Early Life and Education of Heath Ledger: A Complete Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Heath Ledger. A timeline of key moments.

Heath Ledger was an Australian actor who gained international recognition for his diverse roles in a relatively short career. Beginning in Australian television, he transitioned to Hollywood in 1998. He starred in films like '10 Things I Hate About You,' 'The Patriot,' and 'A Knight's Tale,' before receiving critical acclaim for his performances in 'Brokeback Mountain' and, posthumously, as the Joker in 'The Dark Knight,' for which he won an Academy Award. Ledger also had aspirations as a director, producing and directing music videos before his untimely death in 2008.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

1974: Nick Drake's Death and Release of 'Black Eyed Dog'

In 1974, Nick Drake died from an overdose and released the song "Black Eyed Dog" about depression, which later inspired Heath Ledger.

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April 1979: Heath Ledger's Birth in Perth

On April 4, 1979, Heath Ledger was born in Perth, Western Australia, to Sally Ramshaw and Kim Ledger.

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1983: Publication of The Queen's Gambit

In 1983, Walter Tevis's novel, "The Queen's Gambit", was published, which Heath Ledger intended to adapt and direct into a film.

The Queen's Gambit

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1990: Birth of Half-Sister Ashleigh Bell

In 1990, Ledger's half-sister, Ashleigh Bell, was born, who is the daughter of his mother, Sally Ramshaw, and her second husband, Roger Bell.

1996: Birth of Half-Sister Olivia Ledger

In 1996, Ledger's half-sister Olivia Ledger was born, who is the daughter of his father, Kim Ledger, and his second wife, Emma Brown.

1998: Move to the United States

In 1998, Heath Ledger moved to the United States from Australia to further his film career.

1998: Candy: A Novel of Love and Addiction Published

In 1998, the novel "Candy: A Novel of Love and Addiction" was published, which was later adapted into a film starring Ledger in 2006.

October 2005: Birth of Daughter Matilda Rose Ledger

On October 28, 2005, Heath Ledger and Michelle Williams's daughter, Matilda Rose Ledger, was born in New York City.

January 2006: Listing Sydney Residence for Sale

In January 2006, Heath Ledger listed his residence in Bronte, Sydney, for sale and returned to the US.

November 2007: Dating Rumors and Relationship with Gemma Ward

In November 2007, after his breakup with Michelle Williams, Heath Ledger was linked to Helena Christensen, Kate Hudson, and Gemma Ward. Gemma Ward later revealed she and Ledger started dating in November 2007, and their families spent Christmas together in Perth.

March 2008: Report of another child

A report on March 31, 2008, suggested that Heath Ledger may have fathered another child. However, the mother and stepfather of the child in question dismissed the claim.