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DWTS: How Julia Stiles Pulled Off Her '10 Things I Hate About You' Reunion Tribute to Heath Ledger
Julia Stiles brought nostalgia, friendship and heartfelt emotion to Dancing With the Stars as she honored her late co-star Heath Ledger with a special tribute inspired by their beloved 1999 romantic comedy, 10 Things I Hate About You.
During the show's Dedication Night on Tuesday, October 20, Stiles performed alongside professional dance partner Ezra Sosa before being joined onstage by several of her former castmates. The reunion included Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Gabrielle Union, Andrew Keegan, Larisa Oleynik and Susan May Pratt, creating an emotional moment for fans of the iconic teen film.
Following the performance, Stiles and Sosa spoke with Entertainment Tonight correspondent Denny Directo about the tribute, the planning behind the reunion and the memories that made the evening so meaningful.
How Julia Stiles Brought the Cast Back Together
Stiles said she wanted the tribute to represent the entire cast rather than just one person from the film. She personally reached out to her former co-stars, asking them to take part in the special moment honoring Ledger.
“I begged them, each and every one of them, and they all rallied,” Stiles told Variety after the performance.
The actress explained that everyone came together to make the reunion happen, with cast members encouraging one another to participate. Their willingness to return for the tribute reflected the lasting connection they share from making the film nearly three decades ago.
David Krumholtz, who also appeared in the original movie, was unable to attend because he was filming a project in New York.
Recreating an Iconic Movie Moment
For the tribute, Stiles and Sosa performed a contemporary routine to Frankie Valli's “Can't Take My Eyes Off You,” the same song Ledger famously sang to Stiles' character, Kat Stratford, in 10 Things I Hate About You.
The performance incorporated visual references to the film, including a blue dress reminiscent of the one Stiles wore as Kat. It also echoed the memorable scene in which Ledger's character, Patrick Verona, serenades Kat from the bleachers.
At the conclusion of the dance, a photograph of Stiles and Ledger appeared on the screen. Stiles placed a rose near the image before turning to discover her former castmates standing behind her.
The actors gathered together, creating a moving tribute to Ledger and the film that helped launch several of their careers.
Remembering Heath Ledger's Lasting Impact
Ledger died in January 2008 at age 28. More than 18 years later, his performance in 10 Things I Hate About You remains one of his most beloved roles.
Stiles has described Ledger as a bright, playful presence who made the film set a memorable place to work. She said he had a way of bringing out the best in the people around him and helping everyone shine.
Preparing for the performance brought back memories that Stiles had not expected to feel so intensely. Revisiting scenes from the movie and hearing their voices again made the experience especially emotional.
The actress also reflected on how meaningful it was to return to a film that continues to resonate with audiences years after its release.
A Reunion That Celebrated Friendship and Film History
The tribute earned Stiles and Sosa a score of 36 out of 40 from the judges. Beyond the competition, however, the performance celebrated a movie that continues to hold a special place in popular culture.
For Stiles, bringing her former co-stars together was a way to honor Ledger's legacy while recognizing the friendships and memories they built during filming.
The reunion offered longtime fans a rare look at the actors together again, reminding audiences why 10 Things I Hate About You remains a favorite for generations of movie lovers.
Dancing With the Stars airs on ABC, with episodes available to stream on Disney+ and Hulu.
Source: ET
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