The 10 Things I Hate About You cast came together to help Julia Stiles honour Heath Ledger on Dancing With The Stars. For DWTS's Dedication Night on Tuesday, October 20, Stiles performed a contemporary routine with her pro partner, Ezra Sosa, to Frankie Valli's Can't Take My Eyes Off You.
The song famously featured in the 1999 romcom when Ledger's character, Patrick Verona, serenaded Stiles's Kat Stratford. As the performance came to an end, a still of Stiles and Ledger from the film appeared on a screen along with an audio of Kat's iconic "I Hate" poem: "I hate it when you're not around and the fact that you didn't call / But mostly I hate the way I don't hate you, not even close, not even a little bit, not even at all."
The group then stood hand-in-hand, looking at the picture in a moving tribute to Ledger. The film marked Ledger's breakthrough role in Hollywood.
The Australian actor tragically died aged 28 on January 22, 2008, from an accidental overdose. Speaking to People magazine after the performance, Stiles, 45, said she and Sosa wanted to approach the tribute with utmost care.
"I think we both felt a responsibility to be respectful, to honour him in a way that felt authentic and sincere. And we wanted to handle it delicately," she remarked during the interview.
She also told Variety about the emotional cast reunion, stating, "I begged them - each and every one of them, and they rallied." Recalling the intense rehearsals, she added, "We were watching a lot of clips and listening to audio for the rehearsals, and I was bawling.
I mean it just brought back a ton of great memories. Fans across the globe flooded social media with appreciation for the heartwarming tribute.
Many viewers noted how enduring the legacy of the 1999 classic remains today. The special television event successfully celebrated both the enduring film and the lasting memory of a beloved star.
Judges on the reality television show also praised the choreography and the emotional depth brought to the stage. They highlighted the seamless integration of modern dance elements with nostalgic cinematic references.
The tribute stands out as one of the most memorable moments of the current season. As the show concluded, the audience gave a standing ovation to the entire ensemble cast and the dancers.
The poignant broadcast reminded millions of television viewers of Heath Ledger's remarkable talent. Probes Pakistan will continue to bring further updates on global entertainment news.