Actress Julia Stiles paid an emotional tribute to her late co-star Heath Ledger on 'Dancing with the Stars'. During the show's "Dedication Night" episode, the 45-year-old performed a contemporary routine alongside professional dancer Ezra Sosa to Frankie Valli's "Can't Take My Eyes Off You."

The song holds special significance for fans of 10 Things I Hate About You, as Ledger's character, Patrick Verona, famously serenaded Stiles' character, Kat Stratford, with it in the school stadium.

The touching performance earned the pair 36 out of 40 points. Ledger tragically died in 2008 at the age of 28 from an accidental drug overdose.

Julia Stiles Shares Heartfelt Memories of Heath Ledger

Before taking the stage, Stiles reflected on working with Ledger in a prerecorded video. "I learned a lot from Heath. He was so genuine," she recalled, according to Page Six.

The actress described their time on set as a wonderful experience, sharing that she still treasures many memories from filming the beloved romantic comedy.

Stiles also expressed sadness that she could no longer call Ledger to tell him how much audiences continue to love the movie all these years later.

Later in the ballroom, she remembered how Ledger had a special ability to bring out the best in those around him, helping others shine.

Emotional Reunion: Five '10 Things I Hate About You' Stars Take the Stage

As the performance came to an end, Stiles stood alone on the dance floor and placed a rose on the ground. Moments later, five of her former '10 Things I Hate About You' co-stars joined her: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Gabrielle Union, Larisa Oleynik, Susan May Pratt, and Andrew Keegan.

The touching reunion celebrated both Ledger's memory and the beloved romantic comedy that brought them together more than two decades ago.

Released in 1999, '10 Things I Hate About You'  follows Kat Stratford, whose strict father refuses to let her younger sister date unless Kat also has a boyfriend. Patrick is then secretly paid to pursue Kat, setting the stage for the film's unforgettable love story.

Julia Stiles and Ezra Sosa Address Their Emotional Tribute

Ahead of the live show, Stiles and Sosa shared a joint statement on Instagram explaining how thoughtfully they had approached the tribute.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, they emphasized that the performance was created with great respect, careful consideration, and the involvement of people close to Ledger and his legacy.

The pair also made it clear that their intention was not to define a personal relationship or tell a story that wasn't theirs to share.

Sosa, who choreographed the routine, explained during rehearsals that he wanted to capture the joy Ledger brought to the film.

'10 Things I Hate About You' Helped Launch Julia Stiles' Career

For Stiles, '10 Things I Hate About You' marked a major turning point in her acting career. The modern adaptation of Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew introduced her to a wider audience and helped establish her as a rising Hollywood star.

During rehearsals, the actress expressed amazement that the film continues to resonate with audiences more than 25 years after its release.

That lasting affection made the tribute especially meaningful, giving Stiles an opportunity to celebrate Ledger's memory and revisit their time working together.

Ledger went on to deliver several acclaimed performances, including his unforgettable portrayal of the Joker in 'The Dark Knight', for which he received a posthumous Academy Award.