Ledgers say they are close to Matilda
PERTH, Australia, Jan. 15 (UPI) -- Heath Ledger's parents say they have a wonderful relationship with the late Australian actor's 7-year-old daughter, who lives in New York.
Ledger died of an accidental drug overdose five years ago at the age of 28, leaving behind little Matilda, his only child with his ex-girlfriend, actress Michelle Williams.
"Matilda has the same walk as Heath and is such a respectful little kid -- she calls us 'Papa' and 'Grandma Sal.' Our family has the most wonderful relationship with both Matilda and Michelle. We talk frequently and visit as often as we can," Ledger's father, Kim, told the Australian magazine, New Idea.
"Matilda is indeed very much like her dad -- she has long limbs and similar features," Ledger's mother, Sally, told New Idea. "However, she also possesses the beauty of her mamma -- lucky girl."
Kim and Sally Ledger, who still live in Australia, memorably traveled to Los Angeles and were presented with Ledger's Oscar, which he won for his turn as the Joker in "The Dark Knight," shortly after his death.
Heath Ledger's other films include "A Knight's Tale," "Monster's Ball," "Brokeback Mountain" and "I'm Not There."
Furlong arrested for domestic violence
LOS ANGELES, Jan. 15 (UPI) -- Actor Edward Furlong has been arrested in Los Angeles for alleged domestic violence for the third time in three months, TMZ reported.
Furlong, 35, is best known for his work in the films "Terminator 2: Judgment Day," "Before and After" and "American History X." He also had a cameo in the 2011 film, "The Green Hornet."
His career has been eclipsed in recent years by reports of his erratic behavior and drug use.
TMZ said Furlong was arrested Sunday morning for allegedly attacking his girlfriend. He also had an outstanding warrant for his arrest connected to one of his prior alleged domestic violence incidents.
He was previously arrested for alleged domestic violence in October and November.
'Walking Dead' gets new showrunner
LOS ANGELES, Jan. 15 (UPI) -- AMC has promoted "The Walking Dead" executive producer Scott Gimple to showrunner of the popular zombie series, The Hollywood Reporter said.
Gimple, who joined the show in Season 2, will replace Season 3 head writer-producer Glen Mazzara as showrunner for Season 4.
Mazzara cited creative differences with the cable network when he confirmed his departure from the show late last month.
Mazzara replaced showrunner Frank Darabont, who was fired just before the series' Season 2 premiere.
Starring Andrew Lincoln and Norman Reedus, the show is now in the middle of its third season.
Kin Shriner returning to 'GH'
LOS ANGELES, Jan. 15 (UPI) -- Actor Kin Shriner is the latest "General Hospital" alum re-joining the upstate New York-set soap opera, TVGuide.com reported.
Shriner has played attorney Scotty Baldwin off and on since the 1970s.
He will return to the daytime drama in the footsteps of other veteran castmates Finola Hughes, Robin Mattson, Ian Buchanan, Tristan Rogers and Lynn Herring. Soap icon Genie Francis is to return next month, as well.
TVGuide.com said Shriner is headed back to Port Charles Feb. 19.
"I really wanted to go back and be part of all that fun," Shriner told the television news website.
"[Head writer] Ron Carlivati has gone on record saying he's been watching 'GH' since the Scotty and Laura days in the '70s, and you can tell he really loves bringing back that old history."
"General Hospital" is ABC's last soap opera after the cancellation of "All My Children" and "One Life to Live."
