Stars pay tribute to Heath Ledger

Hollywood stars have paid tribute to Heath Ledger, who died at his New York apartment yesterday.

The Brokeback Mountain actor, 28, was found unconscious in bed by his housekeeper and paramedics were unable to revive him.

Fellow Australian Nicole Kidman said: "What a tragedy. My heart goes out to his family."

Mel Gibson, who starred alongside him in 2001 movie The Patriot, commented: "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."

John Travolta said Ledger was one of his "favourite actors". He added: "His abilities were rare... It's a tremendous loss."

Warner Bros President Alan Horn revealed that executives at the studio were "devastated" by the news, saying: "The entertainment community has lost an enormous talent. Heath was a brilliant actor and an exceptional person."

Ledger had just finished filming Batman Begins sequel The Dark Knight for the studio and had signed up to star in the follow-up.