Michelle Williams Makes Rare Remarks About Heath Ledger and Their Daughter Matilda

Though they separated two years after welcoming their daughter, Matilda, Michelle Williams lovingly holds Heath Ledger's memory in her heart.

Michelle Williams has opened up in a rare and heartfelt conversation about the late Heath Ledger, 17 years after his untimely death in 2008 due to an accidental overdose. The actress, who shares 19-year-old Matilda with Ledger, reflected on his memory during a recent appearance on "Armchair Expert," the podcast hosted by Dax Shepard.

During the episode, Shepard recalled his own brief connection with Ledger, saying, "I feel obligated to say that I knew him a little bit when he was getting sober."

"I can feel the weight of the world on him in a very special way that kind of broke my heart. I was very, very sad, and I thought he was just so special," he added, speaking to Williams.

The "Greatest Showman" actress responded with quiet agreement: "So special, so special. Thank God there's Matilda."

Shepard went on to describe Ledger as "this heart here that's just leaking out of everywhere," to which Williams replied, "Yeah, an incredible sensitivity."

Williams and Ledger met while filming "Brokeback Mountain" in 2004. The film, which was released in 2005 and earned critical acclaim, also marked the beginning of their relationship. The couple welcomed Matilda later that year but separated in 2007, just months before Ledger's death.

Now married to director Thomas Kail since 2020, Williams is a mother of four, including Matilda and three younger children with Kail. Despite the years that have passed, her words make clear that Ledger's presence continues to live on through their daughter.