Famed actor Heath Ledger's passing was one of the biggest news stories in Hollywood at the time. As the news spread, tributes and comments of shock and disbelief were shared. Now, years later, fans wonder about the actor and what happened to his daughter, Matilda Ledger. Here is all we know about her so far and how she lives a secluded life away from the limelight.
Who is Heath Ledger's Daughter, Matilda Ledger?
Beyond his work in films such as 'The Dark Knight' and 'Brokeback Mountain,' Ledger was also remembered for his daughter, Matilda Ledger, who was two years old at the time of his passing. Over the years, while Ledger's ex-partner, Michelle Williams, has kept their daughter Matilda out of the public eye, there have been rare instances when she has been spotted in public or her family has talked about her. Matilda grew up with her mother and resided mainly in Brooklyn and upstate New York. Ledger and Williams had moved to his native Australia, but they left the country and settled in Brooklyn by 2006 due to ongoing controversies with the media.
Matilda's Private Life After Her Father's Passing
Matilda has had a private life after her father's passing and has lived in the US most of her life. In an old interview with E! News, Matilda's grandfather, Kim Ledger, talked about her and Michelle, praising the latter for her determination to protect Matilda. He stated that she 'protects her from too much exposure, sending her to a lovely school.'
Michelle Williams Moved Upstate to Escape the Paparazzi
In 2018, Michelle talked about moving from Brooklyn a while after Ledger's passing, revealing that the two of them were continuously stalked by paparazzi. While speaking to Vanity Fair, she recalled a chilling incident that prompted her to make the shift. She shared, 'I'll never forget going to the post office and seeing a sign hung on the wall for anyone with information about myself and my daughter, to please call this number.'
Jake Gyllenhaal and Busy Philipps Are Matilda Ledger's Godparents
Jake Gyllenhaal and Busy Philipps both shared a bond with Heath Ledger and Michelle Williams and were named their daughter's godparents. Gyllenhaal met Ledger on 'Moulin Rouge' in 2001 for the first time, but the two developed a close bond while co-starring in 'Brokeback Mountain.' Busy Philipps met Michelle Williams in the early 2000s through 'Dawson's Creek.' The two kept close contact over the years and slowly bonded into close friends. The two famed actors still keep in touch with Williams and Matilda and often visit the pair.
How Did Michelle Williams and Heath Ledger Meet?
Ledger and Williams met and bonded while working together on 'Brokeback Mountain.' They began dating in 2004, following which they welcomed their daughter, Matilda, a year later. Until 2006, they stayed in Australia; however, after a major controversy, the couple moved to the US along with their daughter. The couple officially split in 2007. Five months after their separation, Ledger passed away due to an accidental drug overdose.
