Heath Ledger's Daughter Is His Carbon Copy despite Losing 'Daddy' at 2 She Aims to Visit His Hom

Publish date: 2024-05-19

Actor Heath Ledger had never been married and was a father of one. The Australian native met the mother of his child, actress Michelle Williams, on the set of the film, "Brokeback Mountain."

The two's romantic relationship developed after Ledger helped Williams when she injured herself on set. While filming, she twisted her knee and cried in agony.

Actress Michelle Williams and actor Heath Ledger attend the 78th Annual Academy Awards on March 5, 2006 ┃Source: Getty Images

The movie's screenwriter, Diana Ossana, revealed they had to contact someone to transport Williams to the hospital following the unfortunate incident, and that was when Ledger stepped in and accompanied her.

As they got inside the car, he smoothed Williams' hair backward. Ossana said at that moment, she noticed Ledger glancing at his castmate as she did him.

Michelle Williams and Heath Ledger during the premiere of "Casanova" on December 11, 2005 ┃Source: Getty Images

Ossana further recalled that Williams could still not fathom the attention she received from her co-star, and that continued since that fateful day:

"For him, it was truly love at first sight. He was so taken with her."

The pair began dating less than a year after announcing they were expecting their first child. Williams and Ledger welcomed their one and only daughter, Matilda, in October 2005.

Ledger gushed about the duo's child when she was six weeks old, saying she was "adorable and beautifully observant" while sharing that he and Williams adored their bundle of joy. He also marveled at the fatherhood experience and said it "exceeded" what he had hoped for.

Heath Ledger with girlfriend Michelle Williams and daughter Matilda Ledger pictured leaving Sydney International Airport on January 14, 2006 in Sydney, Australia ┃Source: Getty Images

Ledger and Williams dated for three years before parting ways in 2007, only five months before his death. The music video director tragically passed away when he was 28 years old on January 22, 2008.

He died at his New York City apartment following an accidental overdose after months of physical and mental exhaustion. His daughter was only 18 months old then and constantly asked for him after he passed, and her mom struggled to tell their little girl what had happened.

What Happened to Matilda after Losing Her Dad at 2?

After Ledger died, Williams decided to raise their daughter away from the limelight and said it was "for obvious reasons," Matilda being known as the daughter of a famous public figure.

The acclaimed star stated that living in Hollywood is all about acting, among other things, and for that reason, she wanted her child to be exposed to different career possibilities.

Michelle Williams and her daughter Matilda Ledger walk to their Boerum Hill home in the borough of Brooklyn on October 30, 2009 in New York City ┃Source: Getty Images

Moreover, in February 2009, the two-time Golden Globe Award winner expressed her desire for Matilda to become a doctor one day.

In November 2016, the Emmy Award winner admitted that raising her child without her father was something she could never make peace with. On the contrary, she is about not "fighting" life's situations.

Naturally, she is an overprotective mom and has gone to great lengths to shield her child from the spotlight. Williams also ensures that her daughter is constantly reminded of her late father and shares memories of him with her.

The doting mother revealed in 2009 that whenever she longs for Ledger, she glances at their child in remembrance of him.

Proof That Matilda Is Late Dad's Twin at 17

Even though Matilda is growing up without her dad, she is growing up to be his carbon copy. New pictures of the youngster showed her striking resemblance to Ledger.

Interestingly enough, those close to Matilda have revealed over the years that she shares a lot more in common with her late dad. Friends previously divulged that her personality and drive are similar to his.

In March 2012, a source claimed Matilda had also sparked an interest in one of Ledger's hobbies: chess. She has become "quite good at it," as she possesses her dad's "old chess board."

Matilda's grandfather, Kim (Ledger's father), once revealed that she has her dad's "mannerisms." She has a curious mind and is energetic, just like her dad.

Ledger's family previously spoke about their son and granddaughter's likeness. Matilda inherited her father's wavy hair and facial features. Sally, Ledger's mother, once attested to that.

"Matilda is indeed very much like her dad – she has long limbs and similar features."

Ledger originally hails from the Land Down Under but relocated to America in 1998 to pursue an acting career. His daughter resides with her mother in New York. Matilda reportedly wants to travel to Perth to visit her father's side of the family.

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