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Julia Stiles, the beloved actress known for her role in the iconic teen film 10 Things I Hate About You, recently shared a nostalgic moment at the Gotham Awards. The actress, now 43, recounted discovering a treasure trove of memories from her early career, specifically a photo album filled with behind-the-scenes snapshots from the film that launched her into stardom.
“When I moved out of my New York City apartment many years ago, I put my stuff in my sister’s storage,” Stiles revealed. “And recently she was like, ‘Oh I found this photo album’ and it was photos from ’10 Things I Hate About You.’”
Bittersweet memories of a classic film
Stiles described the experience as bittersweet, filled with wonderful memories yet tinged with sadness. The film, released in 1999, featured a young Heath Ledger in his breakout role, who tragically passed away in 2008. Reflecting on the cast’s camaraderie, Stiles noted, “We were so excited to be there, having so much fun because we were all starting our careers and not jaded or guarded.” Alongside Ledger, the film also starred Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Larissa Oleynik, Andrew Keegan, and David Krumholtz, all of whom have since carved out their own successful paths in Hollywood.
A new chapter: Directing
Fast forward to today, and Stiles is not just reminiscing about her past; she is actively shaping her future. She recently achieved a long-held dream of directing with her upcoming film, Wish You Were Here.
“It was a big deal,” she expressed, emphasizing the significance of this milestone in her career. “It was a career-long dream of mine to direct a movie, and I finally got to do it. It was a five-year process.” The actress admitted to feeling nervous on her first day on set, but she quickly reminded herself, “There’s no crying in baseball! You have to step up.” This determination reflects the resilience that has characterized her journey in the entertainment industry.
Star-studded event and the future ahead
Stiles was not the only star shining at the Gotham Awards. The event was a gathering of Hollywood luminaries, including Pamela Anderson, Colman Domingo, Demi Moore, Jesse Eisenberg, Angelina Jolie, Timothée Chalamet, and Zendaya.
As the industry continues to evolve, Stiles stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and reinvention. Her journey from a teen star to a director showcases the importance of embracing change and pursuing one’s passions, inspiring a new generation of artists to follow their dreams.
