The 10 Things I Hate About You reunion on Dancing with the Stars delivered nostalgia, emotion and a heartfelt tribute to Heath Ledger. But one familiar face was notably absent: David Krumholtz, who has now explained exactly why he could not join his co-stars for the televised moment.
Fans watching Julia Stiles reunite with castmates from the beloved 1999 teen classic quickly noticed that Krumholtz was missing from the stage. In the hours after the episode aired, the actor shared a candid Instagram video revealing that work commitments kept him away from Los Angeles, even though he deeply wanted to be part of the celebration.
David Krumholtz explains absence from the 10 Things I Hate About You reunion
According to Krumholtz, he was in upstate New York filming a movie when the 10 Things I Hate About You reunion took place during ABC’s Season 35 “Dedication Night.” Speaking from the Catskill Mountains, he said the fall shoot made it impossible for him to attend the live taping in person.
He made clear that his absence had nothing to do with a lack of interest. In fact, he said he “would have loved, loved, loved” to be there and praised Julia Stiles for her tribute to Ledger, whom he described as a dear friend he misses every day.
Krumholtz also added a touch of humor and self-awareness, joking that he had shaved what remained of his hair and did not want the internet to fixate on his appearance. Still, he emphasized that this was not the real reason he missed the reunion. The scheduling conflict, not vanity, kept him away.
Julia Stiles leads an emotional Dancing with the Stars moment
The 10 Things I Hate About You reunion was built around Julia Stiles’ performance with pro partner Ezra Sosa to Frankie Valli’s “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” a song forever linked to one of the film’s most memorable scenes. The dance doubled as a tribute to Heath Ledger, whose performance in the movie remains iconic nearly three decades later.
After the routine, Stiles was joined onstage by several of her former castmates, creating one of the night’s biggest television moments. Appearing alongside her were:
- Larisa Oleynik
- Joseph Gordon-Levitt
- Gabrielle Union
- Andrew Keegan
- Susan May Pratt
The mini cast reunion resonated with longtime fans of the film, many of whom have continued to hold 10 Things I Hate About You close as one of the defining teen comedies of its era.
Why the reunion mattered to fans
This was more than a simple cast get-together. The 10 Things I Hate About You reunion tapped into a larger cultural affection for late-1990s cinema, especially movies that blended humor, romance and standout performances. It also carried emotional weight because of Ledger’s enduring legacy.
For viewers, the moment worked on several levels:
- It celebrated a beloved ensemble cast.
- It gave Julia Stiles a meaningful spotlight on a major primetime show.
- It honored Heath Ledger in a way that felt personal rather than performative.
- It reminded audiences why the film continues to influence pop culture.
David Krumholtz has also been candid about his personal life
Krumholtz’s update comes just months after he clarified comments about stepping back from acting. Earlier in 2026, some interpreted his remarks as a retirement announcement, but the actor later explained that he was putting his career on pause to prioritize his mental health.
That context gave his latest video an added layer of openness. Rather than allowing online speculation to build around the 10 Things I Hate About You reunion, he addressed it directly and in his own words. The response from fans and co-stars was warm, with Stiles commenting publicly, “We love you Krumholtz!”
In an entertainment landscape often driven by rumor, Krumholtz’s straightforward explanation stood out. He balanced affection for his castmates, grief for Ledger, humor about aging and honesty about where he is in life right now.
The lasting legacy of 10 Things I Hate About You
The enduring fascination with the 10 Things I Hate About You reunion speaks to the staying power of the original film. Loosely inspired by Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, the movie became a touchstone for a generation thanks to its sharp writing, charismatic cast and emotional authenticity.
Its appeal has lasted because it offered more than teen movie clichés. The film gave audiences:
- A breakout performance from Heath Ledger
- One of Julia Stiles’ most defining roles
- A smart, quotable script
- A soundtrack and style that still evoke late-90s nostalgia
- A cast whose chemistry continues to resonate
That is why even a brief televised gathering can generate major buzz. For fans, seeing the cast together again is not just nostalgic content. It is a reminder of a movie that still feels funny, heartfelt and relevant.
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Final takeaway
In the end, David Krumholtz missed the 10 Things I Hate About You reunion for a simple reason: he was away filming. His heartfelt message, however, made it clear that he remained emotionally connected to the cast, the film and the tribute to Heath Ledger. For fans, the reunion was still a moving television event, and Krumholtz’s response only added to the sincerity surrounding a movie that continues to mean so much to so many people.
