There was not a dry eye in the ballroom Tuesday night after celebrities competing on “Dancing With The Stars” paid tribute to those who left an impact on them, which included actors Heath Ledger and James Avery.The dedication week is a tradition for the reality series, often leading to emotional moments on the normally lighthearted dance series.
Among those competing this season are actors Julia Stiles and Tatyana Ali, who chose to honor their former co-stars.Stiles reflected on her time with Ledger while filming their 90s romcom “10 Things I Hate About You,” where Ledger’s role as the mischievous Patrick Verona solidified him as a teen heartthrob.
Ledger died in 2008 of an accidental overdose caused by mixing painkillers and sedatives that were prescribed to him.In her rehearsal package, Stiles recalled how authentic Ledger was during the filming.
She teared up talking about how easy it was working with him.She and her partner, Ezra Sosa, did a contemporary dance to a cover of Frankie Valli’s “Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You.” It was an homage to a famous scene from the movie in which Ledger’s character serenaded Stiles.
“I have so many great memories, but I’m also sad because I really wish that I could pick up the phone and be like, ‘Hey, dude, people really care about that movie.We did something special,’” Stiles said.
“And I can’t do that.” Before the episode aired, the partners posted a joint Instagram statement explaining that the dance was about honoring “a film that changed so many lives, and someone whose impact continues to be felt by generations.”Stiles ended her dance by placing a rose down in front of a photo of Ledger.When she turned back, the entire main cast of “10 Things I Hate About You” was on the dance floor to join her.Actors Andrew Keegan, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Larisa Oleynik and Gabrielle Union joined hands with Stiles as the music faded.
Judge Derek Hough thanked the cast for joining Stiles for ...