A private funeral for Hollywood actor Heath Ledger will be held in Perth today his family says, according to reports.

Ledger's father Kim Ledger said the funeral would be limited to 10 people, according an Australian news report, and are gathering at a private school in his Australian home town of Perth for a memorial service to celebrate the actor's life.

We're finding it pretty difficult to cope by ourselves, let alone with everyone around the world, Mr. Ledger told reporters.

Having said that, we do really appreciate the outpouring and the emotional support from all over the globe which suffice to say ... we're luckier than most families in ... our grieving position.

He said the funeral service will be private and allowed the media to take photos of people arriving for the funeral at Penrhos College, the exclusive girls' school, in south of Perth. He also asked media to respect the family's privacy in spite of being allowed to photograph the attendants.

The time of the funeral was not revealed.

Ledger, 28, was found dead January 22 in a Manhattan apartment by a masseuse and housekeeper.

A toxicology test by the New York Medical Examiner's Office reported Ledger died from an accidental overdose of prescription drugs, including anti-anxiety pills and an over-the-counter antihistamine.

Heath was nominated for an Oscar for Brokeback Mountain, in 2005, where he met his ex, actress Michelle Williams. Ledger and Williams had lived in Brooklyn and had a daughter, Matilda, but the couple split up last year. Both arrived in Perth this week ahead of the funeral.

Hollywood Australia