RIP: Heath Ledger

Yes, the reports you are hearing are true; this is NOT an urban legend. Actor Heath Ledger was found dead in his Manhattan apartment earlier today according to multiple sources. Just five minutes ago (about 4:45 EST), New York City police confirmed the news via a statement. According to police sources via The New York Times, a masseuse arrived at Ledger’s apartment for an appointment and found the actor unconscious and unresponsive on the floor. He was 28 years old. We won’t speculate on how he died at this point but police are ruling out foul play. [UPDATE: Now NYPD spokesman Paul Browne tells CNN that “pills were found in the vicinity” of the body and that they are treating the death as “a possible overdose.”]

Ledger was nominated for an Oscar for his performance in BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN and recently had a starring role in I’M NOT THERE. His role as The Joker in THE DARK KNIGHT was a large part of the Warner Bros. marketing campaign for the Batman sequel. Ledger was filming THE IMAGINARIUM OF DOCTOR PARNASSUS in London with director Terry Gilliam as recently as this weekend. for News is still breaking and we will update as more information becomes available. Just terribly sad news and all the best to his family. For those looking to celebrate his life and work or just bum out about losing an insanely talented actor, head here to our forums to talk it out. You can see our final interview with the below actor below…

Warner Bros. has issued a statement saying the following: “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.”