Heath's Family Says Goodbye
Filed under: Australiastic > Heath Ledger
Heath Ledger's family is publicly sharing their grief.
The actor's parents and sisters each wrote touching tributes in the Friday edition of the West Australian newspaper.
Here's what they said.
His father, Kim, wrote:
"'Heatho,' 'Beef,' . . . my beautiful boy, so loving, so talented, so independent, so caring, so young . . . no more chess games mate . . . this is it, couldn't beat you anyway!
My body aches for the sound of your voice, our chats, our laughs and our life and times together."
Your truly varied artistic skills, insatiable desire to improve and eclectic abilities set you apart from any other person on the planet . . . it had only just started for you … and for us to further enjoy. We were one, in soul and commitment. Just . . . Father and Son. I will love you forever, Dad."
His mother, Sally, wrote:
"Our darling boy, special in so many ways to all of us. You knew you were so loved. You lived life with courage and daring and we are so grateful for the wonderful times we shared. We will be there for Matilda. Your loving Mamma, Rog and Ash."
His older sister, Katie, wrote:
"I can hardly breathe when I try to write this. We were the ultimate in soul mates. I feel both my heart and life have been torn apart. I loved our special talks, our daily chats from where ever you were in the world.
I especially loved all the precious time we spent together. We were so fortunate to have you as long as we did. You were so many things to so many people, but to me you were just my little brother.
There will never, ever be another "Heath" and I think that in itself is the greatest tragedy.
I will continue to talk with you everyday and love you just as if you were here. You will never leave my thoughts "Roast", ever."
His younger sister, Olivia, wrote:
"You're my idol, my hero, but most importantly, my loving big brother. I'll treasure every moment we spent together. I love you Heath, I miss you and pray every night you're safe."
His entire family wrote:
"How do we describe our sudden and tragic loss? … You were the most amazing individual "old soul" in a young man's body.
You so loved us, as we dearly loved you. As a close knit and very private family unit we have observed you so determined yet quietly travelling in your self-styled path in life, nothing would get in your way … no mountain too tall, no river too wide.
You dreamed your dreams and lived them with passion and intelligent commitment. We have been privileged to accompany you on a ride through life that has simply been amazing and through it all, we have loved each other beyond imagination.
Your true legacy lives on in beautiful little Matilda, who will always remain in the greatest of care. Our hearts are broken . . . Dad and Ines, Mum and Roger, Kate and Nathan, Rori and Scarlett, Ashleigh, Olivia, Elana and Nadia."
[Image via WENN.]
Re: Tiro – why are you dying?
so sad, he will be greatly missed..gone too soon but never forgotten
I feel like crying reading that. Heath will be greatly missed xx xx
K TRISTEZA MAS GRANDE,,,K PENA OIR SU NOMBRE EN UNA TRAGEDIA ASI..SPERO K DESKANSE EN PAZ, MIS SUEÑOS DE VERLO ALGUNA VEZ YA SE HAN ROTO.
Re: zh1va – That was just lovely. My eyes are welling up again. Well said.
That was just so… beautiful. It was so heartfelt and truthful, it brought me to tears!! He was loved, RIP.
I AM SO SAD ABOUT HEATH…. HE WAS A GREAT MAN AND HE WILL TRULY BE MISSED… I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW HIM AND I AM SO UPSET ABOUT THIS… MY HEART GOES OUT TO MICHELLE AND MATILDA…..
Ouch….that was a tear jerker. I beleive there is a better place and Heath is there. He was so talented and seemed very down to earth. I find Aussies like that, very open and caring. Please let this be a lesson to those taking prescriptions drugs, don't mix. Zanax is one of the most deadly pills when mixed. If you mix with a strong painkiller and add a drink or two….death might be the outcome. I am not trying to preach at all and just hope people think before mixing drugs. Always check on the interenet for adverse reactions, drug overdose symptoms and testimonials from people using these meds. IMO this was absolutely not a suicide…just a screw up on meds.
This made me tear up and cry…Hopefully his passing will help others to be more CAREFUL when taking prescription drugs…there is always light even in the darkness of times.
A BIG hug and thanks for PEREZ making the right choice in his decision not to post pictures of the funeral.
These beautiful words brought tears to my eyes. It's so incredibly sad. I feel so awful for Heath's family, especially Matilda. But the good thing is that he had a stable family- a loving one, who will take care of his daughter. although i doubt it will ever fill the hole he left behind.
