Ledger family will go to Batman premiere

The family of Heath Ledger will attend the July 14 premiere of The Dark Night, The Los Angeles Times reported. The film was Ledger's last before his death in January, and in it he plays The Joker.

The New York premiere has been dedicated to the late actor, and the end of the movie includes a memoriam to him.

In Britain's Empire Magazine director Christopher Nolan called Ledger's portrayal of the villain "the absolute extreme of anarchy and chaos."

"We didn't want to show what made him do the things he's doing, because then he becomes less threatening. I like to say he cuts through the movie like [the shark in] 'Jaws,'" Nolan said. "He just kind of comes and goes and causes complete mayhem."

The Dark Night will be released in theaters July 18. In it, Christian Bale reprises his role as Batman, and Aaron Eckhart plays district attorney Harvey Dent.

Actors Slated to Finish Heath Ledger's Final Film

Jude Law, Johhny Depp, and Colin Farrel will replace Heath Ledger in his unfinished final film The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus. The fantasy flick is being directed by Terry Gillian and filming was halted after Ledger’s accidental death.

Heath’s original footage will be kept, and the three actors will play a reconstructed version of the character.

Colin Farrell is honored to be a part of the film and said "It's about getting Heath's work out there, get his work out there, he's too good for any of his work not to be seen, you know, and I'm really keen and looking forward to doing it and just doing the best job I can do."

Ledger is clearly a respected actor and it sounds like the film will be a tribute to the young stars unfortunately short-lived career.

Heath Ledger's Funeral

Hundreds of mourners attended a memorial service for Heath Ledger in his hometown of Perth, Australia on Saturday. Ledger's ex Michelle Williams, and their daughter Matilda, joined the 28-year-old actor's family and friends at Penrhos College.

Also in attendance was fellow Australian Cate Blanchett, who spoke about the time she spent with Ledger in Los Angeles. Ledger's parents and sister also spoke, as did Neil Armfield, the director of the deceased actor's last Australian film, 2006's "Candy." Ledger's family also prepared a video tribute of Ledger in films and with Matilda.

Kim Ledger, the late actor's father, said a private funeral in Perth would follow the memorial service. He did not disclose the location. "The funeral will be very, very private and there will only be 10 people there, immediate family and no one else," Kim Ledger told reporters earlier in the day.

"It's a pretty sad time. We're finding it difficult to cope by ourselves, let alone cope with everyone around the world," he added. "Having said that, we do really appreciate the outpouring and emotional support from all over the globe."

UPDATE: The intimate service, where Ledger's cremated remains were buried, was held at Fremantle Cemetary. "It was a very emotional service," a source told People. Aferwards, they all went to the Indiana Tea House on Cottesloe Beach, where Michelle Williams appeared visibly shaken and was crying.

There, Williams and 50 others, including attendees of the earlier wake, ran onto the beach behind the restaurant and plunged into the ocean. "It's exactly what Heath would have wanted," a mourner told People.

Heath Ledger's Autopsy Results

Health Ledger’s toxicology results have finally come back, and the NY Medical Examiner’s Office has claimed that Ledger’s death was an accident caused by combining too many doctor-prescribed medications.

Heath died of acute intoxication from ingesting oxycodone (OxyContin painkiller), diazepam (the anti-anxiety drug Valium), hydrocodone (Vicodin, a painkiller), alprazolam (Xanax, an anti-anxiety drug), temazepam, and doxylamine. (sleep aids). None of this medication was taken in excess, but even with low dosages, the combination proved lethal.

Heath’s mother Kim Ledger issued the following statement: “We remain humble as parents and a family, among millions of people worldwide who may have suffered the tragic loss of a child. Few can understand the hollow, wrenching, and enduring agony parents silently suffer when a child predeceases them. Today's results put an end to speculation, but our son's beautiful spirit and enduring memory will forever remain in our hearts.”

Michelle Williams speaks

Michelle Williams issued a statement today in her first public comments since Heath Ledger's death Jan. 22.

"Please respect our need to grieve privately," Williams wrote. "My heart is broken."

Williams, who had a two-year-old daughter, Matilda, with Ledger, also said: "I am the mother of the most tender-hearted, high-spirited, beautiful little girl who is the spitting image of her father. All that I can cling to is his presence inside her that reveals itself every day.

"His family and I watch Matilda as she whispers to trees, hugs animals, and takes steps two at a time, and we know that he is with us still. She will be brought up in the best memories of him."

