Busy Philipps Believed Michelle Williams And Heath Ledger Would Reconcile After Split

Michelle Williams and Heath Ledger at the "Casanova" premiere in New York City in 2005. They amicably split in 2007. (Photo: Sylvain Gaboury via Getty Images)
Michelle Williams and Heath Ledger at the "Casanova" premiere in New York City in 2005. They amicably split in 2007. (Photo: Sylvain Gaboury via Getty Images)

Busy Philipps is an authority on many things — Instagram Stories, those trampoline workout classes that make us sweat just from watching and, of course, her best friend, Michelle Williams.

Philipps, whose late-night talk show premieres on E! this month, has been fiercely protective of the “Venom” star ever since their “Dawson’s Creek” days but is now opening up about their friendship in a new memoir, This Will Only Hurt a Little.

While Williams has been reluctant to speak about her relationship with Heath Ledger, Philipps has shed some light on their romance, revealing that she always believed they would end up together, even after splitting up.

“He and Michelle were in the process of separating at that point, and I felt sad for both of them but weirdly like something would be figured out and it wasn’t the end of the story for them,” Philipps wrote in her memoir, according to People.

Busy Philipps, Williams and Ledger at Governors Ball in Los Angeles after the 2006 Academy Awards. Williams and Ledger were nominated that year for best supporting actress and best actor for "Brokeback Mountain." (Photo: J. Vespa via Getty Images)
Busy Philipps, Williams and Ledger at Governors Ball in Los Angeles after the 2006 Academy Awards. Williams and Ledger were nominated that year for best supporting actress and best actor for "Brokeback Mountain." (Photo: J. Vespa via Getty Images)

“They were so young and that baby was the light of both of their lives,” she continues. “They were just working all the time and it was complicated.”

Williams and Ledger met on the set of “Brokeback Mountain” and dated for three years, welcoming daughter Matilda Rose in 2005. But they amicably split in September 2007, four months before Ledger died of an accidental drug overdose.

“S— is always complicated. Especially when you’re twenty-eight. And movie stars. With a baby,” added Philipps, who is godmother to their daughter.

While Williams once remarked that having “a storybook family life” wasn’t in the cards for her after Ledger’s death, she has since found love with musician Phil Elverum.

The two secretly tied the knot in an intimate ceremony this summer, she revealed in a moving Vanity Fair profile about finding love after loss.

She also opened up about how she keeps Ledger’s memory alive for her daughter, who was only 2 years old at the time of his death.

“I never gave up on love,” Williams said. “I always say to Matilda, ‘Your dad loved me before anybody thought I was talented, or pretty, or had nice clothes.’”

The four-time Academy Award nominee has taken on sharing her story in hopes that it may provide some comfort to others having trouble moving on after the death of a loved one.

“I don’t really want to talk about any of it,” she told Vanity Fair. “But there’s that tease, that lure, that’s like, ‘What if this helps somebody? What if somebody who has always journeyed in this way, who has struggled as much as I struggled, and looked as much as I looked, finds something that helps them?’”

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Style Evolution: Michelle Williams

Halloween H2O Premiere in L.A., 1998  The actress donned a strapless dress, marabou-feather embellished sandals, skinny black choker and a curly 'do for one of her earliest red carpet appearances.
Halloween H2O Premiere in L.A., 1998 The actress donned a strapless dress, marabou-feather embellished sandals, skinny black choker and a curly 'do for one of her earliest red carpet appearances.

Style Evolution: Michelle Williams

1999 Emmy Awards  The Dawson's Creek star hasn't yet hit her sartorial stride in this spangly pink dress and wavy, unkempt 'do at the Emmy Awards in 1999.
1999 Emmy Awards The Dawson's Creek star hasn't yet hit her sartorial stride in this spangly pink dress and wavy, unkempt 'do at the Emmy Awards in 1999.

Style Evolution: Michelle Williams

The 7th Annual Lucy Awards, 2000  Michelle makes another fashion misstep in this sheer top and flip-flops (flip-flops!) at The 7th Annual Lucy Awards celebrating Women in Film.
The 7th Annual Lucy Awards, 2000 Michelle makes another fashion misstep in this sheer top and flip-flops (flip-flops!) at The 7th Annual Lucy Awards celebrating Women in Film.

