Julia Stiles Leads Emotional DWTS Tribute to Heath Ledger with ‘10 Things’ Cast

On October 20, Dancing With the Stars rolled out its annual Dedication Night, and the moment most fans were waiting for arrived when Julia Stiles stepped onto the ballroom floor with the entire ‘10 Things I Hate About You’ crew.

The reunion wasn’t just a nostalgic gasp; it was a sincere salute to the film’s late star, Heath Ledger. Stiles chose Frankie Valli’s “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” — the exact track Patrick Verona crooned for Kat Stratford back in 1999 — and the song instantly pulled the audience back into that beloved scene.

Wearing a simple, silver‑tone dress, Stiles partnered with professional dancer Ezra Sosa. Their contemporary routine was fluid, interspersed with moments that felt both playful and reflective, echoing the youthful spark the cast shared on set.

Half‑way through the performance, the studio screen flickered to a montage of Ledger’s smiling face, then to a surprise live moment: Gabrielle Union, Larisa Oleynik, Andrew Keegan, Susan May Pratt and even Joseph Gordon‑Levitt stepped onto the floor for a spontaneous group hug. The embrace was more than theatrical—it felt like a genuine moment of remembrance.

In a video package aired just before the dance, Stiles opened up, saying, “I learned a lot from Heath. He was so authentic. I wish I could just pick up the phone and tell him people still love that movie. We did something special.” She added that the tribute aimed to capture the “lust for life” Heath embodied before his untimely death at 28.

After the routine, judges awarded the pair a solid 36 out of 40. Stiles, a bit breathless, told co‑hosts Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro, “It made me think about who I was at 17 and who I am now. We were so playful back then, and that energy still lives in the dance.”

Beyond the performance, Stiles reflected on the original movie, calling it “a really special moment in time.” She recalled Ledger’s kindness on set, noting he “walked into the room and lit it up.” Those memories, she explained, shaped the choreography—mixing somber reverence with the joy Ledger brought to every scene.

Stiles also shared a glimpse of her personal life, mentioning her three kids—Strummer (8), Arlo (4) and a two‑year‑old—whom she hopes will someday understand why that particular song and dance mean so much to their mom.

The tribute wasn’t just about mourning; it celebrated the lasting impact of a talent many still cherish. As Stiles summed up, “He’s not here with us, but his energy lives on in the music, the dance, and in the smiles of everyone who loved that film.”