Australian-born actor Heath Ledger has been found dead at a downtown Manhattan residence in what authorities say is a possible drug-related death. He was 28.

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.

US television network NBC reports his body was found surrounded by pills.
"We are investigating the possibility of an overdose," Browne said.
Ledger and Williams split in September last year.

Ledger played the suicidal son of Billy Bob Thornton in Monster's Ball and had starring roles in A Knight's Tale and The Patriot.

He was to appear as the Joker this year in The Dark Knight, a sequel to 2005's Batman Begins.

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