Heath Ledger Discovered Dead in Soho
The actor Heath Ledger was discovered dead, pills sprawled around his naked body, in the Broome Street apartment of Mary-Kate Olsen, the NYPD said Tuesday. According to various news accounts, the 28-year-old Australian actor appeared to be a victim of an accidental overdose or suicide.
The NYPD released a short statement that did not mention the actor by name:
ON TUESDAY, 01/22/08, AT APPROXIMATELY 1530 HOURS, IN THE CONFINES OF THE 5 PRECINCT, POLICE RESPONDED TO 421 BROOME STREET AND FOUND A M/W/28 UNCONSCIOUS. THE VICTIM WAS PRONOUNCED DOA AT THE SCENE. M.E.'S OFFICE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF DEATH. INVESTIGATION CONTINUES.
Voice film critic J. Hoberman had this to say about Ledger in Brokeback Mountain: "But moony as Gyllenhaal is, he's only barely able to hold up his side of the equation; it's the self- contained Ledger's repression and scary, sorrowful, hard-luck rage that fuel the movie."
Read Gary Indiana's take on Brokeback here.
Developing...
UPDATE: Early reports indicated that Ledger was found in the apartment of Mary-Kate Olsen. That is not true. Ledger was found in an apartment that he had rented himself. There were no indications of foul play or any apparent signs of suicide, such as a note, police said.
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I can't believe this, my sister heard the news on the raido and I got onto the internet to check if it was true. My prayers go to his family and especially to his young daughter.
Posted On: Tuesday, Jan. 22 2008 @ 6:55PMWhat a natural talent this young actor was. Hard to believe when he seemed to have everything all of us only dream of having. What a waste.
Posted On: Tuesday, Jan. 22 2008 @ 7:05PMBummer.
4 Feathers was pretty good.
Never saw Brokebutt Mountain.
RIP
Posted On: Tuesday, Jan. 22 2008 @ 7:06PMAll this focus on Britany and another beautiful person goes unnoticed/ignored. When will "STARS" get true friends, love, companionship & someone to tell them when their screwing up? Sorry to hear all the money and fame is so hard. It's sad and unfair. Hey Marshall Mathers!! Please don't do this too!!! Namaste'
Posted On: Tuesday, Jan. 22 2008 @ 7:08PMomg my mate just rang me. i cant believe this why would he want to do that. and especially since he just finished the new batman film and had another film role going atm. r.i.p xx
Posted On: Tuesday, Jan. 22 2008 @ 7:08PMR.I.P Heath you were a wonderfull good looking actor... you will be missed.
Posted On: Tuesday, Jan. 22 2008 @ 7:08PMBefore jumping to conclusions, let's wait and see the cause. Suicide? Accident? Either way, his stirring role in "Brokeback Mountain" will never be forgotten. Heath, you're a legend in my book. May God and the angels be with you. Watch over Matilda from up there, okay?
Posted On: Tuesday, Jan. 22 2008 @ 7:14PMHeath,
You will be missed by your fans. I pray for your family and hope that this is some kind of hoax or mistake.
Posted On: Tuesday, Jan. 22 2008 @ 7:15PMHeath was a great person and actor. My prayer go to him and his family.
R.I.P. and we love u!
I was so shocked at the news of Heath's death. He a beautiful, talented actor! He will be missed by many and remembered always. My heart goes out to his family and daughter. Rest in Peace, Heath Ledger!!!
Posted On: Tuesday, Jan. 22 2008 @ 7:22PMRIP heath ledger, My prayers for your family and your loved ones and your daugter.
Posted On: Tuesday, Jan. 22 2008 @ 7:31PMwhat actors are supposed to be happy people? having split from partner and child and the stress of being an actor/public figure would cause most people to get depressed would it not? not condoning drug use or suicide but you generally dont do that unless depressed. my thoughts to those left behind.
Posted On: Tuesday, Jan. 22 2008 @ 7:39PMim crying right now. i've been crying since i found out.
he's been my favorite actor/crush since 10 things i hate about you
i was seven when that came out
why him?????
I woke up to a message by my friend saying what had happened. Straight away I got up to look on the net to see what happened. This is totally shocking and so sad for his whole family, his fans and the acting world. WE'LL MISS HEALTH DEARLY!!! xoxo
Posted On: Tuesday, Jan. 22 2008 @ 7:41PMRIP heath.
