Heath Ledger’s Family & Castmates Pay Tribute at Dark Knight Premiere

Posted on July 16, 2008

The family of Heath Ledger, the Australian actor who died seven months ago from an accidental prescription drug overdose, made the long and emotional journey to New York for the premiere of The Dark Knight, the latest in the Batman series and the last film Heath Ledger completed.

Heath Ledger’s family and co-stars paid tribute at the Dark Knight premiere, with everyone saying Heath should win an Academy Award as best-supporting actor for his portrayal of the Joker character.

Ledger is now widely tipped to win a posthumous Oscar for his role as The Joker.

Ledger’s family – his father Kim, sister Kate and mother Sally Bell and stepmother Ines – all attended the New York premiere along with his long-time ex-girlfriend actress Naomi Watts.

Heath Ledger’s father, Kim Ledger, described the experience as ‘bittersweet.’

Actress Michelle Williams, the mother of his daughter Matilda, had announced before the screening that she would not be attending.

Kim Ledger showed his approval for the movie and his son’s performance by giving a thumbs-up as he left the showing.

Heath’s “Dark Knight” co-stars had plenty of great things to say about the awesome actor.

“Working with Heath was fantastic,” said Christian Bale, 34, who reprises his role as the Caped Crusader. “He steals the movie and I’m quite happy to say that. He’s a hell of a talent and created a Joker that’s very iconic and one that will become a classic portrayal of the ages.”

Actor Michael Caine said of Heath:

“When we were sitting down between takes, he was completely ordinary,” Caine, talking about Heath, told People Magazine. “He wasn’t preparing himself or saying ‘Please leave me alone, I’ve gotta do this.’ Instead he was talking to me. We would sit and chat and have a cup of coffee, then suddenly they’d say, ‘We’re ready, Heath,’ and he’d go straight into the Joker. His energy was astonishing, especially when it came from this kind of calm. He’s certainly the best villain I’ve ever seen.”

As a huge Heath Ledger fan, he was such an awesome actor and is so dearly missed.