Naomi Watts pays tribute to late actor Heath Ledger 10 years on from actor's tragic death

Naomi Watts has paid tribute to late actor and “beautiful soul” Heath Ledger on the 10th anniversary of his death.

Watts dated the actor – who went on to date Michelle Williams - from 2002 to 2004.

Ledger tragically passed away aged 28 following an accidental overdose of prescription drugs, just months after his split from Williams.

Posting a picture of Ledger on her Instagram page on Monday, Watts wrote: “Thinking about this beautiful soul today. 10 years ago he left this world. He was a true original.

“Heart always on his sleeve, with the most powerful charisma, strength, humor and talent. I will never forget his gentle spirit.”

Following Watts split from Ledger, she found love with Liev Schreiber whom she spent 11 years with before splitting in September 2016.

Ledger’s romance with Williams blossomed after they met on the set of Brokeback Mountain.

The couple were together for three years and have a daughter Matilda, now 12.

Matilda’s godparents Busy Philipps and Jake Gyllenhaal also remembered Ledger a decade on while attending the Sundance Film Festival.

Gyllenhaal told E! News: "I think Heath meant a lot to a lot of people, the people who were fans and the people who saw his work and were moved by his work and the people who knew him as a person. He was just an incredible force and is still missed."