The body of Aussie actor Heath Ledger is on its way back to Australia, following a memorial service in Los Angeles on Sunday (January 27).
The private service in Los Angeles was kept quiet from the media to avoid paparazzi and protest groups. Right-wing religious groups threatened to picket the Ledger service as a protest because the actor portrayed a gay cowboy in Brokeback Mountain.Heath's father Kim released a message via Australian Consul-General John Olsen.
He said "Heath is, and always will be, an Australian. He adored his home. His last two weeks with us over Christmas in Perth were just bliss".
"Heath did not become an actor for the fame or fortune".
"He loved his craft and he loved helping his friends. He loved chess and skateboarding too. My image of Heath in New York is him with his skateboard, a canvas bag and his beanie".
"That was Heath to me."
Ledger's former girlfriend Michelle Williams and their daughter Matilda are believed to be on their way back to Perth with Heath's parents for the funeral.
Details of the funeral service will not be made public.
