Heath Ledger’s sudden death in January 2008 at the age of 28 shocked the world. The beloved actor left a fortune of $16.3 million for his iconic performances in ‘The Dark Knight’ and ’10 Things I Hate About You’ without including his only daughter, Matilda, in his will. However, Matilda eventually received her father’s entire inheritance, a turn of events that speaks to the strength and unity of the Ledger family.According to People, Heath’s will was written in 2003, two years before Matilda was born, leaving his entire estate to his parents and sisters. However, the family made it clear from the start that they would take care of Matilda in their intentions.
Why Heath Ledger’s family gave everything to Matilda
After his death, Ledger’s parents Kim and Sally, and his sisters Kate, Olivia and Ashleigh, insisted that Matilda and his mother Michelle Williams would be fully equipped. “Matilda is our absolute priority and Michelle is part of our family. They will be looked after and that’s how Heath would have wanted,” they told the publication at the time.Matilda was then chosen as the sole beneficiary of Heath’s estate. His father later confirmed that this was never in doubt. “Our family has given everything to Matilda. There was never any intention that Heath’s legacy would go to Matilda. Never a question. We are very close to Michelle and Matilda,” he said.
Heath Ledger’s famous co-stars also supported him
It wasn’t just the Ledger family that rallied around Matilda. Johnny Depp, Colin Farrell and Jude Law donated the entire salary from Heath’s latest film to his young daughter. The Hollywood trio played different versions of Heath’s character in ‘The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus’ to complete the film. Director Terry Gilliam called the gesture “extraordinary and wonderful.”“
Matilda Ledger life today
Matilda, now 20, continues to live in New York with her mother Michelle, who has since married theater director Thomas Kail and shares three children with him. Matilda’s famous godfathers 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 mother and daughter for a period of time.Michelle once reflected on Strong’s role in Matilda’s life, telling Variety that she was serious enough to bear the weight of a child’s broken heart and sensitive enough to approach her through play and games and silliness. “Matilda didn’t grow up with her father, but she did grow up with her Jeremy and her ability to act as if her life depended on it changed us, hers did,” he said.Heath talked about becoming a father with obvious joy shortly after Matilda was born. “Matilda is adorable, and she’s beautifully observant and wise,” he told InTouch. “Michelle and I love each other so much. Being a dad has exceeded all my expectations. It’s the most remarkable experience I’ve ever had.’Matilda has grown up away from the public eye, with both her family and those close to her father continuing to make sure she is well looked after.THE NEGATIVES: The figures presented in this article are derived from different public sources and are approximate, unless explicitly stated. We may include direct contributions from celebrities or their teams when available. We are open to feedback toentertainment@timesinternet.in.
