Heath Ledger's death: the celebs speak out

Actor Heath Ledger was found dead in his New York apartment yesterday, he was just 28.

The Australian Prime Minister, Mel Gibson, Nicole Kidman and John Travolta have all expressed their grief over the actor's untimely death.

And now more stars have come out to express their feelings

"I am just beyond sad at this point and shocked," said supermodel Helena Christensen, who dated Heath in September 2007. "I was on my way over to pay him a visit when I found out. I had just left him a message and heard his voice on the machine. He was such a special and genuine person, so extraordinarily talented because he was so raw and honest with his feelings.

"He was so full of life, so electric ..." she continued. "This is immensely sad."

Rachel McAdams - who never worked with Heath, wrote this on her MySpace page: "My heart goes out to Heath's family and friends during this time of great loss. I had the pleasure of meeting him a few years back and I can definitely say he had a wonderful career ahead of him. Undeniable talent and a loving new father. It's so tragic to see it all end so soon and sudden."

Two of his fellow Australians also responded. Cate Blanchett, who stars alongside Heath in the Bob Dylan biopic I'm Not There, said in a statement to NEWS.com.au" "I am shocked and very saddened by the news. I deeply respect Heath's work and always admired his continuing development as an artist. My thoughts are with his family and his close friends"

But it was perhaps fellow Aussie Oscar-winner Geoffrey Rush, who co-starred with Heath in the 2006 indie flick, Candy, who put it best: "This is such a sad event. I admired Heath enormously. He was such a sensitive and committed and daring actor. This truly is a tragedy."

His family have also spoken of their pain at the death of the Hollywood actor.

"Heath's family confirms the very tragic, untimely and accidental passing of our dearly loved son, brother and doting father of Matilda," the Aussie star's family said in a statement.

"He was found peacefully asleep in his New York apartment by his housekeeper at 3:30 p.m. U.S. time.

"We would like to thank our friends and everyone around the world for their well wishes and kind thoughts at this time.

"Heath has touched so many people on so many different levels during his short life but few had the pleasure of truly knowing him.

"He was a down to earth, generous, kind-hearted, life-loving and selfless individual who was extremely inspirational to many.

"Please now respect our family's need to grieve and come to terms with our loss privately."