Police spokesman Paul Browne has confirmed Perth-born Ledger, 28, was found dead by a housekeeper at his apartment in the trendy SoHo neighbourhood.
"We are investigating the possibility of an overdose," Mr Browne said.
According to Mr Browne, the housekeeper found Ledger at 3:26pm (7:26am AEDT) and tried to wake him for his appointment to have a massage.
As far as Mr Browne knows, only Ledger and the housekeeper were in the apartment.
Lieutenant John Grimpal from the New York Police Department says drugs were found at the scene, but investigators are yet to determine how he died.
"There was some type of drugs found," he said.
"Unknown what type right now.
"The medical examiner will determine if that ... caused his death or if something else caused his death."
Ledger was nominated for a best actor Oscar for his role as a gay cowboy in Brokeback Mountain. He did not win. The award went to Philip Seymour Hoffman for his role as Truman Capote.
The film's director, Ang Lee, had hailed Ledger's performance as a "miracle" of acting, reminiscent of a young Marlon Brando.
Margaret Pomeranz from ABC TV's At The Movies says she is devastated by the news.
"I am so upset ... he's such a talented boy and really I think a beautiful soul," she said.
"I think to choose the roles he's chosen showed just such intelligence."
The handsome star and his long-time companion, actress Michelle Williams, separated last year.
Williams is mother of the actor's young daughter, Matilda.
Ledger's other film credits included A Knight's Tale, The Patriot and Monster's Ball.
He was one of several actors playing a role representing Bob Dylan I'm Not There.
He will appear as The Joker in the next Batman film The Dark Knight. The film is currently in post-production.
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