Heath Ledger's shocking death has sparked a flood of tributes.
The 28-year-old actor's naked body, which was surrounded by pills, was
discovered by his housekeeper yesterday afternoon (01.22.08).
It is believed he died of an accidental drugs overdose, after taking
prescription medication.
Heath's devastated father, Kim, has paid tribute to his "dearly loved son".
Speaking in the actor's hometown of Perth, western Australia, Kim said:
"Heath was down to earth, generous, kind hearted, life-loving, unselfish
individual.
"He has touched so many people on so many different levels during his short
life that few had the pleasure of truly knowing him."
Many of Heath's fellow Australian stars have also paid tribute to him.
Nicole Kidman, whose best friend Naomi Watts used to date Heath, said: "What
a tragedy. My heart goes out to his family."
Mel Gibson, who discovered Heath when he was 19 and starred with him in 'The
Patriot', said: "I feel very sad. He was really taking off as a fine actor."
Heath leaves behind a two-year-old daughter Matilda, from his relationship
with ex-fiancée Michelle Williams.
Heath and Michelle split last September and friends claim the 'I'm Not
There' star never really got over the break-up.
One pal said: "He really wanted it to work but Michelle ended it and Heath
was devastated. He blamed himself for Matilda not having her dad around all
the time and he never seemed himself after that. His mind was always
somewhere else and his depression wasn't improving at all."
It has been claimed Heath used recreational drugs, including cocaine and
heroin.
Heath is also believed to have been suffering from insomnia caused by his
role in the upcoming Batman film 'The Dark Knight'.
Last November, in Heath's last interview before his death, he said: "Last
week I probably slept an average of two hours a night. I couldn't stop
thinking. My body was exhausted, and my mind was still going."
An autopsy is planned for later today (01.23.08).
Meanwhile production for his latest film has been stopped due to the actor's untimely death.
According to Us crew members on the Vancouver set of his new fantasy adventure movie, 'The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus', were sent home.
“I just got the call [Tuesday] saying everyone was being let go,” the on-set source tells Usmagazine.com.
“We were supposed to start this weekend, but obviously they fired everyone today.
“They don’t know yet what they are doing with the footage that was already shot."
The other Joker, Jack Nicholson said he warned him........creeepy.