The sudden passing of Heath Ledger at the age of 28 in January 2008 sent shockwaves around the world. The beloved actor, widely celebrated for his iconic performances in 'The Dark Knight' and '10 Things I Hate About You,' left behind a fortune of $16.3 million. However, his will did not include his only daughter, Matilda, as a beneficiary.
Heath Ledger's Will and Family's Response
According to reports, Heath's will was written in 2003, two years before Matilda was born. It left his entire estate to his parents and sisters. Despite this, the Ledger family made it clear from the beginning that Matilda would be taken care of. Following his passing, Ledger's parents, Kim and Sally, and his sisters, Kate, Olivia, and Ashleigh, insisted that Matilda and her mother, Michelle Williams, would be fully provided for. They stated, 'Matilda is an absolute priority and Michelle is an integral part of our family. They will be taken care of, and that's how Heath would want it to be.'
Matilda Becomes Sole Beneficiary
Matilda was subsequently chosen as the sole beneficiary of Heath's estate. His father later confirmed that this was never in doubt. 'Our family has gifted everything to Matilda. There was never any question about the fact that Heath's estate would go to Matilda. Never a question. We are very close to Michelle and Matilda,' he said.
Support from Co-Stars
It was not just the Ledger family who rallied around Matilda. Johnny Depp, Colin Farrell, and Jude Law all reportedly donated their entire salaries from Heath's final film to his young daughter. The three Hollywood actors stepped in to play different versions of Heath's character in 'The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus' so the film could be completed. Director Terry Gilliam described the gesture as 'extraordinary and wonderful.'
Matilda Ledger's Life Today
Matilda, now 20 years old, continues to live in New York City with her mother, Michelle, who has since married theatre director Thomas Kail and shares three children with him. Matilda's famous godparents, Jake Gyllenhaal and Busy Phillipps, have been a presence in her life, as has 'Succession' star Jeremy Strong, a close friend of Michelle's who moved in with the mother and daughter for a period of time. Michelle once reflected on the role Strong played in Matilda's life, telling Variety that he was 'serious enough to hold the weight of a child's broken heart and sensitive enough to approach her through play and games and silliness.' She added, 'Matilda didn't grow up with her father, but she grew up with her Jeremy, and we were changed by his ability to play as though his life depended upon it, because hers did.'
Heath's Joy as a Father
Heath had spoken about becoming a father with unmistakable joy shortly after Matilda was born. 'Matilda is adorable, and beautifully observant and wise,' he told InTouch. 'Michelle and I love her so much. Becoming a father exceeds all my expectations. It's the most remarkable experience I've ever had.'
Matilda has been raised largely away from the public eye, with both her family and those who were close to her father continuing to ensure she has been well looked after since his passing. This heartwarming story highlights the strength and unity of the Ledger family and the love that surrounds Matilda.
