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David Krumholtz explained why he missed the surprise onstage reunion of the 1999 rom-com 10 Things I Hate About You on Dancing With the Stars. In a candid Instagram clip, the actor sent praise to co-star Julia Stiles and applauded a moving tribute to their late colleague Heath Ledger.
Why Krumholtz was absent from the DWTS reunion
Krumholtz, known recently for his role in Oppenheimer, said travel and work kept him away. He posted from upstate New York where he is currently shooting a film.
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He added he wished he could have been there.
- Location: shooting on location upstate.
- Mode of address: Instagram video message.
- Tone: warm and proud of the cast’s performance.
What viewers saw on Dancing With the Stars
During “Dedication Night,” Julia Stiles invited several 10 Things I Hate About You cast members to the stage.
The reunion honored Heath Ledger with a contemporary routine set to the classic Frankie Valli song “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.”
Cast members who joined Stiles
- Joseph Gordon-Levitt
- Larisa Oleynik
- Gabrielle Union
- Andrew Keegan
- Susan May Pratt
Krumholtz noted the group looked youthful and vibrant. He said he was proud of Julia’s dedication to Ledger.
Julia Stiles’ emotional moment and performance
Stiles performed a contemporary dance with pro Ezra Sosa. She reflected on her friendship with Ledger in a recorded segment before the routine.
She described Ledger as “authentic” and spoke about wanting to call him to share how much the film still resonates with audiences.
The judges awarded Stiles and Sosa a strong 36 out of 40 for the piece.
A look back at Heath Ledger’s impact and legacy
Ledger, who charmed audiences as Patrick in the film, died in 2008 at age 28 from an accidental overdose.
At his passing, he had completed work on The Dark Knight and was filming The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus.
His legacy lives on through his performances and the ongoing admiration of co-stars and fans.
Ledger’s family and those who remember him
Heath Ledger is survived by his daughter Matilda Rose, now in her mid-20s, whom he shared with actress Michelle Williams.
Cast tributes, like the one Stiles gave, underline how deeply the film and Ledger’s work remain part of popular culture.
