Julia Stiles is preparing to revisit one of the most memorable chapters of her acting career with a special tribute to her late co-star, Heath Ledger. The actress will dedicate an upcoming performance on Dancing With the Stars to Ledger, bringing renewed attention to their beloved 1999 romantic comedy, 10 Things I Hate About You.
According to ABC’s official announcement, Stiles and her professional dance partner, Ezra Sosa, will perform a contemporary routine to Frankie Valli’s classic song “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” during the show’s Dedication Night on October 20, 2026.
The song holds a special place in the film’s history. Ledger’s character, Patrick Verona, famously performs it for Stiles’ character, Kat Stratford, in a scene that remains a fan favorite decades after the movie’s release.
Julia Stiles’ Heath Ledger Tribute Brings Back a Beloved Movie Moment
For Stiles, the upcoming performance offers an opportunity to celebrate Ledger’s talent and the joy he brought to their time working together.
The actress has previously spoken warmly about her former co-star, describing him as a vibrant presence who made a lasting impression on the people around him. Their on-screen chemistry helped make 10 Things I Hate About You a defining teen romantic comedy of the late 1990s.
According to entertainment reports, Stiles has also explained that the tribute will balance the sadness of Ledger’s loss with the happiness associated with his unforgettable performance.
That approach reflects the spirit of the original scene, which combines romance, humor, and Ledger’s natural charisma.
Why “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” Is the Perfect Choice
Frankie Valli’s “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” became closely associated with 10 Things I Hate About You after Ledger’s character performed it in the film.
Rather than simply delivering a romantic serenade, Patrick turns the moment into a playful public declaration of affection. The scene’s combination of confidence, humor, and sincerity helped establish it as one of the movie’s most recognizable sequences.
Choosing the same song for a contemporary dance creates a direct connection between Stiles’ upcoming performance and the film that brought her and Ledger widespread recognition.
It also allows the tribute to celebrate Ledger’s screen presence without losing sight of the personal meaning behind the dedication.
ABC’s announcement confirms that the performance is scheduled for the show’s October 20 episode. Viewers will see how Stiles and Sosa interpret the familiar song through choreography.
Julia Stiles Remembers Heath Ledger’s Kindness on Set
Beyond their memorable performances, Stiles has spoken about the kindness Ledger showed her while they were making the film.
Stiles was still a teenager when she took on the role of Kat Stratford. The production marked an important stage in her career, and working alongside an encouraging co-star helped create a positive environment.
One moment she has discussed in previous interviews involved Kat’s emotional poem-reading scene. Stiles has recalled that her tears came unexpectedly during filming.
According to her recollections, Ledger understood that the moment belonged to her character and avoided drawing attention away from her performance when the cameras turned to him.
The anecdote offers a glimpse into Ledger’s approach to acting. His contribution was not limited to his own screen presence; he also knew when to support another performer.
Their work together helped make the film’s final emotional moments feel natural and sincere.
How 10 Things I Hate About You Shaped Their Careers
Released in 1999, 10 Things I Hate About You reimagined William Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew as a contemporary high school romance.
The film follows Kat Stratford, an outspoken and independent teenager, and Patrick Verona, the mysterious student who becomes romantically involved with her.
Stiles played Kat, while Ledger portrayed Patrick. Their performances helped introduce both actors to a wider American audience.
The movie also featured Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Larisa Oleynik, David Krumholtz, Gabrielle Union, and Andrew Keegan. Its sharp humor, memorable soundtrack, and unconventional romantic leads helped it maintain a strong following long after its original release.
For Stiles, the film became an important early credit before roles in projects such as Save the Last Dance and the Bourne franchise.
Ledger later earned international recognition for performances in Brokeback Mountain, A Knight’s Tale, and The Dark Knight. His portrayal of the Joker in The Dark Knight earned him a posthumous Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Remembering Heath Ledger’s Lasting Legacy
Heath Ledger died in January 2008 at the age of 28 from an accidental overdose involving prescription medications.
His death shocked fans and colleagues, cutting short a career that had already demonstrated considerable range and ambition.
Although Ledger became widely recognized for his dramatic performances, 10 Things I Hate About You continues to showcase another side of his work. His portrayal of Patrick combined charm, comic timing, and vulnerability, qualities that helped make the character memorable.
The film’s enduring popularity has also introduced his performance to younger audiences who may not have seen it when it first arrived in cinemas.
Stiles’ planned tribute offers another opportunity to revisit that legacy while recognizing the person behind the character.
When Is Julia Stiles’ Heath Ledger Tribute on DWTS?
ABC has scheduled Dancing With the Stars Dedication Night for Tuesday, October 20, 2026. The episode is set to feature performances honoring people and places that have had a meaningful influence on the contestants’ lives.
Stiles and Sosa are scheduled to perform a contemporary routine to “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” in Ledger’s honor.
The performance brings together three elements closely connected to the actors’ shared history: a classic song, a much-loved romantic comedy, and the memory of a co-star whose career ended far too soon.
For fans of 10 Things, I Hate About You, the dedication promises a meaningful return to one of the film’s most recognizable moments.