Rhys Wakefield: 'Ledger paved the way'

Rhys Wakefield has credited Heath Ledger with opening doors in Hollywood for young Australian actors.

Speaking to Pop Eater, the Sanctum star recalled looking up to Ledger as both originally got their start on the soap Home and Away.

"I have a lot of mutual friends with Heath. I always admired his career, even before I got into acting," he explained.

"He paved the way for young Australian actors, I think. For me, anyway, 'cause he was part of my whole moviegoing generation. I saw every movie of his and could watch him grow on screen as an actor and as a person."

Wakefield added: "I think he's a brilliant actor - is and was. It's a tragedy."