The Ultimate Guide To The '10 Things I Hate About You' Characters: 25 Years Later, Where Are They Now?

It has been over two decades since 10 Things I Hate About You first hit theaters, but the film's witty dialogue, iconic soundtrack, and unforgettable characters continue to define the teen romantic comedy genre. As of late 2024, the film’s enduring legacy is celebrated, particularly with its 25th anniversary, which has brought new attention to the cast and the film's cultural impact. This modern adaptation of William Shakespeare’s *The Taming of the Shrew* launched the careers of several major stars, and fans are constantly curious about what the inhabitants of Padua High are up to today.

The timeless appeal of the film lies in its perfectly cast ensemble, who brought depth and humor to their high school archetypes. From the fiercely independent Kat Stratford to the brooding Patrick Verona, and the scheming but sweet Bianca Stratford, here is a deep dive into the main characters, the actors who played them, and the latest updates on their careers, including recent reunions and new projects.

The Iconic Cast: Character Profiles and Latest Career Updates

The magic of 10 Things I Hate About You stems from the chemistry and talent of its young cast, many of whom were on the cusp of superstardom. Below is a detailed look at the main characters and the actors behind them.

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• Katarina 'Kat' Stratford (Julia Stiles): The fiercely intelligent, non-conformist, and feminist older sister. She is a straight-A student who despises the conformity of high school.
• Patrick 'Pat' Verona (Heath Ledger): The mysterious, Australian-born bad boy with a rumored criminal past, hired to date Kat. His character is a modern take on Petruchio.
• Bianca Stratford (Larisa Oleynik): The popular, beautiful, and desperately desired younger sister whose main goal is to date. Her character is based on Bianca Minola.
• Cameron James (Joseph Gordon-Levitt): The new student at Padua High who falls instantly for Bianca and concocts the plan to get Kat a boyfriend. He represents Lucentio.
• Joey Donner (Andrew Keegan): The arrogant, model-handsome senior whose pursuit of Bianca drives the film's central plot. He is the film's version of the wealthy suitor Gremio.
• Michael Eckman (David Krumholtz): Cameron’s quirky, supportive best friend who helps him navigate the complex social landscape of Padua High. He is the film's Tranio.
• Walter Stratford (Larry Miller): Kat and Bianca’s overprotective, obstetrician father with strict rules about dating.
• Ms. Perky (Allison Janney): The eccentric guidance counselor at Padua High who writes romance novels in her spare time.

Julia Stiles (Kat Stratford): From Riot Grrrl to Director

Julia Stiles’ portrayal of Kat Stratford cemented her as a 90s teen icon, giving a voice to the independent, intellectual "riot grrrl" sensibility.

Latest Update: Stiles has successfully transitioned into directing. In a major career move, she made her directorial debut with the romantic comedy *Wish You Were Here*, which was released in 2024. She also privately welcomed her third child while directing the film, showcasing her busy life off-screen. Fans were also treated to a recent "sister" reunion when Stiles appeared alongside Larisa Oleynik (Bianca) at a 2024 event, celebrating the film's 25th anniversary.

Heath Ledger (Patrick Verona): The Legend and His Legacy

Heath Ledger’s performance as Patrick Verona—especially his grand gesture of singing "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" on the bleachers—remains one of the most romantic moments in cinema history.

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Legacy: Following 10 Things I Hate About You, Ledger became one of the most respected actors of his generation, starring in acclaimed films like *A Knight's Tale* (2001), *Brokeback Mountain* (2005), and his Oscar-winning role as The Joker in *The Dark Knight* (2008). Director Gil Junger has mentioned that he knew "basically before he even opened his mouth" that Ledger was the one for the role of Patrick Verona, highlighting the actor's immediate star quality.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Cameron James): A Career of Reinvention

Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who played the adorably earnest Cameron James, used the film as a springboard from his early television work on *3rd Rock from the Sun* to a major film career.

Latest Update: Gordon-Levitt continues to be a versatile actor, director, and entrepreneur. He is set to appear in the highly anticipated film *Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F*, which is scheduled for a 2024 release, showcasing his continued presence in major Hollywood productions. He has also created and starred in the Apple TV+ series *Mr. Corman*, demonstrating his commitment to independent and creative projects.

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The Enduring Topical Authority of Padua High

Beyond the main couple, the supporting characters of 10 Things I Hate About You are crucial to the film’s enduring topical authority, providing both comedic relief and essential plot development.

Larisa Oleynik (Bianca Stratford) and the Sister Dynamic

Larisa Oleynik’s Bianca is the quintessential popular girl who learns that popularity isn't everything. Her character arc, moving from a superficial desire for a boyfriend to valuing her sister's happiness, is a core element of the story.

Recent Activity: Oleynik, known for her earlier role in *The Secret World of Alex Mack*, has maintained a steady career in television and film. Her recent joint appearance with Julia Stiles at the 25th-anniversary events delighted fans, proving the bond between the Stratford sisters remains strong.

Allison Janney (Ms. Perky): The Scene-Stealing Guidance Counselor

Allison Janney’s role as Ms. Perky, the guidance counselor who is secretly writing an erotic novel, is a masterclass in comedic relief. She is a beloved entity in the film's universe.

Career Highlight: While Janney's role in the film was small, it was a prelude to her incredible, Oscar-winning career, which includes her iconic role as C.J. Cregg on *The West Wing* and her Academy Award win for *I, Tonya*.

Andrew Keegan (Joey Donner) and David Krumholtz (Michael Eckman)

Andrew Keegan, as the vain and self-absorbed Joey Donner, provided the perfect antagonist. David Krumholtz’s Michael Eckman, the school's AV nerd, was the brains behind the operation, providing key LSI keywords like "Padua High" and "social hierarchy" with his expert knowledge of the student body.

Where Are They Now: Krumholtz has enjoyed a successful career in both film and television, starring in the series *Numb3rs* and recently gaining acclaim for his role in *Oppenheimer*. Keegan, though stepping back from major Hollywood roles, remains a nostalgic figure from the 90s teen movie era.

The Future of the '10 Things' Universe: A Potential Trilogy?

The film's 25th anniversary has sparked a fascinating conversation about its potential future. Director Gil Junger has revealed that he hopes to expand the *10 Things I Hate About You* universe into a trilogy.

This potential trilogy would follow the characters into adulthood, with tentative titles like *10 Things I Hate About Marriage* and *10 Things I Hate About Divorce*. While no official production is confirmed, the idea of revisiting Kat and Patrick's relationship years later is an exciting prospect that keeps the film's legacy fresh and relevant.

The fact that *10 Things I Hate About You* continues to be discussed, analyzed, and celebrated a quarter-century later is a testament to its sharp script, its Shakespearean roots, and the explosive talent of its cast. The film is more than just a teen movie; it's a cultural touchstone that launched legends and continues to inspire new generations of fans.