Maybe im a bit waspy, but i think its tacky to send heartfelt letters like this to the newspaper, for them to publish, and that we can all pore over like vultures.
I have to admit this really touched me. Great actor, sad ending. =(
what a nice family
RIP heathcliff andrew ledger
may your star shine forever
I had tears as well. Its very touching. I hope everyone lets his friends and family grieve in peace.
Beautiful. My heart breaks for them.
go there now and post
www.RememberHeathLedger.com
Thank you for posting this, Perez. It was so beautiful. I heard a song last night by The Verve called "The Drugs Dont Work". For some reason, it made me think of Heath Ledger.
This was a very touching tribute from his family. Brought more than one tear to my eye. God bless them all.
He was seemingly such a wonderful, private person. He lived the hollywood dream but didn't let Hollywood live him. My heart goes out to his family, what a tremendous loss.
I still can't believe it. Heath was my first "celeb" crush when I was a young teen. I cried so much when I read this.. it is so painful. I know what it feels like to lose a brother, and Heath truly was a gift from God to all of us. He was a wonderful entertainer, very down to earth, no one ever said anything negative about Heath in the tabloids, and he was just amazing overall. Everyone will miss him. Heath, wherever you are, we love you, we miss you, and we know you are in a better place!
god, this is just to sad… it broke my heart to read his dad's message, i can't imagine the pain his family is going trough. he's gonna be so missed! he was one of a few good young actor nowadays. huge loss. HUGE!.
god bless you heath, and little matilda
So normally I NEVER post but wow This should have NEVER been public this WHOLE thing is ridiculous YES a great Actor has died but come on..You or I would never have received as much of the publicity as this. And I have done great things in my time as so have many of you I am sure.. Lets let this family grieve and move on shall we? To the family of heath I am sorry for your loss I hope that everyone backs off now for you..
Lovely, and telling tributes. His family really loved him! RIP Heath!
Hey Perez, is this what you mean by respecting someone's privacy? Posting personal messages by the family on your website.
You are truly an opportunistic boy who needs to take a good look into your soul for the things you say on this site. Only and insecure coward points fingers and make fun of others and a clinically narcissistic personality to have the inability to entertain the possibility that they can be wrong or accept criticisim.
I don't have much of a sense of humor today, but if 12 year olds can type incomprehensible mean spirited gibberish, why not the humorless 30 year old?
What a loving a close family. That is so heartbreaking.
Re: ngr htr – You are one hell of a fucking idiot.
Christ I can't read that without tearing up. And I'm at work.
Really lovely…beautiful expression. Thank you to Heath's family for sharing with us. Thanks Perez for printing that.
I mean, this IS a tragic sad situation…but c'mon already!
What about other people in the world who died? People who arent famous stars and died a much horrible more tragic death than Heath did?
Atleast he died in a seemingly peaceful way in his bed. Other "virtual nobodies" get murdered or die from painful cancers, and the world doesnt care. The world only cares if you are good-looking, talented, and popular. Thats f***ed up.
I understand that whoever has known him portrays him to be a wonderful man. Thats great. But its sad that if a normal, everyday, un-famous person were to be found dead, there would be alot less compassion just because they aren't well known.
Such a loving family - my heart truly breaks for all of them. Having kids of my own, I can truly relate. It does not matter how old they are, they are always your little boy or little girl. Very sad. God bless them
THIS IS SICKINGLY SAD! A FUCKED UP WAY TO START THIS YEAR. I WAS GLAD TO SEE SOME STARS ON OPRAH YESTERDAY SHOWING SOME CLASS…TALKING ABOUT HOW THEY'RE NOT IN A CELEBRATION MOOD THE MOMENT. LET'S KEEP THE COMMENTS ON LEDGER RESPECTFUL TODAY
This poor family. That was truly beautiful and we should all feel priviledged that they allowed the public to share their words to him. Shame on such empty people such as (dare I even let her filthy name come out of my lips-Britney) let her life go to hell and watch her childrens lives go by like that!
She has her life and she has her children and her family and look at what she's doing with it. And then look at this poor family…People like Britney and the likes should hang their head down and go hide in a hole.
Tears came as I read these messages. I don't know why, but I am truly broken over his death. When I first heard about the news, I thought it couldn't be true. I checked about 10 different websites and realized it must have been. I started to cry, and realized how precious life was. Heath R.I.P, you will be forever missed.
