Australian actor Heath Ledger has been found dead at his New York apartment in what authorities suspect may be a possible drug-related death.
A New York Police Department spokesman has confirmed the death of Ledger, 28, whose body was found in a Manhattan apartment about 3.30pm Tuesday (7.30am AEST Wednesday).
It is understood his body was discovered by his housekeeper but the police spokesman said the apparent cause of death was unknown.
"We don't have that yet. The matter is still under investigation," the spokesman said.
A police spokesman said Ledger had an appointment for a massage at the apartment that is believed to be his home.
The housekeeper went to tell Ledger the masseuse had arrived and found him dead about 3.30pm New York time (0730 AEDT), Paul Browne said.
Ledger was an Oscar nominee for his role in Brokeback Mountain and had numerous other screen credits.
The Perth-born actor had a two-year-old Matilda, with former fiancee and Brokeback Mountain co-star Michelle Williams. His relationship with Williams ended in 2007.
Earlier this month he was reported to be seeing West Australian model and actor, Gemma Ward.
Ledger was born in Perth, Western Australia, the son of Sally Ledger Bell and Kim Ledger, a race car driver and mining engineer.
He made his film debut in the 1997 Australian movie Blackrock, and in 1999 starred in the teen comedy 10 Things I Hate About You.
Ledger also starred in The Patriot, Monster's Ball, A Knight's Tale, Ned Kelly.
In 2005, Ledger received a Golden Globe nomination for his acclaimed performance in Brokeback Mountain, in which he played a ranch hand who had a love affair with rodeo rider.
Ledger's relationship with the press was turbulent. In 2004 he allegedly spat at a paparazzi photographer in Sydney, a claim which he strongly denied.
In January 2006, several photographers retaliated, squirting Ledger with water pistols as he walked the red carpet for the Sydney premiere of Brokeback Mountain.
Bloody hell, shocking news
