
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.”

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.
One insect you should not k!ll if you see it in your home
Most of us react the same way when we see a bug in our house—either squish it immediately or grab something to toss it outside. But what if I told you there’s one insect you should actually leave alone if you spot it in your home?
Meet the house centipede (Scutigera coleoptrata). With its long, spindly legs and lightning-fast movements, it might look like something straight out of a horror movie, but this little creature is one of the best natural pest controllers you can have in your home.
So before you reach for a shoe, let’s take a closer look at why you might want to let the house centipede stay.
What Is a House Centipede?

The house centipede is a harmless yet incredibly effective predator that preys on many of the insects we actually don’t want inside our homes. These include:
- Spiders
- Cockroaches
- Termites
- Ants
- Bedbugs
- Silverfish
- Flies
Unlike most centipedes that prefer outdoor environments, house centipedes thrive indoors and tend to stick to damp, dark places like basements, bathrooms, and attics.
Now, I get it—these guys don’t exactly win any beauty contests. But trust me, once you understand how beneficial they are, you’ll think twice before killing one.
Why You Should Never Kill a House Centipede
1. They Are Natural Pest Exterminators
House centipedes are nature’s built-in pest control. Instead of using harmful chemicals or expensive exterminators, these little guys hunt down and eliminate unwanted pests for you.
Video : House Centipedes – What you need to know!
How do they do it? Their speed and venomous legs make them expert hunters. They don’t build webs or traps—they actively go after their prey, ensuring that other insects don’t stand a chance.
2. They Are Completely Harmless to Humans
Let’s clear up a common misconception—house centipedes are not dangerous to people.
Yes, they have venom, but it is only used to paralyze their prey. Their venom is too weak to affect humans, and they rarely bite. Even if they do, the worst you might feel is something similar to a mild bee sting.
That being said, house centipedes prefer to run away rather than confront humans. They don’t want anything to do with us; they just want to feast on the insects that invade our space.
3. They Keep Other Bugs in Check
Think of house centipedes as your personal insect bodyguards.
By keeping populations of cockroaches, termites, and other pests low, they actually help maintain balance inside your home. If you start seeing more house centipedes, it might actually be a sign that you already have a pest problem—and they’re just trying to help.
4. They Don’t Damage Your Home
Unlike termites or carpenter ants, house centipedes do not chew on wood, fabrics, or food. They have no interest in anything other than hunting insects. So unlike some other house pests, they’re not going to cause structural damage or ruin your belongings.
Where Do House Centipedes Hide?

If you’re wondering why you don’t see house centipedes often, it’s because they prefer to stay hidden in dark, humid areas. They typically hide in:
- Basements
- Bathrooms
- Under sinks
- Attics
- Closets
- Behind furniture
If you see one running across your floor, chances are it was just out hunting for food and not trying to invade your space.
How to Make Your Home More Centipede-Friendly (Without Letting Them Take Over)
Want to let house centipedes do their pest control job without feeling like you’re living in a bug-infested horror movie? Here’s how to coexist peacefully with these helpful critters:
1. Avoid Using Insect Sprays
Most commercial bug sprays will kill house centipedes along with other pests. If you’re serious about keeping them around for pest control, skip the sprays and opt for more natural solutions to deal with problem insects.
2. Reduce Moisture in Your Home
House centipedes love humid environments. If you have damp areas like basements or bathrooms, using a dehumidifier can help reduce their numbers without eliminating them completely.
Video : Just me holding a House Centipede
3. Seal Up Entry Points for Other Bugs
If you’re noticing a lot of centipedes, it could be a sign that other bugs are getting into your home too. Seal up cracks, fix leaky pipes, and eliminate other pests so your centipede population doesn’t get out of control.
4. Relocate Them If You Must
Not comfortable sharing your home with them? Instead of killing them, try catching them in a jar and relocating them outside. Just remember, without them, you might start seeing more of the insects they usually eat!
Final Thoughts: The Next Time You See One, Let It Live!
House centipedes might look creepy, but they’re actually one of the best insects you can have inside your home. They eliminate other pests, don’t bite unless provoked, and won’t damage your house.
So the next time you see one, resist the urge to squish it! Instead, think of it as your personal pest control agent, quietly working behind the scenes to keep your home bug-free.
What do you think? Would you let a house centipede stay in your home, or would you still get rid of it? Let us know in the comments!
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