Lasting Legacy of Heath Ledger: A Look at the Influence on History

A detailed timeline of the impact and legacy of Heath Ledger across different fields.

Heath Ledger was an Australian actor who gained international recognition for his diverse roles in films such as "10 Things I Hate About You", "The Patriot", and "A Knight's Tale". His career reached a critical peak with "Brokeback Mountain", earning him an Academy Award nomination. Posthumously, he received an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of the Joker in "The Dark Knight". Beyond acting, Ledger had aspirations in directing, producing music videos and envisioning a future behind the camera. His career, though tragically cut short, left a lasting impact on the film industry.

Sections (5)

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

1976: Peter Finch's Posthumous Win

In 1976, Peter Finch won a posthumous Academy Award for acting in "Network".

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2003: Ledger's Will Signed

In 2003, Heath Ledger signed his will, prior to his relationship with Michelle Williams and the birth of their daughter. The will divided half of his estate between his parents and half between his siblings.

January 2008: Memorial at Apartment Building

Following the news of Heath Ledger's death on January 22, 2008, media crews, mourners, fans, and other onlookers gathered outside his apartment building, leaving flowers and memorial tributes.

February 2008: Tribute to Ledger in "The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus"

In February 2008, after Heath Ledger's death, Johnny Depp, Jude Law, and Colin Farrell signed on to take over Ledger's role in "The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus", becoming multiple incarnations of his character, Tony. The three actors donated their fees for the film to Ledger's daughter.

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February 2008: Independent Spirit Robert Altman Award

On February 23, 2008, Heath Ledger posthumously shared the 2007 Independent Spirit Robert Altman Award with the ensemble cast and director of the film, 'I'm Not There.'

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February 2008: Posthumous ISP Robert Altman Award

On February 23, 2008, director Todd Haynes referenced Heath Ledger's aspirations to become a film director upon accepting the ISP Robert Altman Award, which Ledger posthumously shared.

February 2008: Will Filed in New York City

On February 28, 2008, Heath Ledger's will was filed in New York City. His father, Kim Ledger, emphasized the financial well-being of Heath's daughter, Matilda Rose, as an "absolute priority" and recognized Michelle Williams as an integral part of their family.

July 2008: "The Dark Knight" Released

Released in July 2008, "The Dark Knight" broke box office records and received critical acclaim, particularly for Heath Ledger's performance as the Joker. Ledger's co-star Christian Bale refuted speculations that the role led to Ledger's death.

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September 2008: Estate Left to Matilda Rose

On September 27, 2008, Kim Ledger stated that the family had agreed to leave Heath Ledger's US$16.3 million estate to his daughter, Matilda Rose Ledger.

2008: Inspiration for "Perth" Song

In 2008, Bon Iver's Justin Vernon began working on the song "Perth" and was scheduled to meet with Matt Amato, who was directing the band's "The Wolves (Act I & II)" music video the day that Heath Ledger died. Amato's stories about Ledger became the inspiration for "Perth".

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January 2009: Posthumous Academy Award Nomination

On January 22, 2009, the anniversary of Heath Ledger's death, he received a posthumous nomination for the 2008 Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in The Dark Knight.

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February 2009: Posthumous Academy Award Win

On February 22, 2009, Heath Ledger posthumously won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in The Dark Knight, making him the second person to win a posthumous acting Oscar and the first comic-book movie actor to win an Oscar for acting. His family accepted the award on his behalf. It was decided that his daughter, Matilda Rose, would own the award, with her mother, Michelle Williams, holding it in trust until Matilda's eighteenth birthday.

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August 2009: Premiere of Modest Mouse's "King Rat" Video

On August 4, 2009, the animated music video for Modest Mouse's song "King Rat," directed by Heath Ledger before his death, premiered.

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January 2011: Heath Ledger Theatre Named

In January 2011, the State Theatre Centre of Western Australia in Perth named a 575-seat theatre the Heath Ledger Theatre after him. Ledger's Academy Award and Joker costume were displayed for the opening.

2011: "Perth" Song Release

In 2011, Bon Iver released the song "Perth", which was inspired by Heath Ledger and his friendship with Matt Amato. Justin Vernon began working on the song in 2008 and was scheduled to meet with Amato, who was grieving Ledger's death.

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April 2017: I Am Heath Ledger Trailer Release

On April 4, 2017, a trailer was released for the documentary "I Am Heath Ledger".

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May 2017: I Am Heath Ledger Documentary Release

On May 3, 2017, the documentary "I Am Heath Ledger", featuring archival footage of Ledger and interviews, was released.

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2023: Matilda Rose Gains Full Ownership of the Oscar

In 2023, Matilda Rose, Heath Ledger's daughter, will gain full ownership of the Academy Award statuette. Until that time, her mother, Michelle Williams, will hold the statuette in trust for her.