So sad!! Our loss is nothing compared to their's. My condolences to his family. Heath… Keep shining, Buddy! We're going to miss you!
very touching, and sad. i feel sorry for his little daughter. she really never truely know him the way she deserves to. rest in peace
I can't imagine how they feel right now. I'm all sad about his passing, and I've only seen him in a few movies. He was a great actor and person. This article was pretty heartfelt, and could make a strong person emotional. I give kudos to Perez for keeping us in the know about this whole situation. I do not like the speculation parts, but when he post things like this, it makes me feel like entertainment media isn't soo bad after all.
Like other people have said, I really feel like I knew him, he made such a connection with the world that it is utterly unbelievable that he is gone. I pray for his soul, for Matilda, and for his family. Also, all of my love goes out to all of them during this time of grievance. His life will always be remembered. May he Rest In Peace. I miss you Heath.
nF
omg broke my heart reading his older sister when she said "I can hardly breathe when I try to write this." Brought tears to my eyes
Reading those words really smacks you in the face. This wasn't just a actor to drool over…he was someone that was deeply loved and will be deeply missed by a mom, dad, and sister. He's really like any one of us.
My heart hurts.
I could not imagine the pain of losing my brother, especially so prematurely. And the devastation to my parents (of losing a child) would only heighten that pain.
Condolences to Heath's family and friends, and to everyone else who's feeling the pain of a lost loved one.
I found out that i am going to die too in a year due to breast cancer. its hereditary so i have no chance, not even a radial masectomy has stopped it from spreading, so i have no breasts now and its spread to my bones so now i am going to leave my kids alone and without a mother. It tears me apart to think i wont see them grow, get married and have children. I am going to miss out on an important part and its tearing me up daily. i hope when i die, heath will be there waiting for me smiling so we can go to heaven together and have really hot nasty sex up there non stop. anal, oral, tractor position, missionary, spoon position, pearl necklace, the lot. I want to have such nasty sex with him that god throws us out of heaven like adam and eve and puts us on a new planet called Rigel-7 to start another civilisation of midget martians who hate each other likes us humans and start wars for no reason. amen.
*only the good die young*
R.I.P.
That's so sad. Why did he have to die? I am still in shock. You will be missed Heath.
I cant stop crying when I read those message about him. Yes he was a great actor but I seemed so kind and good to everybody surrounding him. And he looked like a great daddy to Mathilda and thats what shock me the most. He had still so much love to give and so much movie to make for his fans. We need those knid of person in the world and I dont understand why God decide to take them away so soon…
I'm from Canada and I planned a trip to NY with my brother for his 18th birthday, I will surely pass by his appartement to put some flowers. Anyone have the adress ?
Read these in the paper at work today and completely lost my shit.
I went to a school a few kilometres away from Heath's school and I am a year younger than him. Even before he was famous people in the area knew who he was as he was so involved with everything and such a popular guy that in the teen circles he was already a legend. People just wanted to be near him and to know him. My friend actually dated him for a while and my sister even sneaked a kiss once…everybody loved Heath, and even as such a popular guy at high school, he was still a nice guy and I think that's what is most special about him and what I will remember. I will never forget how excited I was going to see him on the big screen in Ten Things I Hate About You.
Our paths met a few times and I remember him vividly at the "Rock Eisteddfod" (1994???) a dance/performance event that each year has a different message and theme which he led his school to victory in as the star of the show. It is a national initiative in Australian high schools and its theme and mantra was ironically "A Drug Free High". He was just a nice guy.
We will miss you Heath. I almost drove off the road when I heard the news on the radio. I feel like I am about to wake up and find out it is all a dream…if only it were so. Goodbye, memories are forever. Hugs to your family.
I cried… even if I wasn't a big fan of him. Reading something like this is better than reading all that shit the newspapers are writing about him. He was loved and will be loved 4 ever by his family.
I don't ever liked what you write on this blog, but just go on like that for Heath Ledger death. It's respectful and his family need to see anything other than all those gossip about the way that he died…
As tears stream down my face, it's good to realize that within people's lives and hearts there is still A LOT of love in this world even if it is so sadly overshadowed by the constant gossip and negativity of the media. We here on these entertaining yet despicable blogs who are no better than the media that feed on the frenzy like a pack of wolves always drawn to the Drama, Gossip and the Lies.
Heath I didn't know you but your Talent and Good Nature will Supersede everything else. You are the mix that "Great Legends" are made of: Young, Talented, Beautiful, Eccentric and Daring, and most of all Beloved by all…those who knew you and those who didn't. You shared your innermost depths with us through your talent and thus becoming a part of our lives too forever. Rest in Peace Beautiful Soul.
