Julia Stiles Sought Michelle Williams’ Blessing for Ledger Tribute

Stiles, who starred alongside Ledger in the 1999 classic 10 Things I Hate About You, performed to Frankie Valli’s Can’t Take My Eyes Off You—the very song Ledger famously sang to her character in the film. While the tribute was intended as a celebration, the process of revisiting the material proved unexpectedly raw. Stiles admitted to crying during her first rehearsal, overwhelmed by the sudden resurfacing of nostalgia and the weight of the years since the film’s release.

Her dance partner, Ezra Sosa, adjusted their choreography after noticing her emotional struggle, a shift Stiles described as transformative. The performance ultimately became a reunion, as castmates including Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Gabrielle Union joined her on stage. Beyond the ballroom, Stiles has long held a personal memento from the late actor: a farewell note written on hotel stationery during the film’s production, which contained the advice to "love like you’ve never been hurt." Reflecting on their time together, Stiles characterized Ledger as a generous scene partner who provided steady support during her first major leading role.