This Girl Lost Her Star Dad at Only Two — He Didn’t Include Her in His Will, So His Co-stars Gave Up Money for Her

His daughter was upset because she could not find her father after he passed away. But there were other things she would miss out on besides his presence. She was not named in the actor’s will. Three of the actor’s costars sacrificed their wages for her out of concern for her well-being.

In the superhero movie “The Dark Knight,” this well-known celebrity portrayed The Joker, a psychotic criminal mastermind with a perverted sense of humor. The actor has portrayed numerous additional characters, such as those in “Lords of Dogtown” and “I’m Not There.”

The actor, his wife and daughter leave Sydney International Airport for their New York home on January 14, 2006 in Sydney, Australia. | Source: Getty Images

On January 14, 2006, in Sydney, Australia, the actor, his wife, and his daughter depart from Sydney International Airport for their New York residence. | Source: Getty Images

The actor met Michelle Williams in 2004 while “Brokeback Mountain” was being filmed, and the two fell in love. Matilda Rose, their baby girl, was ushered into the world a year later. Sadly, the couple split up in 2007, but the actor’s devotion to his kid never wavered.

The actor would put his daughter in his backpack, hop on the tube, and head to Terry Gilliam’s house to discuss a project they were working on, according to the director.

Michelle Williams and the actor during "Awake and Sing!" Opening Night - After Party at Marriott Marquis Ballroom in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Michelle Williams with the performer at the Marriott Marquis Ballroom’s Opening Night – After Party for “Awake and Sing!” in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Sadly, Matilda’s father passed away unexpectedly in 2008 at the age of two at his New York apartment. Due to her inability to comprehend her father’s abrupt absence, little Matilda would frequently ask her mother incomprehensible questions about him, which Michelle was unable to respond to. She was continuously asking:

“Where is my father?”

The Actor’s Costars Help His Daughter Out Financially

The actor was filming “The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus” just before he tragically his away. The movie tells the story of a traveling theater group whose leader offers his spectators the option of satisfying their own desires for enlightenment or satisfying their ignorance after placing a wager with the Devil.

Johnny Depp (L) and Jude Law attend 'Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes Of Grindelwald' UK Premiere at Cineworld Leicester Square on November 13, 2018 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

On November 13, 2018, in London, England, Johnny Depp (L) and Jude Law attend the UK premiere of “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald” at Cineworld Leicester Square. | Found via Getty Images

Terry Gilliam, the filmmaker, was unsure about whether to continue with the film or find a replacement after the star passed away. After some persuasion from his daughter, he ultimately chose the latter. He cast actors Colin Farrell, Jude Law, and Johnny Depp to portray the remaining roles in the movie in lieu of Ledger. Gilliam stated:

“No one questioned if the role was appropriate for them or how much they would be paid. Since they were all friends of Heath’s, they all wanted the movie to be completed in his honor.

Irish actor Colin Farrell poses on the red carpet as he arrives to present the movie "Pride and Glory" on October 28, 2008, at Rome's Film Festival 2008 | Source: Getty Images

On October 28, 2008, at Rome’s Film Festival 2008, Irish actor Colin Farrell poses on the red carpet upon arriving to introduce the film “Pride and Glory.” | Source: Getty Images

Tom Cruise and other A-list celebrities offered to play Ledger, but Gilliam rejected them because they were unfamiliar with the actor.

The three actors were more anxious about his daughter than Gilliam was about whether it made economical sense to replace him.

The actor at the Various Locations in Santa Barbara in Santa Barbara, California | Source: Getty Images

The performer in Santa Barbara, California, in Various Locations | Source: Getty Images

The three performers gave Matilda their entire wage in a gesture of exceptional kindness, working for little pay and keeping none of it for themselves. The star’s two-year-old daughter was not named in his will, it would later come to light.

The Actor’s Millions Showdown

Long before his daughter was born, the celebrated actor Heath Ledger penned a will that left his estimated $118,000 wealth to his parents and three sisters. After the birth of his daughter, he never revised the will.