Style Evolution: Michelle Williams

Me Without You premiere, New York, 2002  My, how things have changed. Back in 2002, Williams' laidback premiere style consisted of a black cotton dress and a pair of scuffed-up Converse trainers.
Me Without You premiere, New York, 2002 My, how things have changed. Back in 2002, Williams' laidback premiere style consisted of a black cotton dress and a pair of scuffed-up Converse trainers.

Style Evolution: Michelle Williams

61st Venice Film Festival, 2004  Eek! The star attended the screening of her film, Land of Plenty, at the Venice Film Festival in 2004 leaving something to be desired in this ill-fitting teal dress and brown tights.
61st Venice Film Festival, 2004 Eek! The star attended the screening of her film, Land of Plenty, at the Venice Film Festival in 2004 leaving something to be desired in this ill-fitting teal dress and brown tights.

Style Evolution: Michelle Williams

Brokeback Mountain premiere, New York, 2005  The star ups the style quotient at the premiere of her film Brokeback Mountain in New York, and looks adorable in an Oscar de la Renta prom dress.
Brokeback Mountain premiere, New York, 2005 The star ups the style quotient at the premiere of her film Brokeback Mountain in New York, and looks adorable in an Oscar de la Renta prom dress.

Style Evolution: Michelle Williams

The Motion Picture Club's Annual Luncheon, 2005  Michelle dresses her burgeoning baby bump in a peasant top and capri pants.
The Motion Picture Club's Annual Luncheon, 2005 Michelle dresses her burgeoning baby bump in a peasant top and capri pants.

Style Evolution: Michelle Williams

The Brothers Grimm premiere, Los Angeles, 2005  The star looks gorgeous (and glowing) on the red carpet as she shows off her pregnant belly.
The Brothers Grimm premiere, Los Angeles, 2005 The star looks gorgeous (and glowing) on the red carpet as she shows off her pregnant belly.

Style Evolution: Michelle Williams

78th Annual Academy Awards Nominees Luncheon, 2006  The star looks lovely in lace alongside boyfriend Heath Ledger at the Academy Award Nominees Luncheon (she was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Brokeback Mountain) in 2006.
78th Annual Academy Awards Nominees Luncheon, 2006 The star looks lovely in lace alongside boyfriend Heath Ledger at the Academy Award Nominees Luncheon (she was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Brokeback Mountain) in 2006.

Style Evolution: Michelle Williams

63rd Annual Golden Globe Awards, 2006  The star looked radiant in this tiered purple frock (with signature messy updo) at the Globes in 2006 - a grown-up glamour moment for Michelle.
63rd Annual Golden Globe Awards, 2006 The star looked radiant in this tiered purple frock (with signature messy updo) at the Globes in 2006 - a grown-up glamour moment for Michelle.

Style Evolution: Michelle Williams

12th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards, 2006  Michelle looked gorgeous in this white Proenza Schouler frock alongside Heath Ledger (who complemented her perfectly in his all-black suit) at the SAG Awards in 2006.
12th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards, 2006 Michelle looked gorgeous in this white Proenza Schouler frock alongside Heath Ledger (who complemented her perfectly in his all-black suit) at the SAG Awards in 2006.

Style Evolution: Michelle Williams

78th Annual Academy Awards, 2006  With one mustard-hued Vera Wang dress, Michelle planted herself firmly in high-fashion territory. Not only was this exquisite Oscar look the best of the night, it was easily one of the best Oscar looks of all time.
78th Annual Academy Awards, 2006 With one mustard-hued Vera Wang dress, Michelle planted herself firmly in high-fashion territory. Not only was this exquisite Oscar look the best of the night, it was easily one of the best Oscar looks of all time.

Style Evolution: Michelle Williams

Strolling in Brooklyn with her daughter, Matilda Rose, 2006  Michelle is a chic mum-about-town in her check print poncho as she takes her daughter for a walk in Brooklyn, NY.
Strolling in Brooklyn with her daughter, Matilda Rose, 2006 Michelle is a chic mum-about-town in her check print poncho as she takes her daughter for a walk in Brooklyn, NY.

