By David Stroebel

Heath Ledger: Apr 4, 1979 - Jan 22, 2008.

CastingNewYork.com has learned that actor Heath Ledger was found dead this afternoon in his SoHo apartment by New York City Police at approximately 3:30 p.m. today. Ledger was an Academy Award nominee for his performance in 2006's "Brokeback Mountain" in which he played a gay cowbay. CastingNewYork.com will not speculate on rumors surrounding Ledger's death. He was found by his housekeeper who tried to wake him for an appointment with his masseuse.

Ledger was born in Perth, Australia. His first American film was in 1999 titled "The 10 Things I hate about You". It was this film that attracted Hollywood's attention and introducing Heath Ledger to American audiences. He earned roles in 2000's "The Patriot" and 2001's "A Knight's Tale" before landing a supporting role opposite Halle Berry in "The Monster's Ball" in 2001. His last project was in the Batman Trillogy "The Dark Knight" scheduled for release this July. He leaves behind a daughter, Matilda Rose Ledger, 2.