If you find your social media flooded with memories from the late ’90s accompanied by tearful emojis, you can attribute it to the influence of Dancing with the Stars.
In the recent live dedication episode, Julia Stiles honored her former 10 Things I Hate About You co-star, Heath Ledger.
Stiles was not the only one from the cast of the 1999 teenage comedy to pay respects to the departed actor.
Stiles and her partner, Ezra Sosa, delivered a contemporary routine set to Can’t Take My Eyes Off You by Frankie Valli — a choice Sosa described as obvious, paying tribute to a scene where Ledger’s character serenades Stiles’ character in the movie.
Reflecting on Ledger, Stiles mentioned in a video with Sosa before the performance that the charm he exuded during filming was genuinely captivating. She expressed her sadness despite cherishing numerous fond memories of Ledger, wishing she could communicate with him to acknowledge the impact of their work together.
As the performance concluded, a poignant moment unfolded reminiscent of the film’s climax. Sosa left Stiles on the dance floor as her iconic movie monologue played, accompanied by a photo of her and Ledger displayed above.
Following this, she placed a rose in tribute to Ledger before introducing her fellow 10 Things co-stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Gabrielle Union, Larisa Oleynik, Susan May Pratt, and Andrew Keegan, standing arm in arm with her.
Stiles and her partner Ezra Sosa performed a contemporary routine to Can’t Take My Eyes Off You by Frankie Valli. (Disney)
Reflecting on her dance, Stiles told host Julianne Hough that it prompted her to revisit her younger self at 17 and contemplate her growth since then.
Recalling Ledger’s influence, Stiles emphasized how he illuminated the spirits of those around him, fostering a playful atmosphere on set and making everyone shine.
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Julia Stiles had her Save the Last Dance moment on Dancing with the Stars
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