LOS ANGELES:

Mel Gibson led the tributes to Heath Ledger. 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. “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.” 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,” said Kidman.

Director Ang Lee also paid tribute to Heath, describing the Australian actor’s sudden death as “heartbreaking.”

“Working with Heath was one of the purest joys of my life. His death is heartbreaking,” Lee said in a statement released to People.com. Lee has spoken admiringly of Ledger in the past, even comparing him to a young Marlon Brando, describing the Brokeback performance as “miraculous.”

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.” — AFP