Tuesday, 13 January 2009

Heath Ledger's mom: Globe trophy will go to Matilda

Heath's daughter will have all his accolades

Heath Ledger cuddles daughter Matilda Rose

Heath Ledger doted on daughter Matilda

Heath Ledger's mother says her son's Golden Globe award and other accolades will end up in the hands of the person who mattered most in his life: his daughter Matilda.

"I should imagine that eventually it will be going to Matilda," Sally Bell says from her home in Perth, Australia, in an exclusive interview. "At this stage she is only so young, but down the track she will have all these things. It will belong to her because she is part of him."

Bell says she and her family are "bursting with pride" over her son's recognition for playing the psychotic Joker in The Dark Knight, a role he "loved."

"It is such a fantastic and wonderful legacy for his daughter. Matilda will have so many people who will be able to speak to her about her father's abilities and [the] respect he had in the industry. That is such a wonderful legacy to leave," she says.

Bell says she learned of his Golden Globe win before boarding a flight in Australia, adding there were "a few tears."

"There is a lot of emotion tied up in this and we have to deal with that emotion first before we can relax and enjoy the moment, if you know what I mean," she explains.

Bell says it has been "a bit of an emotional rollercoaster" for the family, but notes Heath would have appreciated the acknowledgment from his peers. "That's what meant the most to him really," she says.

Heath Ledger, 28, was found dead in a New York apartment nearly a year ago of an accidental overdose of prescription drugs.