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Julia Stiles was surprised by the strength of her emotions while preparing to honor her late 10 Things I Hate About You costar Heath Ledger on Dancing With the Stars. The actor revisited one of the most beloved moments from the 1999 romantic comedy during the show’s emotional Dedication Night.
Julia Stiles Delivers a Powerful Heath Ledger Tribute
On Tuesday’s episode, Stiles and professional dance partner Ezra Sosa performed a contemporary routine to Frankie Valli’s “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.” The song carries deep meaning for fans of 10 Things I Hate About You, as it featured prominently in the movie’s famous stadium scene.
In that memorable sequence, Ledger’s character, Patrick Verona, serenades Stiles’ character, Kat Stratford, from the bleachers at her high school. The playful yet heartfelt moment became one of the film’s defining scenes and helped cement the movie’s lasting popularity.
At the conclusion of the performance, Stiles was joined by five of her former costars: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Larisa Oleynik, Andrew Keegan, Susan May Pratt and Gabrielle Union. The group stood together with their arms around one another as they faced an image of Ledger on stage.
The tribute honored Ledger, who died in January 2008 at age 28 from an accidental overdose of prescription drugs. His death remains a painful subject for many fans, particularly those who grew up watching his early performances and later celebrated his acclaimed film career.
A “Special Moment in Time” for Julia Stiles
Before the performance, Stiles told People that she had not expected the preparation process to affect her so deeply. She explained that watching clips from the movie, seeing old photographs and hearing the cast’s voices brought back powerful memories.
“I know watching the show how emotional Dedication Night is,” Stiles said, according to People. “But I thought, ‘Oh, I’m distanced enough from it. The movie was so many years ago.’ But something about watching clips from that movie, seeing our pictures, hearing our voices is bringing up a lot.”
Stiles also described making the film with Ledger as a “special moment in time.” She said she was grateful that audiences still care about the movie, while acknowledging the sadness of celebrating it without Ledger.
In a previous interview with E! News, Stiles remembered Ledger as “such a bright light.” She said his kindness helped her feel comfortable while taking on her first major leading role, adding that he could walk into a room and immediately “light it up.”
10 Things I Hate About You Cast Reunites on DWTS
The emotional tribute marked another reunion for the cast, who have remained closely associated with the enduring teen classic. The film, directed by Gil Junger, also starred Gordon-Levitt, Oleynik, Keegan, Pratt and Union in roles that continue to resonate with viewers decades later.
Stiles’ appearance on Dancing With the Stars has repeatedly drawn on her most recognizable movie roles. During the previous week’s episode, she performed a jazz routine inspired by her 2001 dance drama Save the Last Dance.
That performance featured a surprise appearance by former costar Sean Patrick Thomas and earned Stiles and Sosa 33 out of 40 points. Stiles later said the response from viewers meant a great deal to her because fans were still enjoying the film many years after its release.
“It is a dream for any performer to have people care,” she said, describing the routine as a second chance to revisit an important part of her career.
Other Emotional Moments From Dedication Night
Stiles was one of 10 celebrities honoring people or places that shaped their lives during the episode. Tatyana Ali paid tribute to her late Fresh Prince of Bel-Air costar James Avery with a Viennese waltz.
Jenna Dewan honored her mother, Nancy, with a Viennese waltz to “Unchained Melody,” performed with substitute partner Alan Bersten. Val Chmerkovskiy was suspended for the week after referencing the 2022 Oscars incident involving Will Smith in a since-deleted social media post.
Other performances included Harry Shum Jr. dedicating a foxtrot to his wife, Shelby, and Maura Higgins celebrating her home country of Ireland with a paso doble. Former professional dancer Kym Johnson returned as a guest judge.
For Stiles, however, the night belonged to Ledger and the movie that brought them together. The performance offered longtime fans a moving reminder of the film’s cultural impact, while giving the cast an opportunity to remember a beloved colleague publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Julia Stiles perform on Dancing With the Stars?
Julia Stiles and Ezra Sosa performed a contemporary dance to Frankie Valli’s “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” during Dedication Night.
Why was the song meaningful to Heath Ledger fans?
The song was used in the famous stadium serenade scene from 10 Things I Hate About You, in which Ledger’s character sings to Stiles’ character.
Which 10 Things I Hate About You costars joined Julia Stiles?
Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Larisa Oleynik, Andrew Keegan, Susan May Pratt and Gabrielle Union joined Stiles after her performance.
When did Heath Ledger die?
Heath Ledger died in January 2008 at age 28 from an accidental overdose of prescription drugs.
