Julia Stiles recently opened up about her cherished memories with her late co-star Heath Ledger, reflecting on their time together while filming the beloved 1999 teen classic, 10 Things I Hate About You.
In an interview with E!, the 43-year-old actress shared heartfelt anecdotes about working with Heath, who tragically passed away in 2008 at just 28 years old. “He was amazing. He was such a bright light,” Julia recalled, describing the undeniable presence Heath brought to both the set and their lives. “He just walked into the room and lit it up.”
The connection between the cast was palpable, with Julia reminiscing about the tight bond they all shared during filming. She credited Heath with helping her feel at ease during what was her first major leading role. “He was very kind and generous to me,” she said. “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.”
Julia also shared a personal memory of one of the film’s most emotional moments—the iconic scene where her character reads a poem that gives the movie its title. “The scene where I read the poem, I did not expect to start crying or tearing up or choking up, whatever. But it just happened because the movie was coming to an end, the production was coming to an end,” she said. “I think I was just so moved by the whole experience.”
Heath’s portrayal of the charming yet enigmatic Patrick Verona remains one of the most celebrated performances of his career, helping to catapult him to stardom. His untimely death shortly after his Oscar-winning turn in The Dark Knight left a profound impact on Hollywood and fans around the world.
Looking back, Julia’s memories of Heath aren’t just about his immense talent but also his warmth and generosity. For fans of 10 Things I Hate About You, Julia and Heath’s on-screen chemistry remains timeless. And for Julia, the experience of working with Heath is a poignant reminder of the joy, kindness, and light he brought into the lives of those who knew him.
