Actress Julia Stiles delivered one of the most emotional moments of the season during Dedication Night on Dancing With the Stars on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. Performing alongside professional dance partner Ezra Sosa, Stiles paid a heartfelt tribute to her late co-star and friend, Heath Ledger, celebrating the enduring legacy of their iconic 1999 romantic comedy, 10 Things I Hate About You.
The routine featured contemporary choreography set to Frankie Valli’s classic song “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You”-the exact track Ledger’s character, Patrick Verona, famously sang to Stiles’ character, Kat Stratford, in the beloved teen film. Adorned in a blue dress reminiscent of the prom outfit worn in the movie, Stiles poured her heart onto the ballroom floor, channeling both the somber reality of Ledger’s passing and the joyful energy he brought to the set.
An Emotional Reflection on a Special Time in Film History
Ahead of the live broadcast, Stiles opened up during a prerecorded package about how deeply the rehearsals and revisiting old footage affected her. Holding back tears, the actress shared fond memories of working alongside the late actor.
“আমরা 10 Things I Hate About You together. I learned a lot from Heath. He was so authentic,” Stiles recalled. “I have so many great memories, but I’m also sad because I really wish that 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.”
Stiles added that the tribute honored both sides of Ledger’s memory: acknowledging the tragedy of his passing while capturing his vibrant zest for life. Ledger passed away in January 2008 at the age of 28 following an accidental overdose in his New York City loft, leaving behind a daughter, Matilda, whom he shared with actress Michelle Williams.
A Surprise Cast Reunion on the Ballroom Floor
As the contemporary routine drew to a powerful close, the performance transformed into a full-scale celebration. Stiles placed a flower on the steps as an image of Ledger flashed across the screen, accompanied by audio of her memorable poetry monologue from the film.
In a major surprise for fans watching live, members of the original 10 Things I Hate About You cast stepped out onto the ballroom floor to surround Stiles in a group hug. Actors Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Gabrielle Union, Larisa Oleynik, Andrew Keegan, and Susan May Pratt made surprise appearances to support their former co-star.
The emotional performance deeply resonated with the judges and the audience, earning Stiles and Sosa a score of 36 out of 40-marking Stiles’ highest score of the season so far.
Looking Back at a Bright Light
In interviews leading up to the performance, Stiles reflected on working with Ledger as a young actress taking on her first major film role. She has frequently described him as a bright light who instantly lit up any room he entered.
“He was very kind and generous to me,” Stiles shared. “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.”
Nearly three decades after the film’s initial release, the cultural footprint of 10 Things I Hate About You remains as strong as ever, a fact proven by the overwhelming emotional response to Stiles’ heartfelt dedication.
Frequently Asked Questions About Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger
When did Julia Stiles perform her Heath Ledger tribute on DWTS?
Julia Stiles performed her tribute during Dedication Night on Dancing With the Stars on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.
What song did Julia Stiles dance to for her tribute?
Stiles and her partner Ezra Sosa performed a contemporary routine to Frankie Valli’s “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” the song Heath Ledger’s character famously sang in 10 Things I Hate About You.
Which original cast members reunited on DWTS?
Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Gabrielle Union, Larisa Oleynik, Andrew Keegan, and Susan May Pratt surprised Stiles by joining her on the ballroom floor at the end of her routine.
What score did Julia Stiles receive for her Dedication Night routine?
Stiles earned a score of 36 out of 40, marking her highest score of the season.
When did Heath Ledger pass away?
Heath Ledger passed away in January 2008 at the age of 28 due to an accidental overdose.
