Julia Stiles

“At 17 years old, I never would have thought that I’d be here at 45, celebrating my body, dancing on the show that I absolutely love and that fans are still interested in this movie and still moved and touched by this movie.”

Julia Stiles · said 2026-10-20 · reported 2026-10-21

Stiles reflected on seeing herself in a blue dress similar to what she wore in the 1999 film while performing on Dancing With the Stars.

“One of the things that we really hope to do as performers is to make people feel something and have people care about the work that you do, and his memory lives on because it was such an incredible performance.”

Julia Stiles · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-21

Stiles discussed the impact of Heath Ledger's performance while reflecting on her emotional rehearsals for Dancing With the Stars.

“I said, if we had to have someone with us on stage representing Heath’s legacy or the film, I said it had to be the whole cast. I begged them, each and every one of them, and they all rallied. They really did,”

Julia Stiles · said 2026-10-20 · reported 2026-10-21

Stiles spoke to Variety after performing a contemporary routine on Dedication Night of Dancing With the Stars in tribute to Heath Ledger.

“I know that Dedication Night is emotional, but I thought I was distanced from it enough. Like, oh, it was so many years ago. Something about seeing clips from that movie and images and hearing my voice and hearing his voice is bringing back so many memories. It’s a lot,”

Julia Stiles · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-21

Stiles opened up to Variety earlier in the week about the emotional rehearsals for her Dancing With the Stars tribute to Heath Ledger.