QandAs: Buzz

How is Matilda Ledger doing in the year since her father died?

Answer:
Matilda Ledger is said to be a happy,

well-adjusted child in large part thanks to the efforts of her mother, actress Michelle Williams, who has shielded the child from public scrutiny since the child's father, Heath Ledger, died Jan. 22, 2008.

Matilda Ledger turns three on Oct. 28, and while she faces the milestone without her father, her future just became a bit more secure with news that she will inherit Heath Ledger's estate, estimated at $16 million.

Matilda spends most days in the care of her mother, Ledger's ex-fiancee, at the family home in Brooklyn. When Heath Ledger died in January, his will had not been updated to include his daughter. Heath Ledger's parents and sisters were listed as the beneficiaries, and some wondered how Matilda Ledger would fit into the financial picture.

Happily, Heath Ledger's family recently determined that the bulk of the estate should naturally go to his daughter. "Our family has gifted everything to Matilda," the family announced in a formal statement. "That was the plan from the moment my boy passed away. There was never any question about the fact that Heath’s estate would go to Matilda. Never a question. We are very close to Michelle and Matilda.”

The New York City Coroner has already ruled that Heath Ledger's death was accidental, caused by an overdose of prescription drugs. Ledger was 28 years old.