Heath Ledger’s Daughter Is Grown And Glowing In New Photos

It’s hard to believe that on January 22, Heath Ledger will have been gone for 17 years. The actor sadly died from an accidental drug overdose in 2008 at just 28 years old. At the time of his death, his daughter, Matilda, whom he shared with Michelle Williams, was only 2 years old. Michelle and Heath amicably split months prior to his death, and Michelle took on life as a single mom to a toddler. In the years since Heath Ledger’s death, Michelle Williams has kept her daughter primarily out of the spotlight and safe from the paparazzi. A rare photograph of the now 19-year-old began to circulate recently, and Matilda looks very similar to her dad.

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She wore baggy jeans and a puffer coat while venturing out for coffee in the bitter New York City cold, but with a giant smile on her face, she didn’t seem to mind much.

Per People, when Matilda was just a baby, Heath gushed about his daughter to In Touch in a December 2005 interview. He said of fatherhood, “Michelle and I love her so much. Becoming a father exceeds all my expectations. It’s the most remarkable experience I’ve ever had – it’s marvelous.”

Tragically, Heath only experienced fatherhood for a little more than two years before his death. While he wasn’t with Matilda growing up, his family ensured she would be well taken care of.

In March 2008, Heath’s father, Kim, told People his granddaughter was the sole beneficiary of Heath’s estate.

“Our family has gifted everything to Matilda,” Kim shared.” That was the plan from the moment my boy passed away. There was never any question about the fact that Heath’s estate would go to Matilda. Never a question. We are very close to Michelle and Matilda.”

This story’s featured image is by Kevin Winter/Getty Images.