On Tuesday, October 20, Julia Stiles teamed up with her dance partner, Ezra Sosa, to deliver an emotional tribute to the late Heath Ledger during the Dedication Night episode of *Dancing with the Stars*. The performance saw the pair execute a contemporary routine to Frankie Valli’s iconic song “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You”. This particular track carries significant weight, as it is famously associated with Ledger’s character in the beloved 1999 film *10 Things I Hate About You*, in which Stiles also starred.
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Stiles, now 45, expressed to *PEOPLE* the deep sense of responsibility she felt in honouring Ledger, who tragically passed away in 2008 from an accidental prescription drug overdose at the age of 28. She mentioned that both she and Sosa aimed to approach this tribute with the utmost respect and sensitivity, stating, “We wanted to handle it delicately.” The dedication encapsulated their shared desire to honour Ledger’s legacy authentically.
The performance was rich in symbolism, featuring various nods to Ledger’s own dance routine in the film. The routine began with a somber acoustic introduction, a creative choice suggested by Sosa, which then seamlessly transitioned into a lively brass moment reflecting the exuberant spirit Ledger displayed in the movie. Stiles recalled how the blend of tones allowed them to capture Ledger’s captivating energy while maintaining the essence of their homage.
In a poignant ending, Stiles walked towards a photo of herself alongside Ledger from their time on set, a moment that resonated deeply with her and the audience. The event was further enhanced by the presence of several *10 Things I Hate About You* co-stars in the audience, including Gabrielle Union, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Andrew Keegan, all of whom have their own cherished memories of working with Ledger.
During the performance, Stiles wore a striking blue dress, reminiscent of an outfit from her character in the film. Speaking fondly about their time together on set, Stiles reflected, “I just remember we all were such good friends and had a wonderful time.” She added that the experience of dancing to the song had stirred up feelings of nostalgia and warmth from their past.
Rehearsing for the tribute proved to be more emotional than Stiles had anticipated. She admitted, “I was surprised by how emotional the rehearsals had been.” Despite the years that had passed since filming, engaging with the clips and memories during rehearsals brought forth a mix of emotions. She acknowledged the importance of honouring Ledger’s legacy, saying, “He lives on because his performance in that film was so incredible.”
In a joint statement shared on Instagram prior to their performance, both Stiles and Sosa articulated the care and intention behind their tribute. They expressed that the act was not about portraying a relationship that wasn’t theirs to define. Instead, it was a heartfelt effort to honour “a beautiful moment in time, a film that changed so many lives, and someone whose impact continues to be felt by generations.”
The commentary surrounding their performance highlights how deeply committed Stiles and Sosa were to making their tribute a meaningful one. They conveyed their gratitude for the trust placed in them to bring the act to life, hoping to align their intentions with the dignity and love Ledger’s memory deserves.
*Dancing with the Stars* continues to air live every Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET, with episodes available for streaming the following day on Hulu. The show remains a platform for participants to share personal stories and connect emotionally through dance, making Dedication Night a particularly poignant segment for many involved.