Heath Ledger RIP - actor found dead in Manhattan residence

[indanomati]

Autopsy fails to find how actor Heath Ledger died

 

 

NEW YORK (CNN) -- An autopsy Wednesday morning on actor Heath Ledger was inconclusive, and a cause-of-death determination will take 10 to 14 days, a medical examiner's spokeswoman said.

The Academy Award-nominated actor was found dead Tuesday of a possible drug overdose in a Lower Manhattan apartment, the New York Police Department said. He was 28.

Flowers, notes and a candle left by mourning fans remained on the sidewalk outside the Soho apartment building, but only journalists and the occasional tourist were gathered there Wednesday morning.

Ledger's former girlfriend, actress Michelle Williams, who was shooting a movie in Sweden, was informed of his death late Tuesday night, a movie production company spokesman said.

Williams left early Wednesday morning with 2-year-old daughter Matilda Rose, the spokesman said. Ledger was the child's father.

Ledger, Oscar-nominated for his role in "Brokeback Mountain," was found by a housekeeper trying to wake him for an appointment with a masseuse, said police spokesman Paul Browne.

"Pills were found in the vicinity of the bed," he told CNN.

 

"This is being looked at as a possible overdose, but that is not confirmed yet," Browne said.

Browne later told reporters some prescription medications were found in the room, including sleeping pills. He said the pills were not "scattered around," as had been reported.

No note was found and there was no indication of foul play, Browne said. Ledger was found about 3 p.m., and was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency personnel about 3:30 p.m.

The apartment did not belong to actress Mary-Kate Olsen, as initially reported by The New York Times' Web site and TMZ.com, citing police. Olsen's publicist told CNN the place is "not her apartment, was never her apartment."

Ledger's family on Wednesday called his death "very tragic, untimely and accidental."

 

"Heath has touched so many people on so many different levels during his short life, but few had the pleasure of truly knowing him," Ledger's father, Kim Ledger, told reporters while standing with the actor's mother and sister in Perth, Australia.

"He was a down-to-earth, generous, kindhearted, life-loving, unselfish individual extremely inspirational to many."

 

 

Hollywood reacts

Condolences began pouring in from Ledger's friends and co-stars.

"I had such great hope for him," said Mel Gibson, who played Ledger's father in "The Patriot," in a statement.

"He was just taking off, and to lose his life at such a young age is a tragic loss. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family."

Actress Nicole Kidman, a fellow Australian and close friend of Ledger's, said in a statement, "What a tragedy. My heart goes out to his family."

 

At the time of his death, Ledger had just finished playing the villain The Joker in "The Dark Knight," the latest installment in the Batman series. The film is to open in July.

 

The role disturbed him, according to The Associated Press. He called The Joker a "psychopathic, mass-murdering, schizophrenic clown with zero empathy."

"Last week, I probably slept an average of two hours a night," Ledger told The New York Times. "I couldn't stop thinking. My body was exhausted, and my mind was still going."

He said prescription sleeping pills didn't help, according to AP.

"It was a very great challenge for Heath," director Christopher Nolan told AP. "He's extremely original, extremely frightening, tremendously edgy. A very young character, a very anarchic presence that taps into a lot of our basic fears and panic."

 

Ledger was born in Perth, Australia, and named Heathcliff Andrew after the main characters of Emily Bronte's "Wuthering Heights." He began acting at a local theater as a child.

 

Ledger's first American film was the teen comedy "10 Things I Hate About You" in 1999, and he immediately attracted attention from Hollywood. He passed up several scripts before taking a role in the Revolutionary War drama "The Patriot" in 2000 and "A Knight's Tale" in 2001. He also played a supporting role in "Monster's Ball," among other films.

 

"In a way, I was spoon-fed a career," he said in a 2005 interview with Time magazine. "It was fully manufactured by a studio that believed it could put me on their posters and turn me into a product. ... I hadn't figured out properly how to act, and all of a sudden I was being thrown into these lead roles."

 

 

Controversial role

But Ledger was perhaps best known for his 2005 portrayal of Ennis Del Mar in "Brokeback Mountain," about two cowboys who had a secret romantic relationship. The role earned him an Oscar nomination.

