Benevolent Trio Bestows Help for Late Ledger’s Little Daughter

Matilda, 2-year-old daughter of the late Heath Ledger had major Hollywood stars spare a thought for her future. Johnny Depp, Jude Law and Colin Farrell have given her the money they received for completing Heath Ledger's final role in Terry Gilliam's ‘The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus.’

“They didn't take money - it goes to Heath's daughter," said Gilliam.

Filming of the movie was just halfway through, when Ledger died on Jan. 22, 2008, from an accidental drug overdose in his Manhattan apartment. The actor’s will had not been updated to include his minor daughter and his co-stars were concerned about her future.

Although Ledger’s family assured that she would be an ‘absolute priority,’ the trio of benevolent actors decided to pitch in and donate their paychecks to little Matilda.

“That’s extraordinary! And wonderful," the Sun quoted director Terry Gilliam as saying. "...And when you’re part of that, you think, ‘Ah, this is maybe why I went into the movies in the beginning. I thought it would be full of wonderful people.'"

Johnny Depp, Jude Law and Colin Farrell came along and saved the day, following Ledger’s death. And now, “its four actors creating one character.”

"The three actors were totally heroic coming in because this doesn't happen very often, where there is a tragedy and very famous and successful actors come in and say OK we'll do whatever it takes to help,” Gilliam said. “To be part of that is wonderful."

Ledger’s ex-partner Michelle Williams was also not included in his will.

Just prior to his death, Ledger had completed shooting for ‘The Dark Knight’ but unfortunately he could not witness its success. The Batman movie is being listed among the most successful of Hollywood movies; Ledger won critical acclaim for his role of The Joker.

Ledger could not see ‘The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus’ through; it will be his final film to be released.