Julia Stiles is expressing her deep emotions as she prepares to honour her late co-star Heath Ledger during the upcoming episode of “Dancing with the Stars.” The Dedication Night is slated for Tuesday, October 20, and Stiles, who starred alongside Ledger in the classic 1999 film “10 Things I Hate About You,” spoke candidly about the emotional weight of the performance while attending the InStyle Imagemaker Awards held on October 15.
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Reflecting on her time rehearsing, the 45-year-old actress revealed to PEOPLE that she did not anticipate the intensity of the feelings that arose. “I’m actually surprised at how emotional it’s been,” she admitted. The performance will feature Stiles and her partner Ezra Sosa executing a contemporary routine to the timeless Frankie Valli hit “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.”
Stiles had previously thought she might be able to keep a distance from her memories while preparing for the tribute, given that the film was released over two decades ago. However, she found that watching clips from “10 Things I Hate About You” and revisiting photographs from that period triggered a poignant wave of nostalgia. “Something about watching clips from that movie, seeing our pictures, hearing our voices is bringing up a lot,” she reflected.
Heath Ledger, who tragically passed away in 2008 at the age of 28 due to an accidental prescription drug overdose, left a lasting impact on both audiences and his peers. “I really feel how important it is to honour him,” Stiles stated, highlighting the significance of his performance in the film. “He lives on because his performance in that film was so incredible.”
This upcoming performance is the latest among several emotional experiences for Stiles during the show’s current season. She expressed her gratitude towards the audience’s overwhelming response to a recent performance, which paid homage to another beloved film, “Save the Last Dance.” “I’m going to start crying,” she remarked, touched by how fans continue to celebrate and enjoy both films after so many years. “It means the world to me. And I got to do my do-over. I got a second chance.”
Stiles described her overall experience on “Dancing with the Stars” as a “dream come true.” While the demanding nature of the competition leaves her fatigued, she also finds it invigorating. “I feel like every week we get to do something so creative,” she said, conveying her enthusiasm for the challenges and artistry involved.
She shared that she experiences moments of disbelief, expressing excitement at being able to learn dance steps with Sosa, who she admires from her favourite TV show. “It’s a total dream come true, and I feel so lucky that I get to make a living as a performer,” she said.
The InStyle Imagemaker Awards celebrate the influential figures in Hollywood’s beauty and style landscape, honouring those whose work creates conversations and inspires movements across film, television, and music. This year’s event saw several high-profile attendees, including Charli XCX, Megan Thee Stallion, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Heidi Klum, among others.
Stiles’ heartfelt journey through this season of “Dancing with the Stars,” alongside her respects for Heath Ledger, continues to resonate with fans. The episode airing on October 20 promises to be a touching tribute not only to Ledger’s enduring legacy but also to the profound connections formed through shared creative endeavours. For viewers, this dedication does more than remember a beloved actor; it reinforces the lasting impact of their artistry. “Dancing with the Stars” airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+, with episodes available for streaming the following day on Hulu.