Julia Stiles reunites with 10 Things I Hate About You cast for emotional tribute to Heath Ledger on Dancing with the Stars
Julia Stiles put on an emotional performance during tonight’s episode of Dancing with the Stars as she paid tribute to Heath Ledger, with a surprise appearance from the 10 Things I Hate About You cast.
The 45-year-old actor starred as Kat Stratford in 1999 teen romcom alongside Ledger who played her love interest Patrick Verona.
The pair were still in their teens when they filmed the movie and Stiles has previously spoken about how close the whole cast were and what a joy it was to work alongside the late actor.
“He just walked into the room and lit it up,” she told E! News last year.
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“He was very kind and generous to me.
“Which, you know, when you’re an actress in your first leading role in a big studio movie, you need to feel comfortable with the other person. And he was very generous that way.”
Tonight, Dancing with the Stars had its Dedications Week and Stiles shared that her performance would be in tribute to Ledger, who passed away in January 2008 aged just 28.
Speaking ahead of tonight’s show, Stiles and her professional dance partner Ezra Sosa said: "I don’t think we’ve ever approached a performance with more care, sensitivity, and intention than this one.
"From the very beginning it was incredibly important to both Julia and I that this tribute be created with the utmost respect, thoughtfulness, and close guidance from those who hold Heath and his memory closest.
“This isn’t about defining a relationship or telling a story that isn’t ours to tell. It’s about honoring a beautiful moment in time, a film that changed so many lives, and someone whose impact continues to be felt by generations.
“We’ve poured so much love into this piece, and we’re incredibly grateful for the trust placed in us to bring it to life. Our only hope is that it honours his memory with the dignity, love, and respect it deserves."
In a clip shared before the dance on tonight’s episode, Stiles could be seen telling Sosa: “I learned a lot from Heath… It was so easy with him. I have so many great memories. I really wish I could pick up the phone, and be like, ‘Hey dude. People really care about that movie. We did something special.' And I can’t do that.”
The duo then danced to Frankie Valli’s Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You - a song Ledger’s Patrick famously serenaded Kat with in 10 Things I Hate About You - and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.
The routine ended with audio of Stiles reading the poem she recites in the movie, as her former co-stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Larisa Oleynik, Andrew Keegan, Gabrielle Union and Susan May Pratt joined her on the ballroom floor.
Viewers at home were also left feeling emotional with one posting on X: “I sobbed. So beautiful. Thank you, Julia and Ezra. The world misses Heath.”
Another said: “This is the best and most beautiful tribute dance for Heath. I loved the 10 Things I Hate About You cast reunion.”
While a third commented: “I miss Heath too. Beautiful performance!”
Stiles and Sosa were awarded four nines from the judges for their dance.
Topics: Heath Ledger, TV and Film
Claire Reid