"I felt that choices were being made for me, so I feel this has been my time now to find the good stories and test myself," Ledger told the Glasgow Herald in the 2005 interview. "It has been an interesting year, where I finally have a sense of accomplishment."

Asked how he felt about filming love scenes with another man, Ledger said he and his co-star Jake Gyllenhaal simply focused on their roles.

 

"We can't say that we weren't nervous about it," Ledger told Oprah Winfrey in 2006. "But once the first take was over, it's like, 'OK. So what? It's kissing another human being. How are we going to finish this scene? Let's get on with it and let's get out of here.' "

In a written statement, the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation said it mourns Ledger's death, adding that his portrayal of Del Mar "changed hearts and minds in immeasurable ways."

[Giuly2E]

OMG I was so shocked when I was told about Heath..I am so sorry for him and his whole family:cry:

 

RIP

[indanomati]

Read the coloured part. I thought that was interesting.

[Giuly2E]

^ yep i heard that someone said that he made a sort of "revealing"interview...anyway I ask myself if it really was suicide...though i don't think so:(:cry:

[winigwl]

i don't either. I think it was an accident, or at least i hope

[tams]

so sad :(

28 is too young to die...

i believe it was an accident

[Black Rose]

R.I.P.

[zeoir]

I thought my friend is joking when i heard this :(

 

Rest in peace Heath :cry:

[mysongislove1915]

Here's some news:

 

Heath Ledger's Family Speaks Out on His Death

TUESDAY JANUARY 22, 2008 10:30 PM EST

 

Heath Ledger's father Kim (from left), mother Sally and sister Kate

Photo by: Newspix / Rex

 

Heath Ledger's father Kim has spoken out following the shocking death of the 28-year-old actor Tuesday in New York. According to a statement from the family:

 

Heath's family confirms the very tragic, untimely and accidental passing of our dearly loved son, brother and doting father of Matilda. He was found peacefully asleep in his New York apartment by his housekeeper at 3:30 p.m. U.S. time.

 

We would like to thank our friends and everyone around the world for their well wishes and kind thoughts at this time. Heath has touched so many people on so many different levels during his short life but few had the pleasure of truly knowing him.

 

He was a down to earth, generous, kind-hearted, life-loving and selfless individual who was extremely inspirational to many. Please now respect our family's need to grieve and come to terms with our loss privately.

 

(Source: http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20173180,00.html)

[busybeeburns]

Heath Ledger autopsy inconclusive

 

Flowers have been left in tribute in New York

 

An autopsy on the body of Australian actor Heath Ledger, who has died aged 28, has been found to be inconclusive.

 

It will take about 10 days to determine the cause of death, a spokeswoman for New York's medical examiner said.

 

"We have to do additional testing which will include toxicology and tissue testing," the spokeswoman said.

 

Police said they found prescription pills at Ledger's apartment in New York. The Brokeback Mountain star died there on Tuesday.

 

Meanwhile, tributes have been paid by family, fans and Hollywood. Father Kim Ledger said the death of his "dearly loved son" was "tragic" and "accidental".

 

Brokeback Mountain director Ang Lee described working with Ledger as "one of the purest joys of my life".

 

"He brought to the role of Ennis more than any of us could have imagined - a thirst for life, for love, and for truth, and a vulnerability that made everyone who knew him love him," he said. "His death is heartbreaking."

 

Fans have been leaving flowers and candles outside Ledger's apartment in the SoHo district.

 

Khaled Ali, a 41-year-old Broadway stage manager, left a candle and said: "I felt a connection with him as an actor, as a fellow in the theatre community.

 

"With Brokeback Mountain he touched me personally in telling the story of my community. It was very touching."

 

President George W Bush has postponed an event to promote an advertising campaign on preventing prescription drug abuse.

 

"We felt it would be better not to hold the event today given the tragedy of yesterday's passing of the beloved actor," White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said.

 

"We did not want anyone to think we were trying to link into that story in any way."

 

Ledger, who earned an Oscar nomination for his role in Brokeback Mountain, was found in the rented apartment at 1526 (2026 GMT) on Tuesday.

 

In September, the Perth-born actor split from his girlfriend Michelle Williams, with whom he has a two-year-old daughter, Matilda.

Williams played Ledger's wife in the 2005 film Brokeback Mountain.

