Heath Ledger's memory lives on as Michelle Williams opens up about Matilda and motherhood
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Michelle Williams opened up about her late ex-partner Heath Ledger and their daughter Matilda during a heartfelt conversation on the May 19 episode of the Armchair Expert podcast with Dax Shepard.
The actress, 44, remembered Ledger for his “incredible sensitivity,” describing him as “so special.” Williams and Ledger welcomed their daughter, Matilda, in October 2005 after meeting on the set of Brokeback Mountain. The couple parted ways before Ledger’s untimely death in 2008, but Williams has continued to cherish their shared bond through their now 19-year-old daughter. “Thank God there’s Matilda,” she said emotionally during the interview.
Host Dax Shepard also shared his own memories of Ledger, recalling the actor’s emotional depth. “I don’t know that I’ve ever fallen in love with somebody so quickly,” he said, calling Ledger “one of the most special boys I’ve ever met.” Williams agreed, emphasizing his “incredible sensitivity.”
Reflecting on becoming a mother at a young age, Williams said, “Maybe it’s a good thing about being young—you don’t have so much life experience to contextualize things, so you’re just going with the flow.”
Williams, who also has three children with her partner Thomas Kail, discussed the challenges of balancing parenting and her acting career. She noted the importance of prioritizing both work and family without expecting perfection. “You can't be equally good at [everything] at the exact same time,” she said, adding that it’s essential to allow for give and take.
Describing parenting as a grounding force, Williams said, “Kids are such great life checkers. They force you to put your best self in front of them.”
The episode offered a rare glimpse into Williams’ reflections on love, loss, and the ongoing journey of parenthood.