Heath Ledger Costars Reminisce At Premiere, Family Attends

Heath Ledger's family attended Monday's The Dark Knight premiere in New York, where the late actor's father left the theater giving a thumbs-up sign.

Kim Ledger and his wife Ines - Heath's stepmother - bypassed the red carpet and ducked into the theater to watch his late son play The Joker in the latest Batman film.

Also attending the premiere were Heath's mother Sally Bell and her husband, and Heath's older sister, Kate.

As his father Kim left, he was asked how it felt to attend, responding with the thumbs-up. He also told reporters it was "very good."

Heath Ledger's costars, meanwhile, used the occasion to pay tribute to him.

"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."

Michael Caine, 75, who plays butler Alfred Pennyworth in the film, which opens July 18, noted the "intensity and ferocity of the performance."

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