(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-03-04 10:19

Gemma Ward

Heath Ledger's last girlfriend Gemma Ward has paid tribute to the late actor in her first interview since his death in January.

The Australian model credits Ledger with helping her discover acting and describes how he always "operated from the heart."

Ward tells the Sydney Morning Herald, "He really, really knew that if he was going to make a decision to be in a film, then he needed to be really committed to it. He operated from heart.

"He wasn't afraid to fight with people; he wasn't afraid to piss people off. He told me to always be a punk and stand up for yourself."

Ledger was found dead in his New York apartment on Jan. 22 after suffering an accidental drug overdose.