Meanwhile, production on Williams' film Blue Valentine has been halted indefinitely. It was set to begin filming February 25, but it has been put on hold until Williams is ready.

Also struggling with Ledger's sudden demise is Matilda's godfather, actor Jake Gyllenhaal. "Jake is taking this harder than most people," a friend said.

Mary-Kate Speaks/ Masseuse Not Legal

Mary Kate Olsen who has been tied in with the death of actor Heath Ledger speaks finally to the press and issued this statement through her publicist :

"Heath was a friend. His death is a tragic loss. My thoughts are with his family during this very difficult time."

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In other news, Diana Lee Wolozin, the masseuse who found Heath Ledger's body and made
three phone calls to Mary-Kate Olsen before she even called 911 - does not hold a state license to perform massage therapy.

Wolozin is not listed on the New York State Education Department's Web site and practicing massage therapy without a liscense is considered a felony.

All is Quiet For Jake Gyllenhaal

After the death of his Brokeback Mountain co-star, actor Jake Gyllenhaal has yet to be seen or heard from. Heath Ledger and Jake had continued to be close friends after the movie and Jake was even named godfather of Heath's daughter, Matilda.

Gyllenhaal is currently in New Mexico, currently filming his new movie, "Brothers." Extra security has been reportedly hired to make sure the media stays away from Jake as he does not want to speak to anyone about his friend's tragic death.

....More News on Ledger Tragedy

New information on the Heath Ledger death is starting to break as time goes by and more investigation is taking place - police confirmed six types of prescription drugs, including a mix of anti-anxiety medication and sleeping pills, found in his Heath's SoHo apartment.

Even more interesting - Ledger's masseuse, Diana Wolozin, who found Heath in the apartment phoned Olsen twice before ringing 911. In the first call, Olsen told Ms Wolozin to wait while she sent some of her security people to the apartment to find out what was going on. Paramedics arrived at the same time as Olsen's security guards.

After failing once more to revive Ledger, the masseuse rang Olsen a second time to say she was going to call 911 for help.

Tests on a rolled-up $US20 bill found by police in Ledger's apartment proved negative when tested for illegal drugs. The most likely cause of death remains an accidental overdose of the anti-anxiety drugs. Stay tuned.

Celebrities mourn for Heath Ledger

In the wake of Heath Ledger's sudden death on Tuesday, some of his friends in the entertainment industry publicly mourned him.

Actress Cate Blanchett, who co-starred with Ledger in I'm Not There:
- "I deeply respect Heath’s work and always admired his continuing development as an artist. My thoughts are with his family and close friends."

Model Helena Christensen to Women's Wear Daily:
- "He was such a special and genuine person, so extraordinarily talented because he was so raw and honest with his feelings... He was so full of life, so electric."

Actor/director Mel Gibson, who starred in The Patriot with Ledger:
- "I had such great hope for him... He was just taking off and to lose his life at such a young age is a tragic loss. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family."

Singer Josh Groban at the Sundance Film Festival:
- "Heath was an actor who always amazed me — somebody I believed always had such life left in him."

Actor Lukas Haas, who was in Alpha Dog with Ledger, to FOX:
- "He truly was a great, great actor who I have known and admired for sometime... I am in total shock — it certainly has put a damper on the [Sundance Film] festival."

I'm Not There director Todd Haynes (this was the last film released starring Ledger prior to his death):
- "Ledger had a bit of James Dean in him and now Ledger, like Dean, has died young - just as he was trying to find his place in the film industry."

Brokeback Mountain director Ang Lee in a statement:
- "Working with Heath was one of the purest joys of my life... He brought to the role of Ennis [Del Mar] more than any of us could have imagined – a thirst for life, for love, and for truth, and a vulnerability that made everyone who knew him love him. His death is heartbreaking."

Actress Nicole Kidman in a statement:
- "What a tragedy. My heart goes out to his family."

Actor Josh Lucas at the Sundance Film Festival:
- "All I'll say is, I send total love to the family. It's too painful for me."

Actor/producer William H. Macy at the Sundance Film Festival:
- "It is so upsetting — it's a huge loss and my heart goes out to his wife and kid... I think great talent comes coupled with great demons."

Actress Rachel McAdams on her myspace page:
- "My heart goes out to Heath's family and friends during this time of great loss. I had the pleasure of meeting him a few years back and I can definitely say he had a wonderful career ahead of him. Undeniable talent and a loving new father. It's so tragic to see it all end so soon and sudden."

