Heath Ledger was found dead on January at his home in New York City , facedown at the foot of his bed with prescription sleeping pills nearby. As there was no obvious indication that the Australian-born Ledger had committed suicide, the 28-year-old Brokeback Mountain actor who was sick with pneumonia possibly died of a deadly overdose [Washington Post].
At 3:31 p.m., according to the police, a masseuse arrived at the fourth-floor apartment of the building, at 421 Broome Street, between Crosby and Lafayette Streets in SoHo, for an appointment with Mr. Ledger. The masseuse was let in to the home by a housekeeper, who then knocked on the door of the bedroom Mr. Ledger was in. When no one answered, the housekeeper and the masseuse opened the bedroom and found Mr. Ledger naked and unconscious on a bed, with sleeping pills — both prescription medication and nonprescription — on a night table. They attempted to revive him, but he did not respond. They immediately called the authorities [New York Times].
Heath Ledger Brokeback Mountain promotional photo
Ledger was originally believed he died at an apartment owned by Mary-Kate Olsen, but later the NYPD denied.
Heath's Body Removed from the Building (via)
“It was with great sadness that I have learned of the passing of Heath Ledger. It is tragic that we have lost one of our nation’s finest actors in the prime of his life. Heath Ledger’s diverse and challenging roles will be remembered as some of the great performances by an Australian actor.” Paul Rudd, Australia’s Prime Minister said in a statement.
Keith Ledger is cast as The Joker in the next Batman Movie -- The Dark Knight -- which is scheduled for a July 18th, 2008 theatrical release. The video below shows he talked about his role about this movie in an interview last Novermber, but apparently, the actor appeared to be clearly under the influence of drugs.
"The studio is stunned and devastated by this tragic news. The entertainment community has lost an enormous talent. Heath was a brilliant actor and an exceptional person. Our hearts go out to his family and friends." said in a statement to TMZ, Alan Horn, President and COO of Warner Bros. and Jeff Robinov, President, Warner Bros. Pictures Group whose studio is producing "The Dark Knight."
In August, Heath Ledger splitted his former fiancee and Brokeback Mountain co-star Michelle Williams, with whom he has a two-year-old daughter Matilda Rose Ledger (photo).
Michelle Williams, Heath Ledger picture (via)
Currently, Heath Ledger and supermodel Gemma Ward (picture below) are reportedly dating, the couple were spotted at parties in Australia's Perth over the Christmas holidays.
Heath Ledger and supermodel girlfriend Gemma Ward
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