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.

Reba McEntire’s Heart-Wrenching Tribute: Remembering the Day Tragedy Struck 32 Years Ago

Today, Reba McEntire is 68 years old, and she truly deserves all the praise she gets. It feels like she has been part of my life forever, and I still listen to her music several times a week.

However, Reba’s life hasn’t always been easy. This year marks the 32nd anniversary of a tragic plane crash that took the lives of several of her friends.

After breaking into country music in the late 1970s and early 1980s, Reba McEntire was named “best singer” for four years in a row by the Country Music Association. She also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

But despite her amazing career and success, Reba has faced many personal challenges. In 2022, her mother, Jacqueline, lost her battle with cancer at the age of 93.

“She had a wonderful, full, healthy life and was absolutely ready to go. The cancer might think it won the battle, but we’re giving God all the credit for choosing the time for her to go home,” the country star wrote on social media.

Jacqueline McEntire always dreamed of being a professional country singer, and she was the one who taught Reba to sing, fulfilling her ambitions through her daughter.

“She left knowing how much she is loved, and we all know how much she loved us. We’re all going to miss her, but we have so many wonderful memories,” Reba said.

Reba truly understands what it means to face sorrow and loss.

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Thirty-two years ago, on March 16, Reba McEntire lost seven of her band members and her tour manager in a tragic plane crash after a concert.

I remember that day in 1991. I was driving to work and heard about the crash on the radio. My heart skipped a beat when I thought Reba was also on the plane.

But she wasn’t.

Reba and her band had performed in San Diego on March 16, 1991, and were heading to Fort Wayne, Indiana, for their next concert on the tour.

Two planes were waiting at the airport in San Diego. The band members and tour manager flew on ahead while Reba, her husband, and her manager stayed overnight in San Diego.

The first plane tragically crashed just ten miles east of the airport.

Over the years, Reba has often remembered her lost friends.

In a heartfelt interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2012, she talked about the day her band died.

“The tip of the wing of the airplane hit a rock on the side of Otay Mountain, and it killed everyone on the plane,” McEntire told Winfrey.

“When we were notified, Narvel (Reba’s manager) went to meet with our pilot, and he told us what had happened. Narvel came back to the hotel room where I was — it was two or three o’clock in the morning — and he said one of the planes had crashed. I asked, ‘Are they OK?’ He said, ‘I don’t think so.’ I asked, ‘But you’re not sure?’ He said, ‘I don’t think so.’”

Reba had tears in her eyes as she remembered the details of the tragedy.

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“Narvel was going room to room with a phone and calling…” she began, pausing as tears filled her eyes. “I’m sorry — it’s been 20 years, but it’s just like — I don’t guess it ever quits hurting,” she said. “But I can see that room. I can see Narvel walking back and forth.”

Now, 32 years have passed since the crash. Recently, she shared a photo of her band on Instagram to remember the tragic events of that day.

In 2020, she also paid tribute to her friends.

“29 years ago today, I lost my friends in a plane crash. The timing of Mama’s passing with that anniversary seems appropriate,” she wrote.

“I know they’re all in Heaven together and taking care of each other. Let’s keep finding ways to take care of each other down here on earth and never take one moment with our loved ones for granted.”

Reba’s fans quickly offered their support to the country star. Many sent positive thoughts and prayers.

“Reba, I’ve always loved your music, our shared horse background, and now following you on Insta. Prayers for you and your mother,” one fan wrote.

In 2023, Reba showed once again that she will never forget her friends and still mourns their tragic loss.

“Their love for music and the stage gives us all the strength to go on,” she wrote, sharing a video of the group performing together.

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