Brokeback Mountain actor Heath Ledger was found dead in his New York apartment today, police said.

Ledger, 28, was found by his housekeeper in central Manhattan after a possible drug-related death this afternoon, NYPD spokesman Paul Browne said.

Police officials said they did not suspect foul play and added that pills were found near the body.

The Australian-born actor had an appointment for a massage at the apartment and the housekeeper who went to let him know the masseuse was there found him dead at 3.26pm local time (9.30pm), Mr Browne said.

The Australian-born actor was nominated for an Oscar for Brokeback Mountain.

He had a young daughter Matilda through his marriage to actress Michelle Williams, but they split up last year.

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

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

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