Heath Ledger fan sites have crashed amid news the Australian-born actor was found dead in his New York apartment.
Social networking groups dedicated to the star's life have also sprung up, with already thousands of fans joining others online to mourn.
Fans sites heathledger.com, heathledger.net and heathbaby.com have been inaccessible since the news broke.
ninemsn readers have also been expressing their sadness.
"I am still in shock, what a terrible waste of life," said Lolo from Sydney.
"He was a brilliant actor.
"May he rest in peace."
Another reader wrote: "Sending love and light to Heath's family and friends."
"Don't cry because he is gone, smile because he was here."
Hundreds of mourners have begun gathering on Facebook, joining groups called 'RIP Heath Ledger'.
"I need grief counselling ...," a fan wrote on one group.
"And I thought I would grow old following his movies," said another.
"Poor Matilda. She'll never get to know how wonderful her daddy was," another member wrote.
"I hope that there is some home movies for her to watch. "RIP dear sweet knight!"
The 28-year-old leaves behind two-year-old daughter Matilda from his relationship with former Dawson's Creek star Michelle Williams.