Michelle Williams Talks Life & Parenting Without Heath Ledger

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Michelle Williams,Movies,Celebrities,Heath Ledger,Paparazzi

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Vogue
Michelle Williams on the October 2009 cover of Vogue magazine
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Michelle Williams arrives at the 2009 Fresh Air Fund Salute To American Heroes on June 4, 2009 in New York City
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Heath Ledger and Michelle Williams at the 2007 Independent Spirit Awards
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Michelle Williams and Matilda Ledger sighting in NYC

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FIRST PUBLISHED: September 15, 2009 9:58 PM EDT
LAST UPDATED: September 15, 2009 10:11 PM EDT

NEW YORK, New York --

Michelle Williams has opened up for the first time in over six months about her life with daughter Matilda following the 2008 death of Heath Ledger.

In a new interview for Vogue’s October 2009 issue, Michelle revealed that Heath’s death in January last year brought a heavier paparazzi presence on their lives.

“Because he died — it’s so hard to say it, now that it’s a fact — it’s because of this tragedy that there’s more paparazzi. That is hard to be graceful and understanding about,” Michelle said.

Due to the paparazzi, Michelle has had to explain to her toddler things little children don’t usually have to try to understand.

“It’s because people really loved your daddy that they want to take your picture, to know you’re all right,” Michelle explained to the mag of what she tells their daughter when the little one asks about being photographed.

The actress said she works hard to be a good role model to her daughter, even during trying times.

“It’s an OK model for her to see that her mom has boundaries. It’s OK for me to be upset and to raise my voice. But it’s an ongoing struggle. It’s hard to be the man and the woman in that [paparazzi] situation,” Michelle explained. “Heath always used to do that for us.”

While she continues to grieve the loss of her ex-boyfriend — and the father of her child — Michelle has tried to move on.

She was dating director Spike Jonze earlier this year, a romance she confirmed has now ended.

“The timing was impossible. I thought falling in love again was the only thing that was going to save me from the pain. This [was an] erroneous idea: It just makes things more complicated,” Michelle said.

The 29-year-old former “Dawson’s Creek” star admits she doesn’t know how to date with a child, but she’s OK with that.

“I’m falling more and more in love with her,” she said of her little girl. “And I think she deserves the bulk of my attention. We’re lucky. I can work. She can go to a good school. There’s a lot there for her. And she can know her dad in so many ways, and so many of his friends who will be able to tell her so many stories. His friends, his family — they were a big part of his life, and they will be a big part of her life.”

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