Julia Stiles is reminiscing about her time working with Heath Ledger, her co-star in the beloved 1998 teen comedy 10 Things I Hate About You.
In an exclusive interview with E! News, the 43-year-old actress shared heartfelt memories of Heath, who passed away in 2008 at the age of 28. “He was amazing,” Julia said. “He was such a bright light. He just walked into the room and lit it up.”
Julia noted that the entire cast—Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Gabrielle Union, Andrew Keegan, and Larisa Oleynik—shared a close bond while filming, but Heath's presence stood out as something truly special.
As her first starring role in a major studio film, 10 Things I Hate About You was a formative experience for Julia, and Heath's kindness made a significant impact. “He was very kind and generous to me,” she explained. “When you're an actress in your first leading role in a big studio movie, you need to feel comfortable with the other person. And he was very generous that way.”
When asked about her most cherished moments with Heath, Julia highlighted two standout scenes. The playful paintball date between their characters, Kat Stratford and Patrick Verona, was “really, really fun” to film.
But it was the emotional poem scene—where Kat reads her titular poem aloud in class—that remains unforgettable. “I did not expect to start crying or tearing up,” Julia admitted. “But it just happened because the movie was coming to an end, and I think I was just so moved by the whole experience.”
More than two decades later, Julia continues to be amazed by the film's enduring popularity. “I’m so happy and thrilled that people are still talking about that movie,” she said. “It was really important to me as my first big role. It was a part that really spoke to me, and to know that audiences are still talking about it 25 years later is what you dream of as a performer.”
Through her reflections on Heath Ledger and 10 Things I Hate About You, Julia Stiles continues to honor the legacy of a timeless film and the late actor who brought so much heart to it.
Source: E! News