Believe it or not, it’s been over 10 years since the immensely-talented actor, Heath Ledger, died on January 22, 2008. His death came as a shock to the world– though he was already a famous, beloved thespian, his career was set to skyrocket upon the release of The Dark Knight in which he had been cast in the iconic role of “The Joker.” His performance was so captivating that he even received a posthumous Best Supporting Actor Oscar the year after he passed.
But, flourishing career aside, what was most heartbreaking about the 28-year-old’s premature death was the fact that he left behind a 2-year-old daughter by the name of Matilda Rose.
Ledger fathered Matilda Rose with his Brokeback Mountain co-star, Michelle Williams. The two became an item during the filming of the groundbreaking film, and though the two were broken up at the time of his death, sources close to the former Hollywood “it couple” say that they remained committed to raising their kiddo together.
Now, Matilda Rose is 12-years-old and, many think that she has blossomed into a striking version of her late father.
In an interview produced for the documentary, I Am Heath Ledger, Heath’s sister, Katie, spoke of her niece being a dead-ringer for her dad, both in terms of looks and personality.
“When Heath was around, she looked so much like him, we used to say ‘it’s Heath in pigtails’,” Katie said. “Now everything she does, the way she rides a skateboard, reminds me of Heath.”
“She’s got his energy,” Ledger’s sister continued. “Heath never slept from when he was two and Matilda’s like that. She’s just got this ball of energy and she radiates this little aura.”
A bright star’s sad spiral
As we mentioned, at the time of his death, Heath Ledger was at the height of his fame– but just because he had the big roles and notoriety doesn’t mean he was at peace. The Aussie was known for his strict following of the method acting technique, something that forced him into a self-imposed exile for several weeks as he prepared for The Dark Knight. Though it was part of his work, some speculated that his extreme obsession with his art led to his demise.
Shortly before, he and Williams had broken things off, reportedly due to his drug use and erratic behavior. Though rumors were swirling in the tabloids, hinting at the fact that the reclusive star might have a problem, the toxicology reports from his autopsy confirmed that he did, in fact, suffer from substance abuse issues.
As a matter of fact, it was determined that the actor had died of an accidental drug overdose that led to cardiac arrest. The coroner found 6 medications in his system, including prescription-grade sleeping pills, painkillers, and antidepressants.
Yep, folks, it doesn’t get much sadder than that. Ledger’s death is reminiscent of the many creative geniuses we’ve lost over the years to drug addiction and abuse.
We hope that his gorgeous daughter, Matilda Rose, finds peace in his absence. She sure seems to have a great–and super talented!–mother by her side.
Do you think Matilda Rose looks like her late father? What is your favorite Heath Ledger movie? Which deceased star do you miss most?
Sources: Shared