John Travolta is speaking out to Women’s Day about the devastation he feels over the passing of his friend Heath Ledger.

WD: Did you know Heath? How has his death affected you?
JT: I did know Heath and I adored him. I am pretty devastated over this. He was my favourite actor and my favourite talent. It’s like losing James Dean. I would give back all my awards and all my nominations just to have him back — I think he is a real loss as a persona and as a talent. And this whole evening is very hard for me. We are celebrating Australia week in the USA — and it’s killing me. You know that he’s both of us. He’s Australian and from the United States, and he means a whole lot. It’s bad situation.

WD: How did you meet him?
JT: I wanted to meet him because I was very impressed with him from the very beginning. His agent introduced me to him at a party, and I just fell — I used every accolade. Actors need other actors to be inspired by, and he was “my” actor.

WD: How did he respond?
JT: I forget that anyone younger than me grew up with me. He was beautiful in his reaction. I was an idol of his — my reacting that way to his work really blew him away, but he was very modest and almost bashful about the compliment — and didn’t want to make a big deal about himself. But he was a big deal.

WD: Did you know of any troubles he may have been experiencing?
JT: As far as I knew he was on top of the world. He had everything going for him and was very serious about his craft, and was looking forward to the best work thrown his way. I know recently there was a separation [between him and Michelle Williams], but the thing is when you have the depth of character and feeling as Heath did — it’s a double-edged sword. You are also feeling those things in life. Your sensitivities and perceptions are almost an assault on you. The most beautiful thing you can use in your craft is also the very thing that can make life harsher for you. I would be presumptuous to assume any reasons, it would be inappropriate. My feeling on Heath is I don’t want to lose him at any age, 28 or 88, like Marlon Brando. I didn’t like his passing, he was special to me, and he was a friend. At any age you don’t want to lose someone like that — he was a valuable guy. I am truly sorry and my heart goes out to everyone who knew him and loved him, and actually, my heart goes out to me, I really don’t like it. I don’t like it… [trails off]

WD: Do you feel for young people in show business now?
JT: I was in a different era, I really don’t know. My daughter is starting out in the business and she will be protected by me, and I admire anyone who holds it together nowadays. There are a lot of outside pressures, and then you add the complications of being a superstar — that talent, that depth, and who knows? We would have to be inside that person’s head.

WD: What was his most inspirational movie for you?
JT: Well, the first movie I saw him in was The Patriot, but then with Brokeback — I don’t think anyone will ever beat that performance, I don’t know if it’s possible.

Source, WENN

TMZ is now reporting that Jake Gyllenhaal is in New Mexico shooting the film Brothers. The actor who co-starred in Brokeback Mountain with Heath Ledger, is Matilda Rose’s godfather. He is reportedly so broken up about his friend’s passing that he is unable to speak to the media.

In addition to that, they have closed off the set to all non-crew members and they have beefed up security.

I know it’s everywhere – and I keep going on and on about Heath Ledger’s death.  I just can’t get over it! I’m still in shock!

Anyway, I just found a couple great pictures of Heath, and thought I’d share them with you. Also – the latest news on Heath’s death.

Some GREAT NEWS…as earlier reported, cops had recovered a $20 bill that was rolled up – and thought to have drug residue on it.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ the $20 that cops found in Heath Ledger’s apartment was clean — it did not contain drug residue.

Cops recovered the bill, tested it, and the results were clean.

Also – Jake Gyllenhaal is said to be hiding away on set.  

Jake Gyllenhaal has yet to be seen or heard from since the death of his close friend, Heath Ledger — and people on the set of his new film are working hard to keep it that way.

Gyllenhaal is in New Mexico, currently filming his new movie, “Brothers.” We’re told there are no plans to shut down production, but Jake is very upset and doesn’t want to talk to the media — so the set has been closed to non-crew members and extra security has been hired.

Jake is the godfather to Heath’s daughter, Matilda Rose.

Here is the latest cover of People Magazine:

Heath Ledger is set to be buried in his home town of Perth, Australia. The actor’s body was transported today from the New York medical examiner’s office, where an autopsy was performed this morning, to the Frank E. Campbell funeral chapel.

A source at the funeral home says that they are preparing to ship Heath’s body as soon as possible. Although the actor’s family is still believed to be in Australia, his ex-fiancee, Michelle Williams, who is also the mother of his child, was flying into New York from Sweden today.

Michelle Lee, a rep for the Australian consulate said, “Our consulate has been in contact with his family and has offered assistance” to help fly Heath’s body back to Australia.

source

For all the latest updates on Heath Ledger, go here.

For all of the updates from yesterday, plus pictures – go here. Here’s what’s going on today. (I’ll put the most recent updates on top today)

UPDATE #6:  The medications found at Heath Ledger’s apartment were Xanax and Valium, both anti-anxiety drugs. Cops also found Ambien, along with several medications prescribed in Europe.