 

On Wednesday, Williams and Matilda left Trollhattan, Sweden, where she had been filming.

 

The actress' father Larry Williams said the worst thing about Ledger's death was that Matilda would grow up without knowing her father.

 

"My heart goes out to everyone in his family and my family. The saddest thing is his daughter whom he just loved dearly," he said.

 

Ledger was seen in London last week shooting his latest film, The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, directed by Terry Gilliam.

 

The star also plays The Joker in yet-to-be-released Batman film The Dark Knight.

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7205591.stm

[winigwl]

it's really a shame

 

he was one of the good ones

[Sal]

He was a gem.

----------------------xoxox

 

R.I.P. Heath.

[indanomati]

He indeed was.

Oh, I still can't get over it!! :(

[ApproximatelyInfinite]

why is it always the good ones?!

 

i couldnt believe it; i still kind of cant. he was my first celebrity crush...

[mysongislove1915]

Hollywood Reeling From Heath Ledger's Death

 

TUESDAY JANUARY 22, 2008 07:00 PM EST

By Mike Fleeman

 

Heath Ledger

Photo by: Jeff Vespa / Wireimage

 

Hollywood reacted with shock Tuesday to the death of Heath Ledger.

 

"I had such great hope for him," says Mel Gibson, a fellow Australian. "He was just taking off and to lose his life at such a young age is a tragic loss. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family."

 

Another Aussie, Nicole Kidman, says: "What a tragedy. My heart goes out to his family."

 

Ledger, 28, died just days after the death another young actor, 25-year-old Brad Renfro, who starred in The Client and Apt Pupil.

 

Ledger, nominated for an Academy Award for Brokeback Mountain, appears in the upcoming Batman feature The Dark Knight as the Joker, and was shooting The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus at the time of his death.

 

"Heath Ledger was a courageous actor, and a great soul. He gave us the gift of sharing his fearless and beautiful love – of his craft, and of all who worked with him – for which all of us will be eternally grateful," says James Schamus, CEO of Focus Features and the the producer of Brokeback Mountain.

 

In a statement issued by Warner Bros., which is producing The Dark Night, Alan Horn, president and chief operating officer of Warner Bros., and Jeff Robinov, president of Warner Bros. Pictures Group, said: "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."

 

(Source: http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20173149,00.html)

[anna111]

:cry:

 

RIP Heath .... what a shame really.

[brazzo]

my heart goes out with her family....:cry:

Hollywood lost a great actor...

[berrywoman]

^ yep i heard that someone said that he made a sort of "revealing"interview...anyway I ask myself if it really was suicide...though i don't think so:(:cry:

 

 

 

which makes it all the more tragic... he didn't want to die... it was all an accident. :( I think he was just exhausted and literally burned the candle on both ends....

 

so sad. :cry:

[busybeeburns]

Six prescription drugs found in Heath Ledger's apartment

 

 

But cause of death of actor from recent Dylan biopic is still unkown

 

Officials announced today (January 23) that they found six different prescription drugs at the scene of Heath Ledger's death.

 

A preliminary autopsy conducted today did not reveal the cause of the Australian actor's death, but further tests are expected to be conducted in the coming days.

 

Among the prescription medications found in Ledger's New York City apartment were pills to treat insomnia and anxiety, and an antihistamine, reported the Associated Press.

 

As previously reported, Ledger was found dead in his apartment yesterday at the age of 28. Police also said today that they discovered a rolled up $20 bill near Ledger's body, although no illegal drugs were found in his apartment.

 

The actor recently portrayed Bob Dylan in the recent biopic 'I'm Not There'.

 

http://www.nme.com/news/bob-dylan/33850

[busybeeburns]

Rolled up $20 found near Heath Ledger

 

The actor also had an eerie connection to Nick Drake

 

An autopsy on Heath Ledger's body has proven inconclusive, police said today (January 23).

 

Police also said that they discovered a rolled up $20 bill near Ledger's body, although no illegal drugs were found in his apartment.

 

The bill was being taken to a lab for testing, although no visible drug residue was on it, reports the Associated Press.

 

The Australian actor was found dead in his New York City apartment yesterday at the age of 28, as previously reported.

 

Ledger's affinity for English singer-songwriter Nick Drake, who died in 1974 of a drug overdose at the age of 26, has also come to light.

