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Michelle Williams reveals how Succession actor Jeremy Strong stepped up to support Matilda after Heath Ledger died

''As though his life depended upon it, because hers did.''
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Michelle Williams has given a rare insight into the period after Heath Ledger passed away, aged 28, from an accidental overdose of sleeping pills.

During an interview with Variety, the 41-year-old revealed Succession actor Jeremy Strong moved in with her and her daughter Matilda, and his presence during that time was life-changing.

“Jeremy was serious enough to understand the weight of a child’s broken heart and sensitive enough to understand how to approach her through play and games and silliness,” she reflected.

“Jeremy was serious enough to understand the weight of a child’s broken heart.”

(Image: Getty)

Matilda was only two-years-old when she lost her dad, and even though she “didn’t grow up with her father” Jeremy’s efforts to support her offered immeasurable solace.

“She grew up with her Jeremy, and we were changed by his ability to play as though his life depended on it because hers did,” said Michelle.

The Brokeback Mountain actress and Matilda, now 16, also lived with Michelle’s sister and another family friend during that difficult time.

Michelle also announced to Variety that she is expecting her third child, her second with husband, Thomas Kail. They welcomed a son called Hart in 2020.

Jeremy stars on the hit show Succession.

(Image: Getty)

“It’s totally joyous,” she told the publication. “As the years go on, you sort of wonder what they might hold for you or not hold for you.

“It’s exciting to discover that something you want again and again, is available one more time. That good fortune is not lost on me or my family.”

Experiencing the height of a pandemic with a newborn wasn’t ideal, but Michelle offered Variety a glass-half-full perspective.

Michelle also revealed she is expecting her third child.

(Image: Getty)

“It was a reminder that life goes on. The world we brought a baby into is not the world we thought we were bringing a baby into, but the baby is ignorant of that.

She continued on to reflect how spending more time at home as a family in lockdown was beneficial for a newborn.

“There’s nothing that makes you committed to a better world than raising a great kid. It’s the ultimate creative act,” she said.

“The most ecstatic moments of life and art are the transcendent ones. Having children is like that. You combine your DNA with someone else to create a new life.”

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