Julia Stiles reveals why she wanted to honour Heath Ledger ‘authentically’ on ‘Dancing with the Stars’

Stiles said the duo felt a responsibility to approach the performance with sensitivity and respect for Ledger's memory

Julia Stiles has explained why she wanted to honour her late 10 Things I Hate About You co-star Heath Ledger with an authentic and heartfelt performance on Dancing with the Stars, revealing the care she and professional dance partner Ezra Sosa took when creating the emotional tribute.

Speaking exclusively to People after the show's Dedication Night on Tuesday, October 20, Stiles said the pair felt a responsibility to approach the performance with sensitivity and respect for Ledger's memory.

“I think we both felt a responsibility to be respectful, to honor him in a way that felt authentic and sincere. And we wanted to handle it delicately,” the actress said.

Stiles, 45, and Sosa, 25, performed a contemporary routine to Frankie Valli's Can't Take My Eyes Off You, the song Ledger famously sang to Stiles' character, Kat Stratford, in the 1999 romantic comedy. Their performance incorporated references to the original film, including a blue dress reminiscent of the one Stiles wore in the movie, and ended with the actress approaching a photograph of herself and Ledger on screen.

Sosa suggested opening the routine with a more sombre, acoustic arrangement before building towards the song's brass section. Stiles agreed that the performance needed to capture the energy of Ledger's memorable serenade, describing his presence in the scene as captivating.

The tribute also brought together several of the film's cast members, including Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Gabrielle Union, Andrew Keegan, Susan May Pratt and Larisa Oleynik. They joined Stiles at the end of the performance, creating an emotional reunion in honour of their late co-star.

Reflecting on their time filming 10 Things I Hate About You, Stiles told People that the cast had been close and enjoyed working together. She recalled how open-hearted they were at the time, describing Ledger as the most playful member of the group who made everyone feel comfortable putting their hearts into the film.

Stiles had also spoken about the emotional impact of revisiting the movie during rehearsals, admitting she had underestimated how strongly the memories would affect her. Watching old clips, seeing photographs and hearing the cast's voices again brought back feelings she had not expected to experience so intensely.

Ledger died in January 2008 at the age of 28 from an accidental prescription drug overdose. His performance as Patrick Verona in 10 Things I Hate About You remains one of his most recognisable roles, particularly the scene in which he serenades Kat from the school bleachers.

For Stiles and Sosa, the tribute was an opportunity to celebrate both Ledger's legacy and a film that continues to resonate with audiences decades after its release.