We know him most famously for his portrayal of homosexual cowboy Ennis in Brokeback Mountain. He also starred in 10 Things I Hate About You, The Patriot and Monster’s Ball. 28-year-old actor Heath Ledger was found dead today in his Soho apartment. The actor has a two-year-old daughter named Matilda Rose with fellow actress Michelle Williams. Although the autopsy has yet to take place, it is rumored that Heath over-dosed (accidental or suicidal has not been determined) on sleeping pills. From TMZ:

He was found dead in his bed in one of his residences in Soho by his housekeeper at 3:35 PM ET today. Law enforcement sources tell TMZ they believe it was not a crime, adding that prescription pills were found near his body.

According to NYPD a masseuse arrived at Ledger’s apartment and was let in by a housekeeper. When Ledger didn’t answer his bedroom door, the housekeeper and the masseuse opened it and found him unconscious. They attempted to wake him; when they couldn’t, they called 911.

We’re told when paramedics responded, the actor was in full cardiac arrest. They attempted to perform CPR on him, but were unsuccessful. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The 28-year-old actor has a two year old daughter with former fiancee Michelle Williams — they separated in September, 2007. He plays The Joker in the upcoming Batman film, “The Dark Knight” and is perhaps best known for his groundbreaking role as Ennis in “Brokeback Mountain.”

We’re told Heath had dinner last night with his model girlfriend Gemma Ward.

How horribly sad. When I heard this news, my stomach was in a knot for an hour. My deepest sympathies go out to all of Heath’s family and closest friends. How young to go so early! I really hope that he is in a better place.

UPDATE: Alan Horn, President and COO of Warner Bros. and Jeff Robinov, President, Warner Bros. Pictures Group have issued the following statement to TMZ. The studio is producing the next Batman film, “The Dark Knight.” “The studio is stunned and devastated by this tragic news. The entertainment community has lost an enormous talent. Heath was a brilliant actor and an exceptional person. Our hearts go out to his family and friends.”

UPDATE 2: Law enforcement tells TMZ Ledger’s body was found face down and naked on the bedroom floor. There were no visible signs of any trauma. Law enforcement tells TMZ Heath Ledger’s autopsy is scheduled for tomorrow.

UPDATE 3: TMZ has been contacted by a rep from Heath’s family. The cops told the family Heath’s death was accidental and there is no evidence to support the buzz that he may have committed suicide. They are particularly distraught over media reports that he may have taken his own life. The family says he was not that kind of person. As we just reported, Heath was ill with pneumonia when he died.

UPDATE 4: Michelle Williams is “devastated” by the death of her former fiance, Heath Ledger. We’re told that “words cannot describe” the pain she is in over the news about the father of her child, Matilda Rose. We’re told she is on a plane heading to NY right now.

UPDATE 5: Michelle Williams was on location in Sweden, believed to be with 2-year-old daughter Matilda, when she got the news.

UPDATE 6: CNN is reporting that the autopsy results are inconclusive, meaning there is no certain cause of death just yet. They will know more about why and how Heath died in 10 days.