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HOLLYWOOD legend Mel Gibson led the tributes to Heath Ledger on Tuesday after the talented young Australian actor was found dead in New York.
Oscar-winning actor-director Gibson - who cast Ledger to play his son in 2001's US war of independence epic 'The Patriot' - described the 28-year-old actor's death as 'tragic' in a statement.
'I had such great hope for him,' Gibson said in the statement. 'He was just taking off and to lose his life at such a young age is a tragic loss. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.' Australian screen star Nicole Kidman echoed Gibson's comments in a statement released to syndicated US television entertainment show 'Extra.' 'What a tragedy. My heart goes out to his family,' Kidman said.
Hollywood star John Travolta, in Australia to attend a benefit dinner, described Ledger as 'one of my favourite actors.' 'His abilities are rare...it's a tremendous loss,' Travolta told 'Extra.' 'It's hard to be here celebrating Australia under these circumstances.'
Studio giants Warner Bros. said the entertainment industry had lost a 'brilliant actor and an exceptional person.' Ledger, the Oscar-nominated star of gay cowboy drama 'Brokeback Mountain,' had recently completed filming on Warners' upcoming summer blockbuster 'The Dark Knight,' in which he plays Batman's arch-foe the Joker.
'The studio is stunned and devastated by this tragic news,' Warner Bros chief Alan Horn and Warner Bros Picture Group president Jeff Robinov said in a statement.
'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 found dead in a New York residence earlier Tuesday. Police sources told US media that prescription pills were found near the body and that signs pointed to either an accidental overdose or suicide.
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