Style Evolution: Michelle Williams

Whitney Gala celebrating Pablo Picasso and American Art, 2006  Michelle chose this playful, tiered yellow Behnaz Sarafpour dress for the Whitney gala in 2006.
Whitney Gala celebrating Pablo Picasso and American Art, 2006 Michelle chose this playful, tiered yellow Behnaz Sarafpour dress for the Whitney gala in 2006.

Style Evolution: Michelle Williams

Strolling around Soho, 2006 Michelle earns her fashion stripes in this simple-chic street style look as she hits Soho to look at baby shops.
Strolling around Soho, 2006 Michelle earns her fashion stripes in this simple-chic street style look as she hits Soho to look at baby shops.

Style Evolution: Michelle Williams

New York Film Festival, 2007 Williams went for the chop in 2007, cutting her hair into a sweet pixie crop that has become her trademark style.
New York Film Festival, 2007 Williams went for the chop in 2007, cutting her hair into a sweet pixie crop that has become her trademark style.

Style Evolution: Michelle Williams

22nd Annual Film Independent Spirit Awards, Santa Monica, 2007 The star debuted an even shorter pixie crop - and showed off some serious style savvy in this heavily embellished Chloe frock - at the Film Independent Spirit Awards in 2007. She's channelling a young Mia Farrow, and it's totally working.
22nd Annual Film Independent Spirit Awards, Santa Monica, 2007 The star debuted an even shorter pixie crop - and showed off some serious style savvy in this heavily embellished Chloe frock - at the Film Independent Spirit Awards in 2007. She's channelling a young Mia Farrow, and it's totally working.

Style Evolution: Michelle Williams

61st International Film Festival, Cannes, 2008  Williams channels the Roaring Twenties (complete with Marcel waves) in this delicately draped Chanel Haute Couture dress at the premiere of her film Wendy and Lucy during the Cannes Film Festival in 2008.
61st International Film Festival, Cannes, 2008 Williams channels the Roaring Twenties (complete with Marcel waves) in this delicately draped Chanel Haute Couture dress at the premiere of her film Wendy and Lucy during the Cannes Film Festival in 2008.

Style Evolution: Michelle Williams

The Cinema Society and Mulberry screening of Synecdoche New York, 2008  The star shows off an edgy look in an Alexander Wang mini and black booties at the Synecdoche, New York premiere in 2008.
The Cinema Society and Mulberry screening of Synecdoche New York, 2008 The star shows off an edgy look in an Alexander Wang mini and black booties at the Synecdoche, New York premiere in 2008.

Style Evolution: Michelle Williams

Strolling around Brooklyn, 2009  Michelle's street style look is a laidback but still fashionable combo of leather bomber, skinny jeans, and ballet flats.
Strolling around Brooklyn, 2009 Michelle's street style look is a laidback but still fashionable combo of leather bomber, skinny jeans, and ballet flats.

Style Evolution: Michelle Williams

International Film Festival Berlinale, Berlin, 2010  At the photocall for her film Shutter Island, a longer-haired Michelle looked adorable embracing androgynous style in this tuxedo-style dress.
International Film Festival Berlinale, Berlin, 2010 At the photocall for her film Shutter Island, a longer-haired Michelle looked adorable embracing androgynous style in this tuxedo-style dress.

Style Evolution: Michelle Williams

63rd International Film Festival, Cannes, 2010  At the Blue Valentine photo call in Cannes in 2010, Michelle rocked a Suno mini-dress and platforms. She also updated her 'do - another pixie cut, this time blonder and with a blunt fringe.
63rd International Film Festival, Cannes, 2010 At the Blue Valentine photo call in Cannes in 2010, Michelle rocked a Suno mini-dress and platforms. She also updated her 'do - another pixie cut, this time blonder and with a blunt fringe.

Style Evolution: Michelle Williams

54th BFI London Film Festival premiere of Blue Valentine, 2010  The star led the trend for spring 2010's colourful lace obsession in this red lace Erdem frock and chic platinum blonde hairstyle.
54th BFI London Film Festival premiere of Blue Valentine, 2010 The star led the trend for spring 2010's colourful lace obsession in this red lace Erdem frock and chic platinum blonde hairstyle.