My heart goes out to Heaths family.
~LB
The Final Flight
Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free,
I'm following the path God laid for me.
I took his hand when I heard his call,
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day,
To laugh, to love, to work, to play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way,
I've found that peace at the end of the day.
If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
Ah, yes, these things too I will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow,
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My Life's been full, I savored much,
Good friends, good times, a loved one' touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief,
Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me,
God wanted me now, He set me free.
Author: Unknown
i actually have tears in my eyes. its so weird, its not like i knew him but i still feel the familys pain, losing a family member is unimaginable. they must be going through hell right now. RIP
Such exquisite, elegant words in the expression of true grief…….
His death brings to mind the great poem of Edna St. Vincent Millay:
"My candle burns at both ends, it will not last the night,
But, ah, my foes and oh, my friends, it gives a lovely light….
Rest In Peace, Sweet Prince……………
Glad to know that he had such a 'normal' family. Go comfort the person in your community who's lost a loved one. This is how all of us feel when someone we love passes on.
While I feel terribly for Heath family,I can not imagine why on earth they would feel the need to print such private personal thoughts? I find it almost uncomfortable to read…like I'm peeking somewhere I shouldn't.
Not judging…just sayin
Wow, that actually brought tears to my eyes. That family has an incredible gift of being able to share their emotions in a beautiful way. I cannot imagine what they are going through. May God grant them, as well as Michelle and Matilda, peace during this difficult time.
Re: YOU FUCKING BASTARDS – Just because I didnt personally know him does not mean I can't feel for his family. Death of a loved one is agonizing. Sad is actually the lightest way to describe it. And because I hate what the family has to go through does NOT make me a fucking bastard.
thanks though!
So sad, so tragic, such a terrible way to go at such a young age. RIP Heath Ledger.
You will be missed.
i literally cried reading this
This is tragic. My heart goes out to Heath's family.
I love you Heath, thank you for all the great films you brought to life. You're an icon to live up to and I hope that wherever you are you are happily looking down on those you loved in life. You were a fantastic actor and will live on in our hearts and in your gorgeous little girl, rest in peace xx
awwwwwwwwwwwww! That was profound… I'm really saddened by this (I know I shouldn't be, due to the fact I didn't know him). Really brings you back to reality and shows you to appreciate your family more.
That was beautiful.
Awww…that brought tears to my eyes….:(
damnit, perez, you're getting me all mushy and stuff.
r.i.p heath, you will be dearly missed
he wasnt an actor i ever thought about..but i couldnt get past the dads part without crying..i cant even read that its so touching..
Québec is SAD
Re: REST DEAR HEATH – GOD THAT WAS FUCKING FUNNY. I AM CRAPPING MYSELF FROM LAUGHING SO HARD AT THE LAST PARAGRAPH HAHAHAHAHA!!
What beautiful words for a beautiful man. I can see why he was so special listening to the love coming from his wonderful family. We will miss him also.
this is so heartbreaking.. he'll be greatly missed! Oh God.. I miss him already!!
I AM IN SHOCK, I AM NUMB, I AM HEARTBROKEN!!
Re: REST DEAR HEATH – You must be a scientologist?! To LRH! Stupid.
i read this last night on people.com, and cried and cried, what a wonderful family to have, i feel very sorry for their loss….such a tragedy……rest in peace heath
thought you weren't going to intrude on the family's privacy?
…Seems like an intrusion to me.
I watched 10 things I hate about you yesterday and cried like a baby. Why Heath?
that made me cry and i wasnt really a fan.. i feel horrible for that family. I know how tough something like that can be.. it sucks, its raw, and it tares your heart out
Thank goodness they have each other.
RIP Heath… Your family misses you and the people who you never knew that loved you and your amazing talent. We will all be happy to send our best wishes to little Matilda.
May your soul find a beautiful place in the heavens to rest.
When I heard the news of Heath I felt this couldn't be true. He was and always will be one of my fav actors, we all he knew he had great things ahead of him. I always see pix of him and his adorable little Matilda and that breaks my heart to know they won't have each other. My best to his family in this time of pain..such a loss. ;(
I CRIED. ..BECAUSE YOU WERE TAKING TOO SO..
I SMILED .BECAUSE OF THE MEMBER I HAVE OF YOU..