My prayers are for your family and friends.
I'm in shock! Such a beautiful young man, so much talent; clearly hiding so much pain. It's no wonder Britney is the way she is. I hope she's not next! If only he knew the devastation he has left behind. My thought, prayers and condolences to his family, daughter and Michelle Williams - all who will grieve for a long time to come. RIP
Posted On: Tuesday, Jan. 22 2008 @ 7:43PMI would just like to add to my last comment that heath was a great actor and a great person he will be truly missed
Posted On: Tuesday, Jan. 22 2008 @ 7:44PMI was so sorry to hear of another young person taking their life's.My daughter cried when she heard it,She was driving her car.I cant understand why there isn't help for these people .They have the money and network.Their managers should insure their help.So sad.My thoughts are with this family, his daughter and Ex-wife.May god open the gates and embrace him. Annie
Posted On: Tuesday, Jan. 22 2008 @ 7:45PMI pray for the strenght of your family. I hope all of the information regarding your death will not be available for Matilda to discover in future. I can't believe it. YOu must have been really depressed and no other soul was there to hear you. Rest in Peace Heath. I hope you will find solace wherever you are.
Posted On: Tuesday, Jan. 22 2008 @ 7:45PMHe was a beautiful man and my prayers are with him and his little girl. RIP Heath you were taken too soon.
Posted On: Tuesday, Jan. 22 2008 @ 7:48PMIts very sad to hear of the sudden death. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends in this sad moment god bless.
Posted On: Tuesday, Jan. 22 2008 @ 7:50PMVery sad news, he will be missed dearly by those closest to him and the fans he left behind. God bless you and help you on your journey. And strength to Matilda and Michelle
What a shock...terribly, terribly sad. My thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones, especially his daughter Matilda.
Posted On: Tuesday, Jan. 22 2008 @ 7:52PMI couldnt believe my eyes when I saw this on the news. I started crying. I 've seen every single one of his movies and was inspired but all of them. He put alot of hope into peoples lives. Its a shame that this had to happen. Especially to a young, talented, and wise man.
Heath you will be forever missed and never forgotten. R.I.P.
Posted On: Tuesday, Jan. 22 2008 @ 7:54PMSuch an outspoken personality!
Look to the skies he will forever be the "SHOOTING STAR" you see!
He completely lived in the now, not in the past, not in the future. Matilda your Father loved you!
Heath was one of my favorite actors after his incredible performance in The Patriot. I cant beleive he's gone. A wonderful actor and great man. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family...
Posted On: Tuesday, Jan. 22 2008 @ 8:14PMHe was murdered... who has ever sprawled out on sleeping pills and had the m strewn all over. Homicide... it was to look like a suicide. or maybe he was late on rent to mary kate
Posted On: Tuesday, Jan. 22 2008 @ 8:22PMWhat a wonderful young actor. This reminds me of River Phoenix and I truly pray that this was an error of judgment on his part and not on purpose. His talent and face will be missed.
Posted On: Tuesday, Jan. 22 2008 @ 8:26PMharsh...he seemed well down to earth from what ive heard...so where was Mary-Kate in all of this, Im a bit confused :S
Posted On: Tuesday, Jan. 22 2008 @ 8:30PMNobody knows what actually caused his death. Why not wait a couple of days before jumping to conclusions?
Let his family live in peace, leave messages of love and respect and not speculation.
Posted On: Tuesday, Jan. 22 2008 @ 8:50PMFor an actor, who in an industry full of drugs and alcohol abuse and reckless behavior, who was so young and able to keep his composure and keep out of the "bad" spotlight, we should commend Heath!
It's a very sad day when somebody looses their life, whether accidental or intentional, famous or not. Just because the media said that there were pills found doesn't mean that he OD'd on purpose, if at all! Before you judge, wait for the medical report.
Regardless of whether it is was a drug OD, Heath was another human being that, as far as we know, was good natured and cared about others. Those of you who sit around and write uncompassionate and heartless comments should find more important things to do instead of speculating about Heath having a drug problem. Who are you to make judgements against other people? Why don't you go find something to do to help make the world a better place?