Actress Michelle Williams and daughter Matilda Rose, 2, return to their Boerum Hill home after learning of the death of actor Heath Ledger, Matilda's father, on January 23, 2008 in Brooklyn, New York. | Source: Getty Images

After learning of the death of Matilda’s father, actor Heath Ledger, on January 23, 2008 in Brooklyn, New York, actress Michelle Williams and her two-year-old daughter Matilda Rose, return to their Boerum Hill home. | Found via Getty Images

That would normally imply that his daughter was not entitled to any inheritance from her father. However, a year following the actor’s passing, everything drastically changed.

Actress Michelle Williams (R) and 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

On October 30, 2009, in New York City, actress Michelle Williams (right) and her daughter Matilda Ledger stroll to their Boerum Hill residence in the borough of Brooklyn. | Source: Getty Images

Kim Ledger, the actor’s father, stated to The Sunday Times that his family would not touch any of Ledger’s fortune; rather, they would donate it all to the actor’s daughter. According to Fox News, he stated:

“No claim is made. Matilda has received everything from our family.

Actress Michelle Williams and her daughter Matilda are seen on October 30, 2009 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. | Source: Getty Images

On October 30, 2009, actress Michelle Williams was spotted in the Brooklyn borough of New York City with her daughter Matilda. | Found via Getty Images

The choice caused friction between Kim and his brothers, two of whom asserted that because Ledger’s father had mismanaged their grandfather’s wealth in the past, he was not qualified to serve as the actor’s executor.

Kim was saved, nevertheless, by Robert John Collins, an Australian who served as Ledger’s executor, who dismissed Kim’s brothers’ false charges. The brothers argued as a result of the claims, and they have since remained distant.

Matilda’s Present Life: A Mirror Image of Her Deceased Father

When her father died, Matilda was just two years old; yet, fifteen years later, she is an adult. From the very rare images of the 17-year-old that are available online, it is clear how much she resembles her father. Her grandfather Kim, among other family members, commented on the striking similarities.

“She bears a great deal of his mannerisms.” She has a lot of curiosity. Heath has never slept since he was two, and Matilda is the same way, so she has his vitality.

Kim showered his granddaughter with praise, describing her as a bundle of fire who exuded the same aura as Ledger. Not only did Matilda acquire her father’s characteristics, but she also bore traits from her mother, who dedicates her life to preserving Ledger’s memories for his daughter.

The young child’s never-ending search to learn more about her dad’s life and character is what has remained constant about him.

Michelle Ledger has done an amazing job parenting Matilda on her own since her father passed away, and as the actor’s sister Kate Ledger would later tell People:

“I believe that she creates such a lovely atmosphere for Matilda to grow up in, particularly given the kind of industry she works in.”

Kate described Michelle as grounded and mentioned how much Matilda looked like her brother, who passed away. She revealed that she is reminded of her brother by everything Matilda does.

Simple actions carried out by Matilda on her own, such picking up a pencil and getting on a skateboard, were identical to those that Ledger would have undertaken.

In addition, she says People, “I tell her about her daddy every time we see each other,” in an effort to preserve her brother’s memories in his daughter. I narrate to her tiny tales about him as a child, including how he used to follow me around with a cricket bat.

Matilda maintains a low profile despite having famous parents; the few pictures of her that are accessible feature her with her mother in various public settings.

Man Finds a Baby Boy Wrapped in Blankets in a Basket and Adopts Him – 17 Years Later, a Stranger Returns for the Boy

The dilapidated fishing boat rocked gently against the wharf as Lucas tied the final knot.

The modest cottage on the village outskirts awaited him, as it had every evening since Maria passed. There was no laughing from children, no warm hug, just the silent companionship of his thoughts and images of the lady he adored but couldn’t replace.

He looked at Maria’s portrait on the mantel. “Should’ve listened when you wanted children,” he said quietly. “Always said we had time. Now look at me, talking to your picture like you might answer back.”

Suddenly, a faint but clear sound interrupted his thoughts. It sounded like a whimper or cry carried by the wintry wind.

His heart nearly stopped when he saw it: a woven basket on his porch, with blankets stirring inside.

For illustrative purposes only.

