It’s been nine years since the world was left devastated after Heath Ledger passed away at just 28 from an accidental prescription drug overdose.
But the Aussie actor’s memory and legacy still lives on, especially following the release of the new feature length documentary, I Am Heath Ledger, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York last night.
The doco sheds light on Heath’s life away from the cameras, focusing in particular on his many friendships and his role as dad to his mini-me daughter Matilda.
Heath Ledger and his ex Michelle Williams in Brokeback Mountain
“I think in this film you are going to learn a lot about Heath as an artist, but the other thing you are going to learn about is he had such a deep connection with his friends,” director Derik Murray said while walking the red carpet.
Co-producer, Adrian Buitenhuis, added “It’s interesting to hear [his friends] talk about Heath becoming a father as well, which was really an important moment for him. They all had lots of beautiful things to share about how important that was for him and how much love he had for his daughter.”
The film also features interviews and recollections from Heath’s family, his ex-girlfriend Naomi Watts and mate Emile Hirsch. However his ex-partner – and Matilda’s mother – Michelle Williams doesn’t appear.
Rose Byrne and Heath Ledger on the set of Two Hands
Actress, Rose Byrne has also spoken out about her special bond with Heath.
“He was a goof,” the 37-year-old told People.
“He was such a goofy, funny, you know, adorable guy. He was incredibly generous. He had a huge heart. He was kind of, actually, really shy.”
Rose who has know Heath since she was 18 has said of the doco, “I’m really looking forward to seeing it.”
Heath Ledger as The Joker
Meanwhile, Heath’s sister Kate has refuted claims that his Oscar winning role of The Joker in The Dark Knight led to the star’s mental instability and the fatal drug overdose.
“I was really shocked, because that was him having fun,” she said. “Every report was coming out that he was depressed and that [the role] was taking this toll on him, and we’re going, honestly, it was the absolute opposite. It couldn’t be more wrong. He had an amazing sense of humour, and I guess maybe only his family and friends knew that, but he was having fun. He wasn’t depressed about the Joker!”