Our thoughts go out to Heath's family and friends. He will be greatly missed!
Posted On: Tuesday, Jan. 22 2008 @ 8:55PMhis best movie a knights tale seen that one like 7 times and it just got better... cant wait to see him in the dark night... hope it wasnt a suicide... RIP
Posted On: Tuesday, Jan. 22 2008 @ 9:03PMAww jeez! Was walking past the new batman movie poster this afternoon on Broadway when some little hiptster kid cackled and announced it to his friend as he was staring at his phone. I had to keep walking. People can be so... cruel. We love you Heath!
Posted On: Tuesday, Jan. 22 2008 @ 9:06PMEVERYONE, HEATH JUST FINISHED THE NEW BATMAN MOVIE WITH BALE, HEATH WAS THE JOKER AND TO GET IN ROLE HE APPRENTLY SPENT A LENGTH OF TIME IN SOLITARY AWAY FROM HUMAN CONTACT TO GET INTO THE ROLE OF JOKER, WHEN HE EMERGED IT WAS REPORTED HE HAD A DRINK/DRUG PROBLEM AND WAS SUFFERING FROM DEPRESSION, WAS THIS THE BEGGINING OF THE END FOR HEATH? EITHER WAY, THE POOR GUY DIDNT DESERVE TO GO OUT LIKE THIS, MY HEART GOES OUT TO HIS CLOSE FRIENDS AND FAMILY - TODAY THE WORLD LOST A FINE ACTOR
Posted On: Tuesday, Jan. 22 2008 @ 9:33PMHeath was just a rising star in hollywood and a tragic death just ocurred. Sadly it was Heath. The world will be affected by this tragic death. My best goes out to his family. RIP Heath.
Posted On: Tuesday, Jan. 22 2008 @ 9:34PMI Cant Believe thiss. My Fren Jus Text && told me About it.. Shes Taking it hard. I Honestly Cant believe it. Im Online, watching videos, over and over again.. Thats insane.. I think he over estimated on the amount of pills to consume at a certain time.. idk.. But i Cant believe it but its true.. Thats Crazy.. I think im GOna Go watch "A Knights Tale"..
My Heart and Prayers Go out to His Family , michelle and Daughter Matilda. Aww.. Just Thinking of the daughter.. Sooo Sad!! ..
:'(
Posted On: Tuesday, Jan. 22 2008 @ 9:36PMhe was such a good actor ,i agree with the past person in saying people should really find better things to do then write cruel things on here. my heart goes out to his friends and family. RIP heath
Posted On: Tuesday, Jan. 22 2008 @ 9:43PMI heard about the news whilst out with friends, what an amazing actor. Will be greatly missed by his fans.
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Rest In peace. xx
If people having noting nice to say, its best to say nothing!!
I'm so shocked at this, you don't realize how much someone will be missed until their gone.
My love goes out to all his family and friends.. You will be missed.
Such a charming, intelligent, wonderful man and actor.
Everyone remember that..
x
It is just heath ledger. So you people need to stop acting like this is 9-11 all over again. so what he died
Posted On: Tuesday, Jan. 22 2008 @ 10:19PMOnly 3 days ago with my 10 year old daughter driving by the school where Heath was educated in Perth, Western Australia. I was telling her what a gifted actor he is/was.
Later that afternoon we came home & had a movie marathon stuffed our faces with pop corn & agreed he was THE BEST actor to come out of Australia.
Is was well known that Heath was suffering from anxiety & insomnia. He was taking medication to help aid him through it. Plus, he also was reported to have been recently suffering from pneumonia.
Us "Normal" folk can only dream of what it would be like to be a celebrity. Really we have no idea, we dont know how stars feel when their lives are turned upside down & we common folk also appreciate our privacy & take it for granted. We dont know, nor can we understand what it's like to have out photo taken & get stalked by photographers & reporters when we go to get a coffee, shop for groceries or simply have dinner with friends.
I highly doubt that this was an intentional act. Heath was only recently back home in Perth for Christmas & New Years, he enjoyed his time here meeting up with friends & loved ones.
With a short phone interview taken whilst he was in Perth, he thanked Perth media for letting him enjoyed his holiday & for allowing him his privacy.
He spoke of talking again soon when The Dark Knight will be released.
