Rose Byrne judges Heath Ledger Scholarship and recalls his generosity to her

Heath Ledger Scholarship judge and leading lady Rose Byrne has paid tribute to the late actor’s generosity to young Australian actors in LA, including herself.

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AUSSIE actor Rose Byrne has opened up about her friendship with Heath Ledger.

This year Byrne is on the judging panel for the Heath Ledger scholarship, which is now in its 10th year and worth $US30,000.

Heath Ledger with Rose Byrne in Las Vegas in 1999.

It will be announced in Los Angeles this week.

The Bridesmaids star said she fondly remembers her time in LA with the late actor.

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“Heath was so generous when any young Aussies would come to LA. You always had a place to stay,” she said, “and he got me auditions on the projects which he was working on.”

Byrne said that The Dark Knight star made a real mark on the industry.

Byrne said Ledger’s home was always open to any Aussie actor new to LA and needing somewhere to sleep.

“He forged an amazing reputation in Hollywood. He paved the way for so many Aussies who have come after him,” she said.

“The Ledger family has done an amazing job at keeping his legacy going and making sure they give back.

“They honour his path and what he did very well.”

Byrne says the Ledger family has done an amazing job honouring his path.

Byrne said this year’s finalists for the Heath Ledger Scholarship were very talented.

“It is very hard to judge. I am incredibly torn because the finalists are really excellent,” she said.

“Many of them have been working a lot and just need that kickstart.

Byrne and Ledger in the 1999 film Two Hands.

Ledger with his partner Michelle Williams in 2012. Picture: Getty Images

“There are plenty of actors who are very talented trying to make it in Hollywood. The more help you can get, the more guidance, then the better your chances are.

“I wish there was something similar around when I was starting out.”

Byrne judged alongside Elizabeth Debicki, Matt Damon and Naomi Watts.

Rose Byrne in New York in September 2018. Picture: Getty Images

She is disappointed that she will not be able to attend the announcement of the winner at the famous Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles this Friday.

A string of A-list Aussie and American names are expected to turn out for the event.