UPDATE 2/6/08: Autopsy results reveal that Ledger’s death was an accidental overdose, specifically of “acute intoxication” from a combination of two strong painkillers, two anti-anxiety medicines, and two sleeping aids. [Source].

Actor Heath Ledger was found dead this afternoon in a Manhattan apartment, according to New York City police. He was 28.

At this time, the actor’s death appears to be either a suicide or an accidental overdose. Ledger was found naked and unconscious by the housekeeper and the masseuse, and there were prescription and non-prescription sleeping pills on the night table. They tried to revive him, but he did not respond. Police do not suspect foul play; an autopsy will be conducted on Wednesday.

Ledger was born Heathcliff Andrew Ledger on April 4, 1979 and was raised in Perth, Australia. His first Hollywood film was in the 1999 teen comedy 10 Things I Hate About You. He also had lead roles in A Knight’s Tale and Casanova. But it was his stand-out role in Brokeback Mountain that earned him an Oscar nod for Best Actor in 2006.

Ledger will appear in this summer’s highly anticipated Batman Begins sequel The Dark Knight as The Joker. Fans of the franchise had high hopes that Ledger would do the role justice. The actor was also set to star in Terry Gilliam’s The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, which is currently filming.

Ledger leaves behind Matilda Rose, his 2-year-old daughter with former fiancee and Brokeback co-star Michelle Williams.

[Source: The New York Times]