Heath Ledger’s legacy continues to live on 10 years after his tragic death, and his fellow co-star and friend Rose Byrne has opened up about the late actor’s kind nature.
Byrne, who is joining the judging panel for the Heath Ledger Scholarship this year, spoke about her relationship with Heath and his generosity towards other budding actors.
“Heath was so generous when any young Aussies would come to LA. You always had a place to stay,” she told The Daily Telegraph.
His scholarship, now in it’s 10th year, continues this legacy. The award recognises an actor who shows distinctive and unique potential, providing them with approximately AUD $40,000 to travel to the US to receive drama and dialect coaching.
Heath “paved the way” for other Aussie actors who have come after him, according to fellow actress Rose Byrne.
Byrne spoke about Heath’s inspiring nature and strong reputation in Hollywood, saying he “paved the way for so many Aussies who have come after him”.
She also paid tribute to Heath’s family: “The Ledger family has done an amazing job at keeping his legacy going and making sure they give back.”
“They honour his path and what he did very well.”
Rose Byrne is a judge for the Heath Ledger Scholarship this year.
Last week, Heath’s father Kym Ledger spoke frankly with Nova about his family’s grief following his son’s passing due to an accidental overdose in 2008.
He shared a message to all youths to get educated on the dangers of prescription drugs.
Kym is working with Scriptwise, which is establishing a prescription register that aims to spare families the pain that Heath’s family experienced. Heath’s daughter Matilda, who turns 13 next month, was just two-years-old when he died.
“You almost feel guilty as a parent that you weren’t there to help him out but then that same tragedy is happening right in lounge rooms and in bedrooms of family homes, right under people’s noses,” he said.
Speaking about his son, Kym said: “There was no sign of an addiction, that is part of [the] worry with this, he’s here one night and then mixes all these other things and he’s not here.”
This year, a number of Heath’s friends have shared touching tributes to mark 10 years since his death.
Former girlfriend Naomi Watts took to Instagram on his anniversary in January, posting a poingant black and white photo of the actor along with a beautiful message: “Thinking about this beautiful soul today. 10 years ago he left this world. He was a true original. Heart always on his sleeve, with the most powerful charisma, strength, humour and talent.”
Naomi Watts and Heath Ledger at the Oscars in 2004.
Byrne also posted a sweet tribute to Heath last month, sharing a throwback photo of herself and Heath on set of their 1999 Aussie drama Two Hands.
“Twenty years ago! Two Hands! Aussie kids on their first film. My own vintage polyester frock for $18. Just bleached my hair in kitchen sink. Heath trying to be serious. Goofball,” Rose captioned the snap.
Rose Byrne and Heath Ledger on set of their first film, Two Hands.
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