R.I.P
HEATH YOU WILL LIVE ON FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS.
i have to say man…i never really get upset about people i only got to meet a few times…dying but damn.
i'm going to miss you dude.
heath was one cool dude.
i remember the time right after he started filming the dark knight he came over to my place while still in full makeup and we had lunch together and he told me about this new idea terry was throwing at him.
i'm starting to cry just thinking about him.
i miss you man…Rest in peace dude.
Heathcliff Andrew Ledger (April 4, 1979 – January 22, 2008)
That brought tears to my eyes… especially what his older sister says… I can't imagine being without my little brother, soulmates is right! My heart goes out to them
I'm still crying after reading that.
This just made me cry -My heart goes out to his family and his ex wife and child. I loved watching his movies.
Oh man, I couldnt even get through that - too sad, I just started to cry. I was moved by all of it but especially by his older sisters part.
Sigh. The shock and sadness of this wont ever wear off.
Love and healing vibes out to all of his family and loved ones.
Heath — you will be remembered for your ANUS EXPANSION — due to insertion of a BIG COCK on Brokeback Mountain…
It's so sad. I still can't believe is dead and I can't even imagine how his family feels… so incredibly sad.
This is so sad. My heart goes out to them. I lost my brother when he was just 15 years old. It takes ages for the pain to get better, but the wound never completely heals. I am so, so sorry for their loss.
wow I am crying this is so sad
Oh my goodness.
I couldn't help it, as soon as I began reading those messages, tears just started pouring out of my eyes. My deepest condolences go out to Michelle and his entire family. I can't begin to imagine what they're going through. I miss you Heath. RIP.
I'm actually getting choked up reading these bits. How touching and sad…
Touching tributes. My heart goes out to his family, friends and fans.
It's really too bad that a few immature ASSHOLES on this site need to post their vile hatred and inappropriate attempts at humor. I'd be surprised if people like that even have any real friends.
Heart breaking!!!
3 years ago, I lost a close friend due to OD on Tylenol 3. She was naturally very petite and had an absessed wisdom tooth. Her dentist wouldn't pull the tooth till after the antibiotics killed the infection. She was in so much pain she kept taking adult doses when she should have been perscribed a children's dose. She left behind a husband and (then) 3 year old son.
RIP Heath and Adriene
ahhh! this sux! I'm at work and I'm crying my eyes out! I can't even begin to imagine the pain his family is going threw. I would go crazy if my little boy would pass away….literally insane.
My heart is with Heaths family and friends. I'll be praying for you.
R.I.P Heath
I still can't believe that he is not here with us anymore. Condolences to Heath's family and may God be there with them through this terrible time. He was such a talented actor and adored by many. May he rest in peace.
omg. thanks for posting this, perez. it made me cry. so sad. RIP Heath
Beautiful
that was heartbreaking! my thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. May god rest his soul.
i cried too reading this… so sad
so sad
To anyone who's calling this an "intrusion of privacy" or calling Perez out for posting it: the family printed it in a newspaper. It isn't private. It's not like Perez stole their secret diaries and then leaked them for the world to see. It's a touching tribute to a lost family member that they clearly wanted other people to read. Yes, he was a normal person and yes people die every day. However, he was also an entertainer and a public figure. No we didn't know him personally, but he touched our lives with his work and there is nothing wrong with feeling sad about his death or feeling sympathy toward his grieving family. I, for one, am thankful that Perez shared this with us as I don't live in Australia and wouldn't have otherwise been able to read it. It's really the opposite of exploitation or "gossip." I think it helps the public realize that even though he was a celebrity, he was also a normal guy with a normal family just like anyone else and we should all respect that in the same way we would want other people to respect our families in a similar situation.
Like our beloved Heath, there are so many brilliant, wonderful young kids out there working incredibly hard to materialize their dreams. But at what price does the dream of seeing your name in lights become too costly? Please kids, including my own, think twice about fame and what you may gain. And what you risk losing.
My deepest sympathies to the entire Ledger family and Michelle.
Such a sad tragedy, breaks my heart to think of his family, daughter and loved ones.
Thank you, Perez, for being so respectful to Heath Ledger's memory, and to giving his family and loved ones some peace. So many other tv shows and web sites are taking the low road, and I am so glad to see that you have taken the high road.
This is so tragic. But these are some of the most beautiful words I've ever read. I just hope that Heath knew how much his family loved him. So sad.
Re: YOU FUCKING BASTARDS –
maybe these people relate his death to someone they did personally loose in their life. or perhaps they just simply have a heart and compassion for those like his family who have to grieve over such a tragic loss of a young life. so why dont you just mind your own business, and leave people alone who are trying to show some humanity