In a poignant tribute on the popular dance show, *Dancing with the Stars*, actress Julia Stiles paid homage to her late co-star Heath Ledger during the episode aired on 20th October 2026. The 45-year-old performer delivered a heartfelt contemporary dance routine alongside her partner Ezra Sosa, set to the timeless tune “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” by Frankie Valli. Stiles dedicated her performance to Ledger, who tragically passed away in 2008.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/julia-stiles-10-things-I-hate-about-you-cast-reunion170-10202026-190e6635393b43c3afa70349ea36a698.jpg)
For Stiles, who starred alongside Ledger in the iconic 1999 film *10 Things I Hate About You*, the act of revisiting those cherished memories stirred a mix of emotions. Before her performance, she reflected that working with Ledger had profoundly influenced her, stating, “He was so authentic.”
The episode featured several of Stiles’ former co-stars, including Gabrielle Union, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Andrew Keegan, Susan May Pratt, and Larisa Oleynik, coming together to honour Ledger’s legacy. In a touching moment, Stiles donned a blue dress reminiscent of an outfit she wore in the film—a deliberate nod to her past and to Ledger, whose magnetic presence had a lasting impact on her life and career.
As Stiles prepared for the routine, she expressed disbelief at the emotional weight of rehearsals, sharing with *PEOPLE*, “I was surprised by how emotional it all was. I thought I’d be distanced enough from it as the film was so many years ago, but watching clips and reflecting on our time together has brought up a lot.” Stiles remarked on the significance of commemorating Ledger, saying, “I really feel how important it is to honour him. He lives on because his performance in that film was so incredible.”
The performance itself included various references to Ledger’s own routines in the film, ultimately culminating in a moving finale. Stiles approached a photograph of herself with Ledger, placing a rose on the steps as a symbol of remembrance before reuniting with her castmates. She spoke candidly with co-host Julianne Hough about her dual reflection on her 17-year-old self and her current identity. “He brought out the light in everybody. He was the leader of the pack at the time,” Stiles noted, highlighting Ledger’s ability to inspire those around him.
In a joint Instagram post leading up to the show, Stiles and Sosa emphasised their dedication to ensuring the tribute was handled with diligence and respect. They wrote, “This isn’t about defining a relationship or telling a story that isn’t ours to tell; it’s about honouring a beautiful moment in time, a film that changed so many lives.” They aimed to encapsulate the essence of Ledger while honouring his cherished memory, declaring the performance a labour of love.
Dedication Night on *Dancing with the Stars* is known for being particularly emotional, inviting participants to share deeply personal tales. Stiles had recognised the significance of this format and felt a strong imperative to recognise Ledger’s enduring influence. “I want to recreate the lust for life that he had in that scene,” she commented ahead of her heartfelt tribute.
The episode aired live on Tuesdays and is available for streaming on Disney+ and Hulu, allowing fans to relive touching tributes like Stiles’ and witness the raw emotional power of the performances. As Stiles and her team took to the stage, they hoped to not only celebrate Ledger’s life but also to bring joy and inspiration to viewers as they continue to remember a truly talented individual whose legacy still resonates across generations.