This to me does not sound like the acts of a suicidal man... Does it?
I say, stop specualting & jumping to conclusions. Just remember, he has a young child, & what is written now, little Matilda may read later in life.
Leave his family alone & let them greive in peace.
My thoughts are with Heath's family & friends.
My sincere condoliances to all affected by this tragedy, especially Matilda & Michelle.
Top Aussie Actor.
It was well known that Heath was suffering from anxiety & insomnia. He was taking medication to help aid him through it. Plus, he also was reported to have been recently suffering from pneumonia.
We have no idea, we dont know how stars feel when their lives are turned upside down. we non celebrities also appreciate our privacy & take it for granted. We dont know, nor can we understand what it's like to have out photo taken & get stalked by photographers & reporters when we go to get a coffee, shop for groceries or simply have dinner with friends.
I highly doubt the Heaths death was intentional.
Heath was only recently back home in Perth for Christmas & New Years. He enjoyed his time here meeting up with friends & loved ones.
With a short phone interview taken whilst he was in Perth, he thanked Perth media for letting him enjoy his holiday & for allowing him his privacy.
He spoke of talking again soon when The Dark Knight will be released.
This doesnt sound like the acts of suicide to me.
Leave his family alone & let them greive in peace.
My thoughts are with Heath's family & friends.
My sincere condoliances to all affected by this tragedy, especially Matilda & Michelle.
In times of death people like privacy especially there loved ones.
RIP HEATH...and we will always be thinking of you and what a top Australian actor you were.
Posted On: Tuesday, Jan. 22 2008 @ 10:43PMAs the world mourns the loss of one of its brightest shining "stars", the tragic irony that this moment represents can surely not be lost on many.
While much of the mainstream media seemed to be anticipating the death of Ms. Britany Spears with baited breath--amidst widespead reports that her obituary was all set to go by the AP--another obiturary will be run in its place.
No matter the public perception of their art, an artist is first and foremost a human being. In a culture obsessed with "superstardom" and "fame", that has been lost. The person has become a product, a commodity. I wonder tonight, as we "mourn" the loss of a "Hollywood Star", if we as a culture will ever be able to see past the celebrity and see in its place, humanity, and the loss of a beautiful human being.
I will miss seeing Heath up on the big screen, and I'm sure that I'm not the only one who cried today. But I pray for all of those who knew him, just as Heath--those are the ones truly in mourning tonight.
The joker did it!!! THE REAL Joker that is, Jack Nicholson, the REAL villian whom, as a matter of fact, was quit furious when he learned that he wasnt being considered for the part at all...
Rest In Piss Pretty Boy Ledger.
Posted On: Tuesday, Jan. 22 2008 @ 10:58PMI JUST WOULD LIKE TO CLEAR SOME THINGS::
**Heath was not found with pills everywhere. He had a sleep aid - Ambien. they were in a bottle NEARBY.
**No known drug or alcohol problem.
**He was not put in captivity.
READ THIS:: ITS A TRUSTWORTHY SOURCE....
http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/movies/13992856.html
Posted On: Tuesday, Jan. 22 2008 @ 11:01PMwhat a shocking tragedy! all our hearts, thoughts, and prayers here in Aus go out to the Ledger family, especially little mattie.
We love you Heath! and you will be dearly missed.
†♡ R.I.P Heathcliff Andrew Ledger April 1979 - January 2008 †♡
Posted On: Tuesday, Jan. 22 2008 @ 11:15PMI couldn't believe it when i heard he had pasted.
Heath was such a great actor and person!
My thoughts and prayers are with his family and young daughter.
His talent and face will most defiantly be missed.
RIP HEATH
...What was he doing in Mary-Kate's apartment in the first place?
Drug overdose? How sad.
If I was a famous millionaire, the last place I'd be is Ashley Olsen's apartment, naked and using drugs.
Posted On: Tuesday, Jan. 22 2008 @ 11:28PMWith so many other actors out there causing bad names for everyone else, a good one is taken to early. A Down to earth man with a open and giving heart.
Heath, look upon your daughter. Look out for her and be her angel.
RIP.
Posted On: Tuesday, Jan. 22 2008 @ 11:32PMim sad that he died and i hope that he is in a better place may god be with his family and they are in my prayer!
i am shocked that people would not be upset about his death he was one of the best actors!
