Julia Stiles paid tribute to someone who played a special role in her life and career during an emotional appearance on Dancing with the Stars.
The actress, best known for starring alongside Heath Ledger in the 1999 romantic comedy 10 Things I Hate About You, dedicated her latest performance to the late actor, who died at age 28 in 2008. The heartfelt routine brought their beloved movie back into the spotlight, with Stiles visibly moved as she honored her former co-star.
Stiles and her dance partner, Ezra Sosa, performed a contemporary routine to Frankie Valli’s classic hit “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” during the show’s Dedication Night on Tuesday’s episode of Season 35.
The song was a particularly meaningful choice for fans of the 1999 film. In one of its most memorable scenes, Ledger’s character, Patrick Verona, serenades Stiles’ character, Kat Stratford, from the school bleachers.
The performance also included a nod to another memorable moment from the movie. At the end of the dance, Stiles recited a poem she originally read to Ledger in the film, with several of their former co-stars joining her: Susan May Pratt, Gabrielle Union, Andrew Keegan, Larisa Oleynik and Joseph Gordon-Levitt.
The judges awarded the pair four nines for their performance, according to Variety.
Julia Stiles honors Heath Ledger with dance
Before taking the stage, Stiles opened up about the meaning behind the performance in a TikTok video.
“We are dancing contemporary to Frankie Valli’s ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You,’ because I’m dedicating this dance to Heath Ledger,” she said in the clip.
“Making 10 Things I Hate About You with him was such a special moment in time. “I learned a lot from Heath… It was so easy with him. I have so many great memories. I really wish I could pick up the phone, and be like, ‘Hey dude.’
“It’s amazing that people still care about that movie, and it’s just sad that we can’t celebrate it with him.”
Ezra Sosa’s heartfelt message about the tribute
Sosa also addressed the performance’s significance in a tribute shared on Instagram.
“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.”
The dancer explained that the tribute “isn’t about defining a relationship or telling a story that isn’t ours to tell.” He added, “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 2008 following an accidental overdose. He was 28 at the time of his death and was survived by his daughter, Matilda, whom he shared with his former partner, actress Michelle Williams.
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