Batman has SA roots
2008-07-23 14:45
Cape Town - Batman: The Dark Knight star Christian Bale's dad was born in South Africa and grew up in England and Egypt.
Throughout his life Bale was a vocal advocate for animal rights and served on the board of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International and of World Education for adult-learning programs in developing countries. He also was a board member of Ark Trust for raising public awareness for animal protection and rights.
According to Gloria Steinem, who he married in the US in 2000, " As a boy growing up in England he was sent to boarding schools. He felt abandoned," she said. "After that he always identified with others who were vulnerable or in need of help."
He was married thrice. He had a daughter, Erin from his first marriage to Sandra Bale in South Africa, and three children, Louise, Sharon, and Christian, from his second marriage to Jenny Bale in England.
Bale died from a brain lymphoma in 2003 at 62.
On Tuesday, Batman star Christian Bale denied allegations that he assaulted his mother and sister in a London hotel. His lawyers said that he handed himself over to police at the London police station and left without being charged.
Batman: The Dark Knight had a record opening in the US and was very well received at its European premiere.
Actor Heath Ledger has been tipped to be posthumously awarded an Oscar for his portrayal of super-villain The Joker in the film. Heath died of an accidental prescription drugs overdose in January, aged 28.