Heath Ledger's sister Kate gets emotional watching his documentary footage: 'I screamed and cried'
By Jessa Schroeder
With the highly anticipated documentary "I Am Heath Ledger" set to premiere next week, loved ones close to the late actor are feeling a slew of mixed emotions.
Ledger's sister, Kate, opened up during an interview on Australian news television panel "The Project" about how difficult is was for her to watch new clips from the film, which featured her brother in the days, months and years prior to his tragic passing.
"I think I screamed and cried through the whole first viewing. It's quite a cathartic experience, I think, especially for our family," Kate revealed in the segment.
The actress said much of the sensitive detail provided for the documentary was given to directors Derik Murray and Adrian Buitenhuis from outside sources.
Heath Ledger attends award show in 1999 in Sydney with sister Kate. (Patrick Riviere/Getty Images)
"None of the footage that's shown in the film actually came from the family. In fact, I didn't know it was in there until I saw it myself," she added.
The late Australian actor and director was discovered unconscious in his SoHo apartment on Jan. 22, 2008 by his housekeeper. A toxicology report showed Ledger died from an accidental overdose of combination of prescription medication oxycodone, hydrocodone, diazepam, temazepam, alprazolam and doxylamine.
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Ledger was acclaimed for his iconic roles in such films as "The Patriot," "A Knight's Tale," "Brokeback Mountain," and "The Dark Knight."
Shortly before his passing, Ledger completed filming for his role as the Joker in the award-winning film "The Dark Knight."
He posthumously earned the award for Best Supporting Actor in the film at the 2009 Academy Awards.
"I Am Heath Ledger" will feature rare home and work life videos and images of the admired star, including raw interviews by some of the performer's closest friends and co-workers.
The documentary will premiere May 17 on Spike.
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