Nicole Kidman pays tribute to Heath Ledger

Aussie actress Nicole Kidman last night paid tribute to Heath Ledger, calling his death: 'A tragedy."

The Others star spoke out after Ledger was found dead in his Manhattan apartment, reportedly surrounded by pills.

Kidman and Ledger became friends after the actor began dating Kidman's best friend Naomi Watts.

The trio, all Australian, began hanging out together after Ledger and Watts met and fell in love on the set of the movie Ned Kelly.

Despite their 10 year age difference, the couple were together for nearly two years before they split amid reports Watts was upset by Ledger's wandering eye.

But he stayed in contact with fellow Aussie Kidman who released a statement just two hours after his death.

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