Ledger's family attends 'Knight' premiere

NEW YORK, July 15 (UPI) -- Heath Ledger's parents and sister attended the New York premiere of the late actor's movie, "The Dark Knight," but reportedly didn't walk the press line.

People.com said Ledger's father, Kim, gave a thumbs-up sign and told reporters it felt "very good" to attend the event as he exited the Manhattan theater after the screening Monday night.

Heath Ledger, who died of an accidental prescription drug overdose in January, plays the villainous Joker in "The Dark Knight." His family traveled from Australia to celebrate his memory at the star-studded premiere.

Also attending the screening were Christian Bale, who plays Batman in the film, as well as his co-stars Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, Aaron Eckhart and Maggie Gyllenhaal.

Kim Ledger issued a statement to People.com Tuesday that said: "'The Dark Knight' is everything we hoped it would be and more. Heath loved the experience of creating this character and working on the film. We are so proud of our boy."