Style Evolution: Michelle Williams

68th Annual Golden Globe Awards, 2011  Yeeps! The star makes a rare fashion misstep on the red carpet in this floral-bedecked Valentino sack at the Globes in 2011.
68th Annual Golden Globe Awards, 2011 Yeeps! The star makes a rare fashion misstep on the red carpet in this floral-bedecked Valentino sack at the Globes in 2011.

Style Evolution: Michelle Williams

83rd Annual Academy Awards, 2011   She doesn't take home the Best Actress statue at the Oscars, but she does redeem herself in the sartorial stakes in this pearl-encrusted Chanel column dress that has her looking like Old Hollywood royalty.
83rd Annual Academy Awards, 2011 She doesn't take home the Best Actress statue at the Oscars, but she does redeem herself in the sartorial stakes in this pearl-encrusted Chanel column dress that has her looking like Old Hollywood royalty.

Style Evolution: Michelle Williams

Metropolitan Museum Costume Institute Benefit Gala celebrating Alexander McQueen, New York, 2011  The star looked gorgeous in this bird-printed Miu Miu gown at the Met Gala in 2011.
Metropolitan Museum Costume Institute Benefit Gala celebrating Alexander McQueen, New York, 2011 The star looked gorgeous in this bird-printed Miu Miu gown at the Met Gala in 2011.

Style Evolution: Michelle Williams

Posing for a portrait in L.A., 2011    The star's now-signature look: adorable pixie crop, retro-style neckline (in this case, a Peter Pan collar), and feminine-yet-boyish style are captured in this portrait.
Posing for a portrait in L.A., 2011 The star's now-signature look: adorable pixie crop, retro-style neckline (in this case, a Peter Pan collar), and feminine-yet-boyish style are captured in this portrait.

Style Evolution: Michelle Williams

New York Film Festival premiere of My Week With Marilyn, 2011  The star steers away from her traditional high-necked red carpet formula and opts for a plunge-neck Dior dress on the red carpet - perhaps playing Marilyn has had its influence on the star's real-life wardrobe?
New York Film Festival premiere of My Week With Marilyn, 2011 The star steers away from her traditional high-necked red carpet formula and opts for a plunge-neck Dior dress on the red carpet - perhaps playing Marilyn has had its influence on the star's real-life wardrobe?

Style Evolution: Michelle Williams

23rd Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards Gala, 2012  The star debuts a strawberry blonde crop for the New Year, and works her magic in Miu Miu's high-necked pearl-encrusted bodice dress.
23rd Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards Gala, 2012 The star debuts a strawberry blonde crop for the New Year, and works her magic in Miu Miu's high-necked pearl-encrusted bodice dress.

Style Evolution: Michelle Williams

17th Annual Critics Choice Awards, 2012  Once again, Michelle proves she can be phenomenal on the red carpet in this black-and-white Chanel gown, which oozes Old Hollywood glamour. The line between her and her on-screen alter-ego Marilyn is starting to blur...
17th Annual Critics Choice Awards, 2012 Once again, Michelle proves she can be phenomenal on the red carpet in this black-and-white Chanel gown, which oozes Old Hollywood glamour. The line between her and her on-screen alter-ego Marilyn is starting to blur...

Style Evolution: Michelle Williams

69th Annual Golden Globe Awards, 2012  Michelle's at the top of her fashion game in this velvet Jason Wu frock and vintage Fred Leighton headband. She's also in top acting form having won the Golden Globe for her portrayal of Marilyn Monroe in My Week with Marilyn.
69th Annual Golden Globe Awards, 2012 Michelle's at the top of her fashion game in this velvet Jason Wu frock and vintage Fred Leighton headband. She's also in top acting form having won the Golden Globe for her portrayal of Marilyn Monroe in My Week with Marilyn.

Style Evolution: Michelle Williams

SAG Awards, 2012  Williams wowed in a red lace Valentino design at the 2012 SAG Awards.
SAG Awards, 2012 Williams wowed in a red lace Valentino design at the 2012 SAG Awards.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost.