Actor Heath Ledger Dies

About Heath Ledger

Born on April 4, 1979 in Perth, Australia, Heath took a few small roles beginning in 1988 and landed his first film role in 1997's Blackrock. In 1999, director Gregor Jordan cast the young actor as the lead in his film Two Hands, which received critical acclaim.

His work in Two Hands led him to star opposite Julia Stiles in the film 10 Things I Hate About You. Not wanting to be pigeon-holed into the teen movie genre, a year later, Heath accepted the role of Gabriel Martin in the dramatic war film Patriot Games.

The Oscar Nomination

Heath Ledger and Michelle Williams

In 2005, Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal co-starred in the critically acclaimed Ang Lee film Brokeback Mountain. Ledger earned an Oscar nomination in the Best Actor category and Gyllenhaal earned a nomination in the Best Supporting Actor category. Heath Ledger also met Michelle Williams on the set of the film. The two soon got engaged and welcomed their first child, Matilda Rose Ledger, on October 28, 2005. The family lived together in Brooklyn, New York, until their split in 2007.

Preliminary Reports Regarding the Death

Preliminary reports state that on January 22, 2008 at approximately 3:30 p.m. (EST), a maid went to make Ledger aware that his masseuse had arrived for his scheduled appointment. When she found Ledger, it is reported that he was unconscious, surrounded by pills.

The maid shook Ledger, apparently in an effort to wake him. When the actor did not stir, she called 911. Heath Ledger was pronounced dead, at the age of 28.

At this time, there is no additional information regarding the sad death of this young and talented actor and more importantly, beloved friend, son and father.