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.

Fans Say Marlo Thomas ‘Destroyed’ Her Beauty with Surgery: How She Would Look Today Naturally

Marlo Thomas, who is 86 years old, has had a successful acting career spanning many years. Her performances in shows like “Ocean 8,” “The Real Blonde,” and “A Magical Christmas Village” have made her well-known. Even though she produced a large body of work, her natural beauty from her “That Girl” days is what many admirers remember her for. But over time, Thomas’s appearance has changed dramatically, leading many to surmise that plastic surgery was a major factor.

Conjectures and AI-Created Pictures

Marlo Thomas smiling publicity portrait for 'That Girl' 1960's TV series

Artificial intelligence-generated images indicate that, had Thomas not undergone plastic surgery, she may have aged normally with little wrinkles, a well-defined nose, and a charming grin on her elevated cheeks. The discussion on how plastic surgery has changed her appearance and whether these modifications are good or bad is fueled by these photos.

Public Responses to Her Changes

Marlo Thomas potrait for a 'That Girl' publicity in 1970

Fans weren’t slow to react when photos of Marlo Thomas’s altered face from 1968 to 2024 appeared online. “She was much prettier when she was on ‘That Girl’ before all the surgeries,” a user said. Her nose is awful right now. “She was so pretty, too bad she destroyed it with surgery,” said a dejected person. Others who believe she has overindulged in cosmetic surgeries echo these complaints.

Fans’ worries and complaints

Marlo Thomas on "Today" on March 30, 2023

A lot of admirers think Thomas was more attractive before having plastic surgery. There’s way too much work done, a user said. Before she struck the knife, she was stunning. Oh no. Commenters who expressed agreement included “I agree” and “So true.”A few admirers wished she had approached cosmetic treatments with more caution. Some nevertheless acknowledge her efforts in spite of these criticisms; one individual said, “Too many surgeries.” She is a remarkable woman, though.

Thomas’s Reaction to What People Think

Marlo Thomas via AI

Even with the criticism, Marlo Thomas is unmoved. She related a story about how she uploaded a photo of her husband Phil Donahue with their granddaughter and got comments implying that he had plastic surgery, even though he hasn’t. Thomas brushed these remarks aside, claiming that being well-groomed does not always imply having had surgery. She says, “But even if you did want to—go ahead!” in support of the notion that people should feel free to undergo plastic surgery if they so want.

Cher’s Impact and Personal Independence

Marlo Thomas via AI

Marlo Thomas like the way singer Cher responds to criticism over her own cosmetic procedures. Cher reportedly asserted that she could place her nose on her butt if she so desired, emphasizing the value of having personal control over one’s physical appearance. Thomas agrees, stating that she is unconcerned with the decisions that other people make about their bodies.

Individual Choices and Family Impact

Marlo Thomas via AI

It has been stated that Thomas, who has been outspoken about her body image, had plastic surgery to alter the curve of her nose. Her father Danny Thomas, who also underwent nose surgery, reportedly told her that if she inherited his nose, she should get into comedy. Though he encouraged her to accept her natural look, Thomas decided to have cosmetic surgery.

Influence on Popular Culture

Marlo Thomas via AI

Marlo Thomas’s plastic surgery has had an impact that goes beyond her individual encounters. The television writer Mindy Schneider disclosed in her autobiography, “Not a Happy Camper,” that her mother desired for her to undergo a nose job performed by the same physician who treated Thomas. This illustrates the demands of cosmetic surgery in the entertainment business as well as its wider cultural impact.

Accepting Personal Decisions

Marlo Thomas attends 31st Annual Colleagues Luncheon in Beverly Hills, California, on April 9, 2019

Marlo Thomas ultimately argues that individuals need to be free to make decisions regarding their bodies without fear of condemnation or censure. Her position emphasizes how important it is to accept people’s choices, regardless of whether they include cosmetic surgery or other personal choices.

In conclusion, Marlo Thomas’s change through plastic surgery has generated a great deal of public discussion, yet her dedication to individual freedom and body positivity is still evident. Her path, whether praised or criticized, sheds insight on the nuanced relationship between individual choice, beauty standards, and notoriety.

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