Ledger's father downplays bestowal

NEW YORK, March 9 (UPI) -- The father of the late Aussie actor Heath Ledger downplays the absence of his son's daughter and ex-girlfriend from his will, saying they will be provided for.

The New York Daily News said Saturday that following the release of Ledger's will, which left all of his estate to his family, Kim Ledger vowed to assist his son's 2-year-old daughter, Matilda, and his former girlfriend, actress Michelle Williams.

"Matilda is our absolute priority and Michelle is an integral part of our family," the actor's father said. "They will be taken care of and that's how Heath would want it to be."

The "Brokeback Mountain" star had filed his will in 2003 prior to dating Williams and having his daughter, therefore both were notably absent from his estate bestowal.

The Daily News said court papers show the actor had less than $145,000 assets in New York when he was found dead of an accidental overdose Jan. 22.