“10 Things I Hate About You” is perhaps the classic romantic comedy that put the late actor Heath Ledger on the map. The star ended up becoming known for his “boy next door” look and personality after the release of this film, and even helped him rise to fame.
Years later, even after his death, the film has been labeled as ahead of its time, while the actor is still recognized as one of the most talented actors of the last few decades.
Here’s a look back at how Ledger got the role in the first place, and how a simple favor for the director changed his life.
How Heath Ledger beat over 200 people in ’10 Things I Hate About You’
In an old interview with Entertainment Weekly, the film’s director, Gil Junger, talked about how Ledger was able to excel in his role.
He commented on the casting at the time, stating that Heath was “magical” and that he had managed to beat out 253 other people who had already given their best in the role.He said at the time that he and five casting agents were auditioning for the film, and had already interviewed 253 men for the lead role. He shared that he was a last-minute addition to the roster, and that one of the people who was attending auditions with him, “Marcia Ross, Disney’s head of casting, said, ‘Look, this next kid, I don’t know him.
“He’s known to an agent I respect.” So, if it’s not good, just stop it and send it on its way.
“”He was very selective as a director, and didn’t hold much hope for Ledger, although everything changed when he walked into the room. “And here’s the honest, divine truth about my father’s life: He took three steps into the room, and my thought was, ‘If this person can read English, I’ll choose him.’Junger also noted that Heath had some “oomph” and that he was immediately drawn to him.
He also added during the interview at the time: “He was so confident and loving and wanted to be the best he could be. He was just a great guy.”
Heath Ledger was the final choice for the film
The director spoke about the same with Barry Katz last year, for his channel, where he revealed how amazing Heath is. “He was set before he even got to his car,” he commented at the time. He also revealed that after the interview, the moment the 17-year-old left the room, Junger told everyone in the room that he wanted him in the movie.Heath Ledger died in January 2008 at the age of 28 due to an accidental overdose.
