Heath Ledger found dead in New York

Hello, I'm Rebecca Field with today's UPI entertainment update on this Wednesday, January 23, 2008.

Hollywood is mourning the loss of a loved and admired star. Australian born actor Heath Ledger was found dead at his New York apartment yesterday. He was only 28 years old. There's no confirmation on the cause of death but police say the Oscar nominated actor apparently died of an accidental drug overdose. Ledger was found with prescription drugs near his body.

The actor first emerged into the entertainment scene at age 16. He appeared in the Australian show "Sweat." In 1998 he played a heartthrob alongside Julia Stiles in "10 Things I hate About You." He's also known for his roles in "The Patriot" and "A Knight's Tale." Two years ago he was for an Academy Award for "Brokeback Mountain." On the set of that film, he and actress Michelle Williams began dating and soon after had a daughter Matilda. The pair split last September but friends say he stayed in close contact with his daughter.

In other news, Amy Winehouse's rep is denying rumors that the singer is in rehab. Her spokesperson says Winehouse only visited a doctor whom she sees regularly and did not check in anywhere overnight. There's no indication of the type of treatment she received. Recently, a British newspaper posted tape showing the singer allegedly smoking crack. That video prompted rumors that she was now seeking help. Friends of Winehouse tell People magazine everyone knows she should get treatment.

Some stars are promising not to cross writer's picket lines at the Oscars. Nominee Viggo Mortenson says he won't attend the ceremony if the WGA is striking out front. But the "Eastern Promises" star is confident they'll strike a deal with TV and film Producers soon. Others like Director Tony Gilroy, nominated for "Michael Clayton," agrees...he says he would never cross a picket line. The strike shut down the Golden Globe Award ceremony after most stars refused to attend.

Soccer star David Beckham is working to help children around the world. The athlete reportedly visited Sierra Leone last weekend with the children's charity UNICEF. Beckham made the trip to bring attention to the impoverished country, where child deaths are reportedly the highest in the world. In a statement, the soccer player says helping the kids there is as simple as a mosquito net to help them avoid malaria or a measles vaccination.

That's all for now. Go to upi.com for the latest news and updates all day long. Thanks for watching.

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• Heath
• Ledger
• amy
• winehouse
• writer's
• strike
• viggo
• mortenson
• david
• beckham
• female
• celebrity

[Kotlettbengt]

I hate how the news reader smiles like an idiot right before announcing these kind of news, but whatever, it's her job.

[MeanGene79]

@losecontrol08 Well, it's happened now. Happy?

[annie10103]

@ichigokurosaki0007

*She

[ichigokurosaki0007]

ledger has a child. thank you god. thank you. there is a god. he might take his father legacy.

[sondrasellers]

Why is she smiling??? Sad that Amy was placed on the same newscast as Heath.

[maria32552]

quit smiling girl heath ledger is dead you should be crying because of whats happend he was the greatest person alive

[Ryeangle]

a video's just been released on youtube containing rare footage of amy winehouse's last words, so sad. search for 'amy winehouse's last words' on youtube, i'd post the link but this wouldn't let me.

[losecontrol08]

@OTOATameem yeah haha I dont even remember making that comment :S deleted

[egdqv13234]

@losecontrol08 well.........Amy died so fuck you. R.I.P them bouth

[walterhomburg]

@losecontrol08

Your wish come true

[DtotheAZZLE]

@losecontrol08 You got your wish today

[KillYourTeeVee]

@losecontrol08 there you go...