Heath Ledger’s Costars Sacrifice Salaries for Daughter Matilda

Heath Ledger’s untimely death in 2008 left his two-year-old daughter, Matilda, without any inheritance as she wasn’t included in his outdated will. Three of Ledger’s close colleagues, Jude Law, Johnny Depp, and Colin Farrell, working on “The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus,” made an extraordinary gesture by forgoing their salaries to ensure Matilda’s financial well-being.

Ledger’s legacy includes iconic roles like The Joker in “The Dark Knight” and a heartfelt performance in “Brokeback Mountain,” where he fell in love with Michelle Williams, Matilda’s mother. Despite their breakup, Ledger remained deeply connected to his daughter, often bringing her to discussions about movies he was working on.

Director Terry Gilliam, uncertain about the fate of “The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus” after Ledger’s passing, decided to continue the film with the support of Ledger’s friends. Jude Law, Johnny Depp, and Colin Farrell stepped in without asking for payment and donated their salaries to Matilda, showcasing their dedication to finishing the film in Ledger’s memory and securing a future for his daughter.

Ledger’s initial will, written before Matilda’s birth, had left his estate to his parents and sisters. However, the selfless act of his costars ensured Matilda’s financial stability despite the oversight in her father’s will.