January 22, 2008 23:55

Actor Heath Ledger dies after suspected drug overdose

Actor from recent Bob Dylan biopic found dead

Photo Gallery: Bob Dylan

Actor Heath Ledger was found dead today (January 22) in his New York City apartment. He was 28.

The Australian native was reportedly discovered by his housekeeper naked in his bed with sleeping pills near his body. Police said that drugs may have been a factor in his death.

Ledger's most recent screen role was as Bob Dylan in the recent biopic 'I'm Not There'.

Ledger was also the co-founder of record label Music Masses Co with singer Ben Harper, and directed Harper's video for the song 'Morning Yearning'.

Ledger's role as a gay cowboy in 2005's 'Brokeback Mountain' brought him notoriety and an Oscar nomination.

He married actress Michelle Williams, who played his wife in the film, but the couple separated last year. They had one child. He has also been romantically linked to actresses Naomi Watts and Heather Graham.

Ledger had just finished filming his role in the forthcoming 'Batman' movie 'Dark Knight', in which he plays the villainous Joker.

The medical examiner's office told the Associated Press that they plan to conduct an autopsy tomorrow (January 23) to help determine the cause of death.

For more read the film section on our sister site Uncut.co.uk for their reaction to Heath Ledger's death.

--By our Los Angeles staff.
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