Julia Stiles turned Dedication Night on Dancing With the Stars into a tribute to Heath Ledger, her co-star in 1999’s 10 Things I Hate About You, and she made sure the people closest to him were on board first. Stiles told Extra TV she asked Michelle Williams, Ledger’s ex-partner and mother of his daughter Matilda, whether the tribute was okay. Williams said yes.
The performance itself was a full nostalgia trip. Stiles and pro partner Ezra Sosa danced contemporary to Frankie Valli’s“Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,”the song Ledger’s character famously serenades her with in the film. At the end, several castmates joined her on stage, including Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Gabrielle Union, Andrew Keegan, Susan May Pratt and Larisa Oleynik. The routine scored 36 out of 40.
Stiles remembered Ledger as a playful presence who made the set fun and“brought out the light in everyone.”Ledger died in 2008 at age 28. The moment landed as both a celebration of a beloved film and a careful, respectful way to honor someone who’s gone. Which 10 Things scene still gets you every time?
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.