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?