Born in Perth, Australia, Heath began his acting career on TV shows such as Home and Away.
Heath sprang to Hollywood stardom in 2006 with Brokeback Mountain in which he played a cowboy who began an intimate relationship with his friend, played by Jake Gyllenhaal. His performance earned him an Oscar nomination, and his subsequent movie I'm Not There released in December last year, saw him star alongside Hollywood elite.
Heath's next film The Dark Knight is due to be released this summer.
Best known for his role in Brokeback Mountain alongside Jake Gyllenhaal
Heath Ledger was found dead in his Lower Manhattan apartment on Tuesday 22nd January. He was 28. The Australian-born actor was nominated for an Oscar for Brokeback Mountain.
Heath Ledger starred alongside Christian Bale and Morgan Freeman in this summer's blockbuster release, The Dark Knight. Take a look at the trailer.

Take a look at the Hollywood star's past achievements, and red carpet photos.