To see all the other updates, and the latest news on Heath Ledger’s passing, click on MORE. (more…)

I was raised Baptist – and I cannot imagine any Baptist I know putting together a shameful poster like this.  This is horrible and WBC shouldn’t be judging anyone.  This takes some nerve – considering the cause of Heath Ledger’s death hasn’t even been determined yet.

Thanks Roberta for the tip.  Source

TMZ has learned that Academy Award nominee Heath Ledger has died in NY.

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.

The 28-year-old actor has a two year old daughter with former fiancee Michelle Williams. He was set to play the Joker in the upcoming Batman film “The Dark Knight.”

TMZ

These two pictures were taken just this last Friday – on the 18th – on the set of his new film, ‘The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus’ in London, England.

UPDATE #1: The NY Times is reporting a masseuse arrived at his apartment and was let in the door 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 found pills near body.

UPDATE #2: 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.

UPDATE #3: Law enforcement tells TMZ Ledger’s body was found face down on the bedroom floor. There is no visible signs of any trauma. Prescription pills were strewn around Heath Ledger’s bed. The cops are waiting for the Medical Examiner. Law enforcement tells TMZ Heath Ledger’s autopsy is scheduled for tomorrow.

UPDATE #4: Talk about RANDOM, TMZ has learned that Heath Ledger was found dead at an apartment owned by Mary-Kate Olsen. Weird?!

UPDATE #5: Okay, I take it back. It was NOT Mary-Kate’s apartment.

UPDATE #6: Cops tell TMZ Heath Ledger’s death was accidental.

UPDATE #7: Heath Ledger had a substance abuse problem. A Ledger confidante tells us he had been clean for a year. Contrary to several published reports, we’re told Ledger had not been in rehab.

UPDATE #8: Law enforcement sources tell TMZ sleeping pills were strewn around the bed of Heath Ledger. One law enforcement source told us it is much too early to determine if the death was accidental or suicide.

UPDATE #9: I’ve added some pictures of Heath throughout the last couple years below. You can also go through past Heath articles and posts here.

UPDATE #10: Heath Ledger’s body has just been removed from the Soho building where he was found dead. It was carried out in a black body bag and put in the back of the City of New York Medical Examiner’s truck.

UPDATE #11: 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 #12 (5:OOPST): TMZ has learned Heath Ledger was sick with pneumonia when he died today in NY. 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.

UPDATE #13 (5:00PST): There are reports circulating that Heath Ledger was found on the floor — not exactly the case.

As we first reported, Ledger was found naked on his bed. We’re told emergency workers put him on the floor in an attempt to resuscitate him.

A police official says there were pill bottles scattered around the apartment.

UPDATE #14 (5:00PST): 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 #15 (5:05PST): Picture of Heath Ledger being wheeled out of the apartment where he was found dead this afternoon. (Via Splash)

UPDATE #16 (5:17PST):

Paul Browne, Deputy Commissioner for Public Information of the New York Police Department, held a press conference on Heath Ledger Tuesday night.

He confirmed the following:

• The deceased was discovered by a masseuse and a housekeeper at approximately 2:45 p.m. today.

• The masseuse was there for a regular appointment.

• The deceased was found in his bedroom.

• The deceased was lying on the floor, curled up, at the foot of his bed.

• The deceased was naked and face down.

• There were not pills found scattered around the room as had been previously reported.

• There were some prescription bottles, including prescription sleeping medication, uncovered.

• Police do not know how long the deceased had been in the apartment.

• The deceased was renting the apartment.

• The cause of death has not yet been determined. The determination will be made by the medical examiners office.

UPDATE #17 (5:20PST): His role as the Joker was so troubling and demonic to him that he had trouble sleeping at night. “physically and mentally draining”, “i took one ambien and it didnt work. i took a second and i fell asleep only to wake up an hour later.” Rough quote from an interview about being the Joker in the upcoming Batman movie.

UPDATE #18 (5:40PST): The Olsen twins’ connection to Heath Ledger’s apartment is now clear.

Here’s the way it went down. A cleaning lady for Heath arrived at the apartment first, followed soon thereafter by a masseuse. They both entered the room at around the same time and discovered Heath’s lifeless body.

The cleaning lady called police. The masseuse, we’re told, called the bodyguard for the Olsens. She called him because they’re friends and he’s an EMT. The bodyguard was around the block at Ashley’s and he immediately went over. By the time he arrived, the cops were already there.

We’re also told it appeared Heath “had been dead for a while” and there were no visible signs of trauma. There was a pill bottle on the nightstand.

RIP Heath, this is terrible, tragic news. I’m so sad about this one. I just didn’t see it coming! I just can’t get over it. I hope it was an accident, and he didn’t intend to kill himself. He was so incredibly talented.