On the one-year anniversary of their brother’s death, Heath Ledger’s sisters addressed the media in Australia, sharing their joy over the late actor’s Oscar nomination.
Heath’s sisters – Kate Ledger, Ashleigh Bell and Olivia Ledger — went to Cottesloe beach in Australia, the site where the “Dark Knight” star’s wake was held, to pay tribute to the actor on Friday.
“Although we would love to have him here with us, we are so proud and so excited on his behalf,” Kate told the media, according to the Sydney Morning Herald. “In Heath’s words, he had ‘the time of his life’ portraying The Joker and said that ‘it was the most fun he had ever had making a film’.”
On Thursday, Ledger received an Academy Award nomination for his turn as the dark and maniacal Joker in “The Dark Knight.”
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The family members praised the legacy the star left behind, which they hope will be cherished by generations to come.
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“We will take this opportunity today to honor his wonderful life and take comfort in knowing Heath will continue to touch future generations through this amazing art form,” Ashleigh said.
The women also praised the “lovely” Michelle Williams, the mother of Heath’s daughter, Matilda.
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“Michelle is doing an amazing job with our girl and together we will cherish every moment of her steps through life,” Kate said.
And, she noted, they are still regularly in touch with Michelle and their niece Matilda.
“Although we are physically challenged at time by the tyranny of distance, we are always in constant contact and take every opportunity possible to catch up,” Kate said.
Ledger is up for Best Supporting Actor, alongside Josh Brolin, “Milk”; Robert Downey Jr., “Tropic Thunder”; Philip Seymour Hoffman, “Doubt”; and Michael Shannon, “Revolutionary Road.”
The Oscar nod came on the heels of Ledger’s win at the Golden Globes for the same role.
On January 22, 2008, Ledger was found dead in his New York City apartment. His death was later ruled an accidental overdose of prescription medications. He was 28.
Heath’s sisters added that though one year has passed, they are still grieving their loss.
“To us (his family) it seems like nearly yesterday, and we are all still nursing broken hearts,” Kate said. “Like anyone who loses a family member, it has opened our eyes to the intense suffering and painful journey that is death.”
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