Actress Bijou Phillips at the Sundance Film Festival:
- "Brad Renfro also died this week, who I did three movies with... It's just crazy. Two young, really talented actors die in their sleep in the same week? It's just not cool. I don't know what's going on, but it's got to stop."

Actor Jason Ritter at the Sundance Film Festival:
- "He should be proud of the legacy he left behind... [Ledger] seemed to make acting choices with integrity; he didn't seem to just take the big movies with the big bucks. He took movies that challenged him as an actor, he did a fantastic job, and he seemed like a really great guy as well."

Actor Geoffrey Rush, who starred in Candy with Ledger:
- "This is such a sad event. I admired Heath enormously... He was such a sensitive and committed and daring actor. This is truly a tragedy. I send my condolences to his family and friends and colleagues."

Actress Charlize Theron to entertainment site ET.com
- "It's really, really sad. I hope his family is okay. I wish them the best."

Actor John Travolta at the G'day USA/Walk on the Wildside event:
- "He's touched me deeply as a talent and it's a great loss... Losing him at any age would be a loss but it was pretty rough news. I was really shocked by it... I would give back all my awards to have him back."

Heath Ledger Autopsy & Family Statement

An autopsy on 28-year-old actor Heath Ledger was found to be inconclusive and more tests will have to be performed to find out why he died. Approximately 10 days to two weeks will be needed to complete the investigation on the body.

Heath Ledger's father, Kim, released this statement to the media:

“Heath’s family confirms the very tragic, untimely and accidental passing of our dearly loved son, brother and doting father of Matilda. He was found peacefully asleep in his New York apartment by his housekeeper at 3:30 p.m. U.S. time.

“We would like to thank our friends and everyone around the world for their well wishes and kind thoughts at this time. Heath has touched so many people on so many different levels during his short life but few had the pleasure of truly knowing him.

“He was a down to earth, generous, kind-hearted, life-loving and selfless individual who was extremely inspirational to many. Please now respect our family’s need to grieve and come to terms with our loss privately.”

Michelle Williams (best known from Dawson's Creek), Heath's ex-wife and mother of their 2-year-old daughter, Matilda, jumped a flight to NYC as soon as she found out the news. Her father released a statement to the media saying, "My heart goes out to everyone in his family and my family. The saddest thing is his 2-year-old daughter [Matilda] whom he just loved dearly.”

Ledger and Williams had a three-year relationship together, though they split-up last year. A source told People magazine that Williams is "devastated" by the news.

Right now, reports are saying that his death is looking like it was accidental and not suicide. His family is very disturbed by the rumors that his death may have been suicide. There is currently no evidence to support the buzz that he may have taken his own life and his family insists that he was not that type of person.

Heath Ledger Death - MSNBC Video

Heath Ledger Dead R.I.P

"I had such great hope for him," said Mel Gibson, who played Ledger's vengeful father in "The Patriot," in a statement. "He was just taking off and to lose his life at such a young age is a tragic loss."
An autopsy was planned for Wednesday, medical examiner's office spokeswoman Ellen Borakove said. Heath Ledger passed away on Tuesday, we don't have too much information now, we will keep you posted! It is believed he died of a drug overdose. Sleeping pill bottles were found next to his body but it is unknown as of now how many he took. His body was found at a downtown apartment in Manhattan that he was subletting from Mary Kate Olsen.

Update: The Australian-born actor was 28.
NYPD spokesman Paul Browne said Ledger had an appointment for a massage at the Manhattan apartment believed to be his home. The housekeeper who went to let Ledger know the masseuse was there found him dead at 3:26 p.m.
Ledger is known for roles in the films "10 Things I Hate About You," "The Patriot" and "Brokeback Mountain," for which he received an Academy Award nomination for Best Lead Actor. His latest project includes the upcoming Batman film, "The Dark Knight," where he played the role of The Joker.


The Australian-born actor met his wife on the set of “Brokeback Mountain,” actress Michelle Williams, in 2005. Ledger and Williams had lived in Brooklyn and had a daughter, Matilda, until they split up last year.


Another update: The masseuse was let in to the home by a housekeeper, who then knocked on the door of Mr. Ledger’s bedroom. When no one answered, the housekeeper and the masseuse opened the bedroom and found Mr. Ledger unconscious. They shook him, but he did not respond. They immediately called the authorities. The police said they did not suspect foul play. Officials said pills were found near the body.

Update 3: According to the New York Times, Ledger was found naked and unconscious with pills strewn all around him in an apartment owned by actress Mary-Kate Olsen.