Actor Heath Ledger was found dead Tuesday in a downtown Manhattan apartment from an apparent drug-related death.   The Academy Award-nominated actor was 28 years old.

“The studio is stunned and devastated by this tragic news,” said Warners president Alan Horn and Warners Picture Group president Jeff Robinov.  “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.”

Ledger was discovered by a housekeeper who came to wake him for a massage appointment he had scheduled the previous day.  A spokesperson for the New York Police Department stated that prescription pills, including sleeping pills were found near the body and an accidental overdose was most likely the cause of death, but actual cause of death would have to be determined by the medical examiner.

Ledger’s career began in 1999 when he appeared in the Shakespeare inspired teen comedy 10 Things I Hate About You, but it was his role in 2005’s Brokeback Mountain that brought him critical success and an Academy Award nomination.  Ledger has already gained tremendous buzz for his portrayal of The Joker in Christopher Nolan’s upcoming The Dark Knight.  No word yet if Ledger’s death will affect the release of the Batman sequel.

Ledger leaves behind a daughter, Matilda Rose, who he had with actress Michelle Williams.  The couple had recently separated.