According to news reports, police were called to the actor's Manhattan home a couple of hours ago after his housekeeper found Ledger's unconscious body in a bedroom. Law enforcement officers say drugs may have been a factor, adding pills were found near Ledger's body.

Police say Ledger had an appointment for a massage at his apartment. After the housekeeper repeatedly knocked on Ledger's bedroom door she opened it and reportedly found him unconscious. When she couldn't wake him she called 911. Police say emergency responders pronounced Ledger dead at the scene.

The Australian-born actor leaves behind a 2-year-old daughter, Matilda whom he had with his former "Brokeback" co-star and live-in girlfriend Michelle Williams. The couple split last September.

Ledger began his acting career in 1996 in his native Australia when he was 17. He went on to star in movies including in "A Knight's Tale" and "The Patriot," before playing the suicidal son of Billy Bob Thornton in "Monster's Ball." His latest role was in "I'm Not There," in which he played one of the many incarnations of Bob Dylan - as did Cate Blanchett, whose best supporting actress performance just earned her an Oscar nomination today. Ledger was set to appear as the Joker this year in "The Dark Night," a sequel to 2005's "Batman Begins."

CNN is now reporting that a large crowd of paparazzi and gawkers has started to gather outside the building Ledger's body was reportedly found in. Several police officers are guarding the door.

I know that they split four months ago, but I can't imagine how Williams is taking the news that the father of her only child is dead. And what of poor Matilda who will likely never remember the father who loved her so?

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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Libby Pelham (12876) 22 Jan 2008 04:56 PM

When I first heard this, I callously thought drug overdose, even though I've never heard anything about Heath taking drugs. It's just that 28 year olds don't normally just drop dead. But now, they are saying over the counter sleeping pills were found near his bed, so it looks like maybe he took himself out of the game. What a shame, not just for movie fans, but most especially for his young daughter.

drdad (503) 23 Jan 2008 08:03 AM

Sad news! He lived four blocks away but I heard it from you Michele.

drdad (503) 23 Jan 2008 08:07 AM

I doubt he killed himself. Bad combinations of legal drugs with alcohol I bet.

Courtney Mroch (9169) 23 Jan 2008 01:38 PM

I was stunned when my friend Lyn told me about this last night at volleyball practice. I thought she was pulling my leg at first. It's always so tragic when talent dies young. It will be interesting to hear what happened. It's sad, sad, sad all the way around.

Michele Cheplic (37339) 24 Jan 2008 06:10 AM

It is very sad. Thanks for the comments everyone!