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

Julia Stiles recreated one of the most notable scenes from her acting career on Dancing With the Stars by bringing several of her 10 Things I Hate About You co-stars together in honor of the late Heath Ledger. The scene took place at the ABC show's Dedication Night on October 20, 2026, transforming a dance into a tribute to the 1999 romantic comedy.

Stiles and professional dancer Ezra Sosa danced to Frankie Valli’s Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, the song that Ledger’s character, Patrick Verona, sang to Stiles’ Kat Stratford in the movie. In the original scene, Patrick dances down the school stadium bleachers with a marching band playing behind him in an effort to win over Kat.

The performance ended with the audio of Stiles reciting Kat’s poem from the movie. Stiles then laid down a rose on the ballroom floor in memory of Ledger, followed by her former co-stars, such as Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Larisa Oleynik, Andrew Keegan, Gabrielle Union, and Susan May Pratt.

Stiles gets emotional remembering Ledger

The tribute was especially personal for Stiles, who spoke about her memories of working with Ledger in a pre-performance video package. “I learned a lot from Heath,” she said, according to Variety, adding that working with him had felt effortless. She also expressed a wish that she could still call him and speak to him.

Stiles told the outlet that rehearsals had unexpectedly brought back powerful memories. Watching clips from the movie and hearing both actors’ voices again proved emotional, despite the years that had passed since filming.

She explained that performers hope to make audiences feel something through their work, adding that Ledger’s memory continues because of the impact of his performance.

Sosa said the pair approached the routine with particular care, explaining in an Instagram statement: “I don’t think we’ve ever approached a performance with more care, sensitivity, and intention than this one. From the very beginning, it was incredibly important to both Julia and I that this tribute be created with the utmost respect, thoughtfulness, and close guidance from those who hold Heath and his memory closest. This isn’t about defining a relationship or telling a story that isn’t ours to tell. It’s about honoring a beautiful moment in time, a film that changed so many lives, and someone whose impact continues to be felt by generations. We’ve poured so much love into this piece, and we’re incredibly grateful for the trust placed in us to bring it to life. Our only hope is that it honors his memory with the dignity, love, and respect it deserves.”

Ledger died in January 2008 at age 28 from an accidental overdose. His performance as Patrick remains closely associated with the film’s enduring appeal.

The routine earned Stiles and Sosa four scores of nine.