AUSSIE STARS PAY TRIBUTE TO LEDGER

Fellow Australians CATE BLANCHETT and GEOFFREY RUSH have paid tribute to HEATH LEDGER after learning of his death at the age of 28.

Ledger was found dead in his New York apartment on Tuesday (22Jan08) after suffering a suspected drug overdose.

Blanchett - who recently starred alongside Ledger in Bob Dylan biopic I'm Not There - says, "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."

Rush, who appeared alongside the late star in 2006 Australian independent movie Candy, adds, "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."

Todd Haynes - who directed Ledger in I'm Not There - was stunned by the news of his death, telling reporters,"I'm in complete shock right now. I can barely talk about it. I loved Heath. He was an amazing man, an incredible actor and I can't believe this has happened."