KENT-born actress Naomi Watts pulled out of all appearances at a major film festival after learning of the tragic death of ex-boyfriend Heath Ledger.

Fans and films stars around the world are in shock and mourning after the father of one was found dead at his New York apartment. He was 28.

The cause of the Brokeback Mountain star’s death has not yet been determined, but police have ruled out foul play and are investigating a possible overdose of prescription drugs.

Miss Watts, who was born in Shoreham, near Sevenoaks, and later moved to Australia, met the Perth-born actor on the set of Ned Kelly in 2002, and the pair dated for two years.

The actress is currently promoting her new film Funny Games at the Sundance Film Festival in the USA, but reportedly broke down on hearing the news and cancelled all interviews and appearances ahead of the film’s premier tonight.

Friends of Miss Watts reported she was “absolutely devastated”.

Mr Ledger’s family denied any suggestion that the Oscar-nominated actor, who will appear in the Bob Dylan biopic I’m Not There and as the Joker in the new Batman film Dark Knight later this year, had committed suicide.

His father Kim, speaking from the family home in Perth, called his son’s death a “tragic…accidental passing”. He added: “He was a down-to-earth, generous, kind-hearted, life-loving, unselfish individual.

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