How the ‘10 Things I Hate About You’ star Heath Ledger died at 28 as co-stars reunite for DWTS; check who joined Julia Stiles to pay tribute

It’s been almost two decades; Heath Ledger passed away when he was just 28. The New York City medical examiner confirmed his death due to over medication. It was an accidental overdose caused by the combined effects of several prescription medications, according to report by the People. Nearly 19 years later, his former 10 Things I Hate About You co-stars have reunited on Dancing with the Stars.

When did Heath Ledger die?

On the day of his death, his housekeeper who was also his massage therapist arrived at his apartment in NYC. “She waited and tried calling him and he did not respond. She went into the room. She started setting up the massage table and he wasn’t waking up, wasn’t responding,” a police officer cited by People said. Later they called 911.

Ledger expired on January 22, 2008. As per People, The New York City chief medical examiner’s office said that the accidental overdose was “as the result of acute intoxication by the combined effects of oxycodone, hydrocodone, diazepam, temazepam, alprazolam, and doxylamine.”


Also Read: Watch: Julia Stiles honours Heath Ledger’s iconic performance on DWTS as ‘10 Things I Hate About You’ cast reunites after 27 years

‘10 Things I Hate About You’ cast reunion

After nearly three decades after the film’s release, Ledger’s former co-stars reunited during Julia Stiles’ appearance on Dancing with the Stars on October 20, 2026. Stiles dedicated her performance to Ledger. She danced to Frankie Valli’s “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” the song Ledger famously performed as Patrick Verona in the 1999 romantic comedy, according to Deadline.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Gabrielle Union, Larisa Oleynik, Andrew Keegan and Susan May Pratt joined Stiles on stage. Their reunion celebrated the film and remembered the co-star they had lost.

Julia Stiles says she wishes she could call Heath Ledger

Stiles became emotional while reflecting on Ledger and the film they made together. In comments reported by Variety, Stiles said she wished she could call Ledger and tell him how much the film still means to audiences.

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“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,’” she said.

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Heath Ledger’s career and lasting legacy

Ledger played the role of Patrick Verona in 10 Things I Hate About You. He worked in other notable films also. He also played the role of Squire William in A Knight’s Tale and as Ennis Brokeback Mountain. However, Ledger is famous for his performance as The Joker in The Dark Knight.