Heath Ledger was a superstar on the world stage, a gorgeous guy, a true romantic, a man who was dedicated to his craft and who loved a laugh. This is the definitive look at the real life of Heath Ledger from childhood to fully-fledged stardom, with exclusive personal insights from his family and friends. It is also very much an Australian story about the beginning of a legend. Even before Heath achieved fame and fortune, the Ledgers were well-known in their hometown of Perth. Heath's great-grandfather, Sir Frank, was a pioneer of West Australian business, and he nurtured a warm, loving family. Heath's childhood was idyllic and happy, and he excelled at school, especially drama. When he was just 17 years old, he drove across the country to Sydney, determined to follow his passion for acting. He quickly became a celebrity but never forgot his roots. But behind Heath's journey to Hollywood, turmoil split the family. The book reveals how Sir Frank's fortune was lost, which thrust the Ledgers into bitter dispute. With Heath's death have emerged new allegations about the star's hidden millions. Sadly, while Heath's death came as a surprise to thepublic, those who knew him best were aware of his problems. And those who knew him best were also aware of the allegations that he had fathered a child before his rise to fame. Respected journalist Janet Fife-Yeomans has worked extensively with Heath's uncles to produce this family's story, their reminiscences of Heath a way of paying tribute to his all too short life. Key points: respected author, who has conducted extensive research and had exclusive access to the extended family's story, and who has also interviewed Heath Ledger's teachers and hometown friends; the first Australian biography of the star; includes never-before-published family photographs.