Heath Ledger Biography 2025 Net Worth, Salary, Age, Born, Family

Heath Ledger Biography Heath Andrew Ledger April 4, 1979 – January 22, 2008 was an Australian actor known for his diverse roles in both Australian and international films. After starring in a number of Australian television series and movies in the 1990s, he moved to the United States in 1998 to further his film career. Over his career, he appeared in 20 films spanning various genres, including 10 Things I Hate About You (1999), The Patriot (2000), A Knight’s Tale (2001), Monster’s Ball (2001), Casanova (2005), Lords of Dogtown (2005), Brokeback Mountain (2005), Candy (2006), I’m Not There (2007), The Dark Knight (2008), and The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (2009), the latter two being released posthumously. He also directed and produced music videos and had aspirations to become a film director. Ledger earned critical acclaim for his portrayal of Ennis Del Mar in Brokeback Mountain.

Heath Ledger Biography

When twenty-year-old Heath Ledger first captured the public’s attention in 1999, it was all too easy to label him as a “pretty boy” with little substance. However, he spent years working to shed this image, taking on a variety of roles to prove his range as an actor. His career spanned nineteen films, including 10 Things I Hate About You (1999), The Patriot (2000), A Knight’s Tale (2001), Monster’s Ball (2001), Ned Kelly (2003), The Brothers Grimm (2005), Lords of Dogtown (2005), Brokeback Mountain (2005), Casanova (2005), Candy (2006), I’m Not There (2007), The Dark Knight (2008), and The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (2009). He also produced and directed music videos and harbored aspirations of becoming a film director. Heath Ledger was born on April 4, 1979, in Perth, Western Australia, to Sally (Ramshaw), a French teacher, and Kim Ledger, a mining engineer and car racer.

Heath Ledger Biography Details

BornHeath Andrew Ledger

4 April 1979

Perth, Western Australia, Australia

Died22 January 2008 (aged 28)

New York City, US

Cause of deathAccidental poisoning from prescription medicine
OccupationsActor

music video director

Years active1991–2008
PartnerMichelle Williams (2004–2007)
Children1
CategoryBiography

About Heath Ledger

Heath Andrew Ledger was an Australian actor. After playing roles in several Australian television and film productions during the 1990s, he moved to the United States in 1998 to further develop his film career.

  1. Born: 4 April 1979, Perth, Australia
  2. Died: 22 January 2008 (age 28 years), SoHo, New York, United States
  3. Children: Matilda Ledger
  4. Place of burial: Karrakatta Cemetery, Perth, Australia
  5. Awards: MTV Movie & TV Award for Best Kiss ·
  6. Height: 85 m

Early Life and Education

Heath Ledger was born in Perth, Western Australia, on April 4, 1979, to Sally Ramshaw, a French teacher, and Kim Ledger, a racing car driver and mining engineer whose family owned the Ledger Engineering Foundry. His great-grandfather, Frank Ledger, for whom the Sir Frank Ledger Charitable Trust is named, was instrumental in the family’s legacy. Ledger had a mix of English, Irish, and Scottish ancestry.

He attended Mary’s Mount Primary School in Gooseberry Hill and later Guildford Grammar School, where he first dabbled in acting, taking the lead role of Peter Pan in a school production at the age of ten. His parents separated when he was ten and divorced by the time he was eleven. Ledger was especially close to his older sister, Kate, who later became an actress and publicist; her influence played a significant role in his acting career. Ledger’s admiration for Gene Kelly also inspired him to choreograph and help Guildford Grammar’s 60-member team achieve its first all-boy victory at the Rock Eisteddfod Challenge.

Heath Ledger at a Glance

Category: Richest Celebrities › Actors
Net Worth: $16 Million
Born: April 4, 1979 – January 22, 2008 (aged 28)
Birthplace: Perth, Australia
Gender: Male
Height: 6 ft (1.85 m)
Profession: Actor, Music Video Director
Nationality: Australian

Heath Ledger Net Worth and Salary 2025

At the time of his death in 2008, Heath Ledger had a net worth of $16 million. This figure, which adjusts to approximately $20 million today, did not account for millions more earned posthumously through royalties from The Dark Knight and real estate transactions. Ledger tragically passed away at 28 from an accidental overdose. Much of his fortune was left to his daughter, Matilda, with his ex-fiancé, actress Michelle Williams, being an integral part of his family. At the time of his death, Ledger was potentially owed up to $20 million from his role in The Dark Knight.

Estate Controversy

When Ledger passed, his most recent will, signed before his relationship with Michelle and the birth of Matilda, sparked some controversy regarding his estate’s heirs. Initially, Ledger’s family believed the estate should be divided among his parents and siblings, excluding Michelle and Matilda. However, they later agreed that Matilda would inherit the entire estate. On September 27, 2008, Ledger’s father confirmed that the entire $16.3 million estate would go to Matilda.

Final Films and The Dark Knight

After Brokeback Mountain, Ledger starred in Candy (2006) and I’m Not There (2007). His final and most iconic performance came in 2008 when he played the Joker in The Dark Knight. His portrayal garnered global acclaim, earning him numerous posthumous awards, including an Oscar and Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor. Ledger became only the second actor to win a posthumous Academy Award after Peter Finch. His final film, The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, was completed after his death with the help of friends like Jude Law, Johnny Depp, and Colin Farrell, who portrayed different versions of his character.

Music Video Directing

In addition to acting, Ledger pursued directing music videos. He worked with artists like N’fa, Ben Harper, Modest Mouse, and Grace Woodroofe, with some videos released after his death.

Personal Life and Health Struggles

Ledger’s early relationships included actresses Heather Graham, Lisa Zane, and Naomi Watts. In 2004, he began dating Michelle Williams, his co-star in Brokeback Mountain. They had a daughter, Matilda, in 2005, but separated in 2007. After their breakup, Ledger had relationships with models Helena Christensen and Gemma Ward. He struggled with insomnia, particularly during the filming of The Dark Knight, and turned to prescription medication. Ledger died in January 2008 from an accidental overdose of prescription drugs. His body was returned to Perth after private memorial services.

Real Estate

  • Hollywood Hills Treehouse: In 2005, Ledger bought a home in LA’s Hollywood Hills for $2.1 million. The house, known as a “treehouse,” featured floor-to-ceiling glass walls, an outdoor theater, and scenic views. After his death, it sold for $3.695 million and was later purchased by actor Josh Hutcherson for $2.5 million.
  • NYC Apartment: At the time of his death, Ledger was renting a 4,000-square-foot apartment in Manhattan’s SoHo neighborhood, which later rented for $26,000 per month after his passing.

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