Actress Julia Stiles experienced an unexpectedly emotional journey while preparing to honor her late co-star, Heath Ledger, during week 6 of Dancing With the Stars. Taking to the ballroom floor for Dedication Night, Stiles performed a contemporary routine alongside her professional partner, Ezra Sosa. The dance was set to Frankie Valli’s classic 1967 track “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.” The song holds deep significance for fans of the 1999 romantic comedy 10 Things I Hate About You, in which Ledger famously sang the tune to Stiles’ character, Kat Stratford, in an iconic bleacher scene.
Reflecting on the rehearsal process prior to the live show, Stiles admitted that looking back at archival footage and hearing Ledger’s voice again brought back powerful memories. Speaking at the InStyle Imagemaker Awards in Los Angeles, she revealed that the preparation hit her much harder than she initially anticipated. “I was crying in rehearsals today,” she told reporters. She explained that watching old clips and images proved to be overwhelming after so many years.
During her introductory video package on the Tuesday, October 20 episode, a visibly emotional Stiles spoke candidly about her bond with Ledger during the filming of their breakout movie. “We made 10 Things I Hate About You together. I learned a lot from Heath. He was so authentic,” she recalled. She also expressed a poignant sense of loss regarding the film’s enduring legacy, noting how much she wished she could share its lasting popularity with him directly.
The tribute featured several distinct callbacks to the beloved teen film. For the routine, Stiles wore a blue dress reminiscent of her character’s prom attire. The performance blended somber remembrance with joyful celebration, capturing the vibrant energy Ledger brought to the original film. At the end of the contemporary routine, the emotional resonance deepened as the character’s famous poetry monologue played. This moment culminated in a strong score of 36 out of 40, representing Stiles’ highest judges’ score of the season.
Reflecting on a Legacy and a Special Goodbye
Throughout the years, Stiles has consistently spoken warmly about working with Ledger. She described him as a bright, generous presence during her very first leading role in a major studio film. Following his tragic death in January 2008 at the age of 28 from an accidental overdose, the actress has often shared fond memories of their time on set. These memories include a heartfelt goodbye note he wrote her on hotel stationery during production.
When asked what motivated her to join the grueling dance competition at age 45, Stiles joked that hitting the midpoint toward 90 made her realize it was time to face her fears. Wanting to rediscover the raw joy of performing before a live audience, she chose to step into the ballroom despite initial nerves. She ultimately created a night of television that resonated deeply with both longtime fans and a new generation of viewers.
