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 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

2003: Ledger signed will

In 2003, Heath Ledger signed his will, which divided his estate between his parents and siblings. This was prior to his relationship with Michelle Williams and the birth of their daughter, Matilda Rose.

2007: Todd Haynes compares Ledger to James Dean

In 2007, director Todd Haynes compared Heath Ledger's presence to James Dean, casting Ledger as Robbie Clarke, a fictive personification of Bob Dylan in "I'm Not There." Haynes noted Ledger's "precocious seriousness" and intuition, considering him mature beyond his years.

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January 2008: Mourning and memorial at apartment

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

February 2008: Ledger's will filed

Heath Ledger's will was filed in New York City on February 28, 2008. His father, Kim Ledger, emphasized that Matilda Rose's financial well-being was a priority and that Michelle Williams was an integral part of their family. The will, signed in 2003, divided his estate between his parents and siblings.

February 2008: Depp, Law, and Farrell Join "The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus"

In February 2008, Johnny Depp, Jude Law, and Colin Farrell joined Terry Gilliam's film "The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus" to take over Heath Ledger's role as a memorial tribute. The three actors donated their fees to Ledger's daughter.

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February 2008: Posthumous Award for ISP Robert Altman Award

On February 23, 2008, director Todd Haynes praised Ledger upon accepting the ISP Robert Altman Award, which Ledger posthumously shared.

July 2008: Release of The Dark Knight

In July 2008, "The Dark Knight" was released, breaking box office records and receiving critical acclaim, especially for Heath Ledger's performance as the Joker. Critics praised Ledger's performance as both sinister and mesmerizing, dispelling speculations that it led to his death.

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September 2008: Estate to Matilda Rose Ledger

On September 27, 2008, Kim Ledger announced 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, Justin Vernon of Bon Iver began working on the song "Perth." The inspiration came from stories about Heath Ledger shared by Matt Amato, a music video director, after Ledger's death.

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January 2009: Posthumous Academy Award nomination announced

On January 22, 2009, the anniversary of Heath Ledger's death, Ledger received a posthumous nomination for the 2008 Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

February 2009: Ledger wins posthumous Academy Award

On February 22, 2009, Heath Ledger posthumously won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. His family attended the ceremony, accepting the award on his behalf. It was later determined that Ledger's daughter, Matilda Rose, would own the award, with Michelle Williams holding it in trust until 2023.

August 2009: "King Rat" Video Premiere

On August 4, 2009, Heath Ledger's animated music video for Modest Mouse's song "King Rat" premiered posthumously.

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January 2011: Heath Ledger Theatre Opening

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

2011: Bon Iver releases "Perth"

In 2011, Bon Iver's song "Perth" was released, inspired by Heath Ledger. Justin Vernon, the lead singer, revealed he began working on it in 2008 and was scheduled to meet with Matt Amato, a music video director and friend of Ledger's.

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