Michelle Williamsis reflecting on how longtime friendJeremy Strongmade a difference in her and her now-16-year-old daughterMatilda’s lives after the death of Matilda’s father,Heath Ledger.
In a new interview withVariety, the 41-year-old actress recalls Strong, 43, moving in with her and her daughter after Ledger — whom Williams had been separated from at the time — died following an accidental overdose of sleeping pills in January 2008, at age 28.
“Jeremy was serious enough to hold the weight of a child’s broken heart and sensitive enough to understand how to approach her through play and games and silliness,” Williams told the outlet.
According toVariety, Strong moved into Williams and Matilda’s home alongside the actress’s sister and another friend of Williams'.
From left: Heath Ledger, Michelle Williams, Jeremy Strong.Sean Gallup/Getty; Kevin Mazur/Getty; Arturo Holmes/WireImage
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Heath Ledger and Michelle Williams.Chris Polk/FilmMagic
In the profile, Williams celebrated Strong’s recent successes: the actor has won several awards, including anEmmy, for his role inSuccession, as well as aScreen Actors Guild AwardforThe Trial of the Chicago 7).
The actress also revealed she’s preparing to welcome her third child — her second with husbandThomas Kail, with whom she also shares sonHart, born in 2020 — this fall.
“It’s totally joyous,“The Greatest Showmanactress toldVariety. “As the years go on, you sort of wonder what they might hold for you or not hold for you. It’s exciting to discover that something you want again and again, is available one more time. That good fortune is not lost on me or my family,”
“There’s nothing that makes you committed to a better world than raising a great kid. It’s the ultimate creative act,” she said. “The most ecstatic moments of life and art are the transcendent ones. Having children is like that. You combine your DNA with someone else to create a new life.”
RELATED VIDEO: Michelle Williams Says She Was “Inconsolable” After Moving Away from Shared Home with Heath Ledger
The four-timeAcademy Awardnominee also toldVarietythat she plans to take a break from acting during her pregnancy: “I wondered if I could work while I was pregnant, but I’m too tired.”
Williams and Kail, 44, previously worked together on the seriesFosse/Verdon, for which Williams won numerous accolades, including a 2020 SAG Award. In her acceptance speech at the time, the then-expectant mother gave a sweet shout out to the director, who was also at the event,as well as her daughter.
Williams has previously been candid about finding love after Ledger’s death. “Inever gave up on love,” the formerDawson’s Creekstar toldVanity Fairback in 2018. “I always say to Matilda, ‘Your dad loved me before anybody thought I was talented or pretty or had nice clothes.’ "
source: people.com