 

In an interview last year at the Venice Film Festival, Ledger said that he was "obsessed with (Drake's) story and his music".

 

Ledger recently shot and edited a music video for the Drake song 'Black Eyed Dog' in which Ledger is seen drowning himself in a bathtub. It is also reportedly the last song Drake recorded before overdosing on antidepression medication, reports MTV News.

 

Fans have been gathering near Ledger's Manhattan apartment to pay their respects and leave flowers and candles.

 

The actor recently portrayed Bob Dylan in the biopic 'I'm Not There'. He was also the cofounder of record label Music Masses Co with singer Ben Harper, and directed Harper's video for the song 'Morning Yearning'.

 

http://www.nme.com/news/nick-drake/33845

[busybeeburns]

http://youtube.com/watch?v=kTS-W6C0X3o

[berrywoman]

apparently he hadn't been sleeping right since he began filming The Dark Knight, the role really got to him... but whether or not that was the reason he was on sleeping pills... will remain a mystery.

[freckles]

i heard the news yesterday morning. i'm shocked.

[busybeeburns]

Producers put Ledger film on hold

 

Heath Ledger was Oscar-nominated for his role in Brokeback Mountain

 

The makers of Heath Ledger's most recent film have suspended production following the actor's death.

 

Ledger, who was found dead on Tuesday, had recently completed filming in London on The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, directed by Terry Gilliam.

 

The $30m (£15.1m) production had moved to Vancouver, Canada for interior and bluescreen scenes.

 

The film's makers issued a statement saying: "Terry and the producers will be assessing how best to proceed."

 

The producers also paid tribute to the 28-year-old, calling him "a great actor, a great friend and a great spirit."

 

Force majeure

 

"We are still in a state of deep shock, saddened and numb with grief," the statement continued.

 

The Australian star of Brokeback Mountain had previously worked with Gilliam on The Brothers Grimm.

 

Greg Chambers, business manager for craft union ACFC West, told the Vancouver Sun newspaper that the production is "currently listed as a force majeure".

 

Force majeure is a clause which allows producers to end contracts in extraordinary circumstances.

 

Mr Chambers added that some 100 crew members had been laid off as a result.

 

A post mortem on Ledger, whose body was found in his New York apartment, was inconclusive, with further tests under way.

 

The star's other recent role was playing The Joker in forthcoming Batman film The Dark Knight.

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7208524.stm

[mysongislove1915]

Jake Is Taking Heath's Death 'Harder Than Most'

 

By Bryan Alexander

Originally posted Wednesday January 30, 2008 06:15 AM EST

 

Ledger and Gyllenhaal in 2005

Photo by: MarionCurtis / startraks

 

Heath Ledger's sudden death has been especially tough on his good friend – and Brokeback Mountain costar – Jake Gyllenhaal.

 

The actor, who is godfather to Ledger's two-year-old daughter Matilda, has been devastated by last week's news. Says one Gyllenhaal friend, "Jake is taking this harder than most people."

 

Nowhere is that more apparent than on the New Mexico set of Gyllenhaal's latest movie, Brothers.

 

"This has had a strong personal effect on [Jake]," says a set source. The insider adds that Gyllenhaal left the set immediately after learning of Ledger's Jan. 22 death – but he flew back on a commercial flight to shoot an additional scene on Thursday.

 

"He was there, but he wasn't with us. It was obviously a major trauma," says the movie source. "These guys were very close. [Jake] was sitting in the director's chair staring off into space."

 

Gyllenhaal has been off since shooting that scene, and was photographed Saturday looking subdued with girlfriend Reese Witherspoon in Los Angeles. Set sources say director Jim Sheridan is shooting around the grieving actor during his personal leave.

 

The 27-year-old's somber mood is a sharp contrast to the happier times on the set of Brothers. During one intense early prison scene, Gyllenhaal jokingly reached into his pocket and took out a picture of his Brokeback beau to stick on the prison wall. "Like those prisoners put [loved ones] on the wall, but Jake's was Heath Ledger," one set source recalls. "That was hilarious. It was a nice moment."

 

The source adds, "When you think back on it now, it's touching."

 

• Reporting by ALYSSA SHELASKY

 

(Source: http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20174820,00.html)