Michelle Williams has opened up about her life after the death of Heath Ledger, sharing that Jeremy Strong helped her raise their daughter…
Heath Ledger tragically died from an accidental overdose in January 2008, just 2 years after Williams gave birth to their daughter Matilda Ledger.
Since his death, Williams has done her best to shield Matilda, who is now sixteen, and give her the best childhood she could under the circumstances. She credits Succession star, Jeremy Strong, for helping during her time of need.
In a recent interview with Variety, Williams has shone a light on what her life has been like for the last decade and a half, giving us some insight into how she coped being a young widow and single mother.
In the interview, she spoke about her friend Jeremy Strong and how thankful she is that he was part of Matilda’s life from the very first moment, playing with her and rising to such a huge responsibility so suddenly.
Williams and Ledger had been co-parenting Matilda at the time of his death as the pair had split, but the news wasn’t any easier for Williams or her daughter.
Shortly after Ledger’s passing, Williams’ friend, Strong, and her sister moved in to live with her and help her through the difficult process of raising a young child and navigating the death of Ledger.
According to Williams, Strong would entertain her daughter for hours, oftentimes letting little Matilda sit on his back as he galloped around pretending he was a horse.
“Jeremy was serious enough to hold the weight of a child’s broken heart and sensitive enough to understand how to approach her through play and games and silliness,” Williams said.
She added: “[Matilda] didn’t grow up with her father, but she grew up with her Jeremy and we were changed by his ability to play as though his life depended upon it because hers did.”
She also spoke very highly of Strong’s talent as an actor, saying: “We’ve all been in awe of his talent. We’ve watched him work harder than anyone and wait a long time for other people to recognize it.”
He sounds like a truly wonderful guy!