“Dear God,” he muttered, taking the bundle in his arms. A baby boy, no more than a few months old, looked up at him with wide, interested eyes.

“Where did you come from, little one?” Lucas searched the vacant street, but whoever had left this valuable cargo had long gone, leaving only a note in the basket:

“Don’t look for me. Please take care of him. And love him like your own. Thanks & Goodbye.”

A tear streamed down Lucas’ cheek as he remembered Maria’s comments from years ago: “A child’s love is the purest thing in this world.”

“Matias,” he whispered gently, the name returning to him like a whisper from the past. It was Maria’s father’s name, a good, robust name for a son. “What do you think about that, little one? Would you like to be Matias?”

That night, Lucas constructed a makeshift crib out of an old wooden crate, filling it with nice blankets. He placed it next to his bed, unable to stomach the notion of leaving the infant alone in another room.

For illustrative purposes only.

“I promise you,” he whispered, reaching down to touch the baby’s velvet cheek, “I’ll be the father you deserve.”

The infant slept soundly, one little hand still curled around Lucas’s finger, as if it knew he was home.

Seventeen years passed like leaves in the wind.

Matias looked up unexpectedly one morning while they were working in the garden. “Dad? Remember when you told me about finding me?”

Lucas’s hands remain still on the tomato plants. “Of course.”

“Were you… were you ever sorry? That someone left me here?”

Lucas drew his son closer, soil-covered hands and everything. “Matias, you weren’t left here. You were given to me. The greatest gift I’ve ever received.”

For illustrative purposes only.

Suddenly, the screech of tires outside interrupted their peaceful conversation. Lucas looked out the window and saw a sleek red Mercedes approaching. A tall man wearing an expensive suit came from the car.

The knock seemed to reverberate throughout the house.

The man’s voice was educated and cautious. “I’m Elijah. We need to talk about the boy. I’m here to take him.”

“Who on earth are you? I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he muttered, his fingers pressing against the doorframe until his knuckles turned white.

“I think you do.” Elijah’s eyes fixed on a point over Lucas’s shoulder. “Hello, Matias.”

For illustrative purposes only.

“You’re my nephew and I’ve been looking for you for 17 years.” Elijah’s voice softened. “May I come in? This isn’t a conversation for doorways.”

Elijah spoke of his sister — Matias’s mother — of her struggles, her disappearance, and her deathbed confession just weeks ago.

“She was young and scared,” Elijah explained, his perfectly manicured hands clasped in his lap. “Our father wouldn’t have understood. She ran away with you after her boyfriend, your dad, dumped her, hoping you could have a better life than she could provide at that time.”

“So she left me on a doorstep?” Matias’s voice cracked. “Like I was NOTHING?”

For illustrative purposes only.

Elijah added, looking to Lucas, “he’s all we have left of her. And there’s so much waiting for him. The best schools, connections, opportunities. A life beyond…” he motioned to their humble surroundings.

“He’s right though, isn’t he?” Lucas’s voice broke. “You deserve more than fish nets and vegetable gardens. More than an old man’s company.”

“I want to go,” Matias said softly after a long silence.

Lucas turned, stung.

“Son—”

The goodbye was too fast after 17 years of love. Lucas helped pack a bag, his hands shaking as he folded Matias’ favorite blue sweater, which he had saved three months’ worth of fishing money for.

Lucas stood in the doorway, watching as the red Mercedes vanished, taking his heart with it. Matias’ face was tilted backward, watching him through the rear window, his hand pressed on the glass.

Days blended together. The silence was no longer peaceful, but oppressive. Lucas began talking to the chickens more, just to hear a voice — any voice — in the yard.

Then, one evening, a knock came on the door. He opened the door to find Matias standing there, with sagging shoulders and red eyes.

“They’re nice, Dad. They’re my blood. But you’re…” Matias’s voice broke. “You’re my FATHER! The only one I’ve ever needed. The only one I’ll ever need. I can’t be without you.”

For illustrative purposes only.

“This time, I’m not leaving you… no matter what.”

He seized Lucas’ hand and clutched it fiercely, as if to compensate for the weeks they’d been away. They realized they were all each other needed.

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