RIP Heath Ledger
omg i can't believe he died!!!
have a look at the blog i left in his name
http://eurasianz.blogspot.com/2008/01/heath-ledger-dies-at-age-28-star-of_23.html
Rest in peace
loved him in Brokeback mountain!
Posted On: Wednesday, Jan. 23 2008 @ 1:48AMSuicide is a long term solution for a short term problem. Please seek help if you are in this position. God bless Heath and God help his family.
Posted On: Wednesday, Jan. 23 2008 @ 5:13AMomg i still cant believe it i first heard it on the radio and i couldnt belive it i mean "heath ledger" its so sad he was only 28 years old its so sad i pay my most respects to his family and friends especially his little girl matilda RIP heath you were a great person and you are going to be missed terribly. xoxo
Posted On: Wednesday, Jan. 23 2008 @ 8:20AMHeath,
We will pray for you and your family!
Posted On: Wednesday, Jan. 23 2008 @ 11:57AMFor goodness sake! Most of you don't seem to be able to read. And if you read other reports to you'll get a broader idea of what's going on. At this point it is being seen as an accident, not suicide. Every other report that I have read says that there were not pills scattered around, they were in a bottle, and as the update at the bottom of this article also says, he was not in Mary-Kate Olsen's apartment, he was in HIS OWN apartment. So all this talk about how sad it is that our culture has pushed him to suicide and that it's no wonder Britney is the way that she is is irrelevant, because that's NOT THE CASE here. It is really annoying to log on here looking for nice tributes to Heath and then only finding endless comments in which people say over and over again that suicide is terrible and that it's awful that he felt the need to take his own life, because HE DIDN'T!
Rant over...I too, am truly saddened by this. An iconic actor who could have achieved so, so much more. It's a horrible shock, and I can't begin to imagine how his family and close friends are feeling. My prayers are with them, and Heath, wherever he is now.
Posted On: Wednesday, Jan. 23 2008 @ 1:13PMHow many people died in Iraq yesterday? Or Congo?
Posted On: Wednesday, Jan. 23 2008 @ 4:09PMits really sad i always loved his movies and he was really young too ill miss him
Posted On: Wednesday, Jan. 23 2008 @ 4:54PMI never saw any of his films but I saw some clips at the Academy Awards and I could see what an effective actor he was. I am sorry he is gone. He probably had a reaction to a prescription medicine... not necessarily a psychiatric drug, it could be anything. Some people have extremely bad reactions to even the mildest doses of Prozac or Paxil, and we are not told because the company niight stand to lose $.
Posted On: Wednesday, Jan. 23 2008 @ 5:11PMI've seen Heath Ledger in 4 movies and in each one he was completely honest. In all the interviews I've seen he seemed like a real kind and generous person. I looked forward to watching him develop his artistry. Maybe souls like Health Ledger's come to point us toward humanity. His artistry is inspirational for me and other actors. I want to give thanks to him for inspiring me to live each day creatively, and honestly. May peace come to his family and friends.
Posted On: Thursday, Jan. 24 2008 @ 2:22PM
Haven't been able to stop thinking about you. You were one of the best.My love goes out to all of your family and friends at this sad time. The world wouldn't be the same without you. RIP HEATH
Posted On: Saturday, Jan. 26 2008 @ 1:16PMI'm saddened by the loss of such a great actor. my prayers and condolenses go out to his family and friends. It's hard to believe that he's gone...I can only imagine how the people who knew him best are feeling.
Posted On: Wednesday, Jan. 30 2008 @ 1:33PMReal shame he always looked so happy and approachable in his films. God bless
Posted On: Saturday, Feb. 9 2008 @ 5:50AMI really liked his movies, it's a shame. I suppose being rich and famous has it's down points as well.
Posted On: Tuesday, Apr. 22 2008 @ 8:15AMI suppose when you have so much already, life can be quite depressing having achieved all your goals.
Posted On: Thursday, May. 1 2008 @ 1:24AMthe best person for the joker in Batman the darkest knight
and best actor for skip in Lords od Dogtown
o and he was also good in the patriot
but not brokeback moutain which i will never see cus i heard its about gay boys camping
