Julia Stiles reunited with her former 10 Things I Hate About You co-stars to honour late actor Heath Ledger on Dancing With the Stars. During the show’s Dedication Night on October 20, Stiles performed a contemporary dance with professional partner Ezra Sosa. They danced to Frankie Valli’s “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” featured in the 1999 romantic comedy. Ledger’s character famously serenaded Stiles’ character, Kat Stratford, to the song in the film.
As the routine ended, a still of Stiles and Ledger appeared on screen alongside audio from Kat’s iconic “I Hate” poem. The emotional passage included her confession that she did not hate him, despite everything she claimed to dislike. Stiles then placed a rose in front of the image before joining her former castmates. Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Gabrielle Union, Andrew Keegan, Susan May Pratt and Larisa Oleynik stood together in a moving tribute.
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Speaking to People, Stiles, 45, said she and Sosa felt responsible for honouring Ledger respectfully. She explained that they wanted the performance to feel authentic and sincere. The actress also revealed how emotional the preparation became as they watched old clips and listened to audio from the film. Stiles said the rehearsals brought back many wonderful memories.
In an interview with Variety, Stiles said she personally asked each former castmate to join the tribute. She was grateful that they came together for the special moment. Their reunion added another emotional layer to the performance, connecting the film’s legacy with Ledger’s lasting impact. The tribute also reminded viewers of the bond shared by the cast.
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10 Things I Hate About You helped establish Ledger as a rising Hollywood star. The Australian actor died on January 22, 2008, at the age of 28 from an accidental overdose. His performance as Patrick Verona remains one of his best-known roles. Nearly two decades later, the film continues to resonate with audiences, making the tribute a heartfelt celebration of his memory.