Cast Reunites on Dancing with the Stars for 10 Things I Hate About You Tribute

Cast Reunites for Emotional Dedication Night

Former co-stars from the 1990s romantic comedy 10 things i hate about you surprised viewers and cast members alike by reuniting on the ballroom floor during a recent episode of dancing with the stars dedication night: tears and surprise elimination. The reality competition series dedicated an evening to personal tributes, allowing competing celebrities to honor individuals who left a lasting mark on their lives.

Julia Stiles Honors Heath Ledger

Contestant and actress Julia Stiles used her time on the dance floor to reflect on her experience filming alongside the late Heath Ledger. In her rehearsal package, she became emotional while discussing how authentic and easy it was to work with the actor, who became a teen heartthrob following his portrayal of Patrick Verona. Stiles and her professional partner, Ezra Sosa, performed a contemporary routine to a cover of Frankie Valli’s “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You,” echoing the famous movie scene where Ledger's character serenades her.

Reflecting on the emotional weight of the tribute, Stiles shared her sadness that she could not call Ledger to discuss how deeply people still care about the film. Before the broadcast, Stiles and Sosa shared a joint statement via Instagram emphasizing that the performance was meant to celebrate a movie that altered lives and an artist whose influence continues across generations.

Surprise On-Screen Reunion

As the routine concluded, Stiles walked over to place a single rose in front of a portrait of Ledger. Upon turning back, she discovered that the primary cast members of 10 things i hate about you had joined her on the dance floor. Actors Andrew Keegan, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Larisa Oleynik, Susan May Pratt, and Gabrielle Union stepped forward and joined hands with Stiles as the music ended.

The judges praised the powerful moment, noting the lasting legacy of the feature film. Stiles earned a combined score of 36 from the four judges, marking her highest score of the season. The episode also featured other emotional tributes, including a dance by Tatyana Ali and Alfonso Ribeiro dedicated to their late television father figure, James Avery, from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

Sources: NBC News, Yahoo, Deadline.