HE was famous for his prodigious acting talent and on-screen charisma.

Now Heath Ledger’s family want people to get to know the man behind the movie star.

Next year, the public will get to see a display of some of the late Perth actor’s most cherished possessions, memorabilia and mementos.

Some of the items include his Academy Award, BAFTA and Golden Globe for his penultimate role as The Joker in The Dark Knight, his Joker and Brokeback Mountain costumes, his personalised script for the The Dark Knight and perhaps the most insightful piece – the diary he kept while preparing for the iconic villainous role.

His Guildford Grammar blazer, his many cameras and photographs as well as his prized Ducati and Harley-Davidson motorcycles give a glimpse of his personal life.

Camera Icon Heath Ledger. Credit: Supplied

Camera Icon Heath Ledger. Credit: Supplied, Bob Riha Jr

Reminiscing yesterday over the pieces they hadn’t seen in years – each with its own story – his father Kim Ledger, mother Sally Bell and sisters Kate and Olivia Ledger said the exhibition would celebrate the actor’s life, his passions and the mark he made around the world. Ledger died in January 2008 at the age of 28 from a prescription drug overdose.

Mr Ledger said despite the fact his son was a “very private individual” he did not think he would disagree with what the family was doing in collaboration with the WA Museum and Art Gallery of WA.

Camera Icon Heaths script for the Joker. Credit: News Limited, Justin Benson-Cooper

He said Ledger’s daughter Matilda, now 11, had not seen these items or been involved in the process, but she and her mother, Michelle Williams, had given their blessings.

“Michelle has done a pretty good job of keeping Matilda growing up as a young girl not being affected by anything around her which is lovely but I’m sure she will bring her daddy into her life film-wise when she feel it’s right and that time might be fairly close ...” he said. “At the end of the day, this (exhibition) benefits his little girl because it would just be an amazing piece when she turns 21 and gets it all.”

Camera Icon The Ledger family to announce a world-first exhibition celebrating actor Heath Ledger's life and career. Credit: News Limited, Justin Benson-Cooper

Mr Ledger said it was bittersweet having so much recognition for his son, because it was also a tragic reminder of him not being here anymore.

Heath’s mother joked even the family continued to learn things about him, especially his multifaceted creative side.

“It’s emotional for us as well because every time we see that’s our boy, but he’s not here. But it’s a great honour that everyone’s bestowing upon him and it’s just wonderful that he’s held in such high regard,” Ms Bell said.

Ledger’s early life in Perth will also feature prominently. “A boy from Perth doing what he did just shows all kids today that if you want something bad enough you can do whatever,” his sister Kate added.

Camera Icon Heaths' jacket from Brokeback Mountain. Credit: News Limited, Justin Benson-Cooper

Camera Icon Heaths' Guildford Grammer blazer. Credit: News Limited, Justin Benson-Cooper

Younger sister Olivia said although the exhibition was amazing, it was not even close to having her jokester of a big brother in the flesh.

“I think a lot of Australians feel a sense of connectivity to him because he was so real,” she said.

Culture and Arts Minister John Day said the exhibition would be an exciting window into the personal and professional lives of “one of WA’s much-loved sons”.

Heath Ledger: A Life in Pictures will be free and run from October 2017 to January 2018 at the Art Gallery of WA.