Celebs

Julia Stiles Honors Heath Ledger With Heart-Melting DWTS Performance

Published

2 hours ago

October 21, 2026

He Who Makes You Smile

Quick Smiles:

Julia Stiles and partner Ezra Sosa honored Heath Ledger with a touching routine to the beloved 10 Things I Hate About You song “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.”
Original castmates Gabrielle Union, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Andrew Keegan, Susan May Pratt, and Larisa Oleynik joined Julia onstage for a joyful reunion that left fans in happy tears.
The emotional tribute reminded everyone that the film’s message of love and community continues to bring people together years later.

Emotions ran high on dedication night when Julia Stiles stepped onto the Dancing With the Stars stage. The actress and her partner, Ezra Sosa, chose to celebrate the late Heath Ledger with a moving performance of the very song his character sang in the 1999 classic.

Julia spoke about the project with fondness during rehearsals. “I see pictures from that time, and I’m like, wow,” she said. “It was so easy with him. I have so many great memories, but I’m also really sad, because I wish I could pick up the phone and be like, ‘Hey dude, people really care about that movie. We did something special.’ And I can’t do that.”

The couple’s routine captured the playful spirit of the original scene, and when the music swelled the audience saw more familiar faces appear. Castmates from the beloved movie joined Julia at the end, creating a moment that felt like a warm group hug. “I want to recreate the lust for life that he had in that scene,” Julia shared before the performance.

Viewers at home were deeply moved. “IT WAS PERFECT!! The poem, the cast, I cannot! Thank you for doing it so well,” one fan wrote. Another added, “It was BEAUTIFUL and seeing the cast join her at the end was the CHERRY on top! Forever my comfort movie.”

The evening ended on a note of gratitude and joy, proving that the film’s hopeful message still shines brightly. Julia Stiles set out to honor a dear friend and ended up giving audiences a memory that will keep hearts smiling for years to come.

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