Twenty-six years after its theatrical release, 10 Things I Hate About You remains a quintessential teen romantic comedy, defining the late '90s era and launching the careers of a new generation of Hollywood stars. Based loosely on William Shakespeare's *The Taming of the Shrew*, the film’s sharp wit, iconic soundtrack, and unforgettable performances solidified its cult status for a generation of fans.
As of December 2025, the film continues to be celebrated, particularly as the cast members—from the brooding Kat Stratford to the charming Patrick Verona—have gone on to achieve massive success, both on-screen and behind the camera. This deep dive explores the full biographies of the main cast and reveals their latest, most surprising projects, ensuring you have the freshest information on where the stars of Padua High are today.
The Core Cast: Full Biography & Latest Projects (2025 Update)
The success of 10 Things I Hate About You is inseparable from its ensemble cast, a perfect mix of emerging talent and veteran comedic presence. Here is a complete look at the main actors, their backgrounds, and their career trajectory up to late 2025.
- Julia Stiles (Kat Stratford)
- Birth: March 28, 1981, New York City, New York.
- Notable Roles: *Save the Last Dance*, the *Bourne* film series, *Dexter*.
- Current Status: Stiles has recently made a major career pivot. She is making her feature directorial debut with the romance film *Wish You Were Here*, which is scheduled for release in January 2025. She also privately welcomed her third child, focusing on both family and a new creative role in Hollywood.
- Heath Ledger (Patrick Verona)
- Birth: April 4, 1979, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
- Notable Roles: *Brokeback Mountain*, *The Dark Knight* (posthumous Academy Award win).
- Current Status: The legendary actor tragically passed away on January 22, 2008. His legacy endures through his groundbreaking performances, particularly his Oscar-winning role as the Joker. The film's 25th anniversary brought renewed tributes to his charismatic performance as Patrick Verona.
- Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Cameron James)
- Birth: February 17, 1981, Los Angeles, California.
- Notable Roles: *3rd Rock from the Sun*, *Inception*, *500 Days of Summer*.
- Current Status: Gordon-Levitt remains one of Hollywood's busiest and most versatile actors. His upcoming slate is packed with major projects, including the 2024 films *Killer Heat* and *Greedy People*, and a voice role in the highly anticipated 2025 mystery sequel, *Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery*. He is also set to star in the horror-thriller *Pendulum*.
- Larisa Oleynik (Bianca Stratford)
- Birth: June 7, 1981, Santa Clara County, California.
- Notable Roles: *The Secret World of Alex Mack*, *The Baby-Sitters Club*.
- Current Status: Oleynik balances acting with other pursuits, including attending Sarah Lawrence College. She has maintained a steady career with recurring roles in critically acclaimed series like *Mad Men* and *Hawaii Five-O*. In May 2024, she returned to her alma mater to celebrate the film's 25th anniversary, reflecting on her career and the impact of the teen comedy.
- David Krumholtz (Michael Eckman)
- Birth: May 15, 1978, Queens, New York.
- Notable Roles: *Numb3rs*, *The Santa Clause* franchise.
- Current Status: Krumholtz experienced a major career resurgence with his pivotal role as Isidor Rabi in the Oscar-winning film *Oppenheimer*. His recent work includes the comedy *Lousy Carter* and the upcoming film *Forelock*, showing his continued versatility across genres.
- Larry Miller (Walter Stratford)
- Birth: October 15, 1953, Valley Stream, New York.
- Notable Roles: *Pretty Woman*, *The Nutty Professor*, *Curb Your Enthusiasm*.
- Current Status: The beloved comedian and actor, famous for his "The Five Stages of Drinking" routine, faced a life-threatening traumatic brain injury several years ago. Crucially, Miller has made a remarkable recovery and has returned to performing, a testament to his resilience and a welcome update for fans of the protective, overbearing father, Walter Stratford.
- Gabrielle Union (Chastity)
- Birth: October 29, 1972, Omaha, Nebraska.
- Notable Roles: *Bring It On*, *Bad Boys II*, *Being Mary Jane*.
- Current Status: Union has a thriving career as both an actress and producer. She starred in the 2024 romantic film *The Idea of You* and the Prime Video comedy *Space Cadet*. Her upcoming 2025 projects include the comedy *Riff Raff* and a new rom-com with Michele Morrone, cementing her status as a major Hollywood player.
- Andrew Keegan (Joey Donner)
- Birth: January 29, 1979, Los Angeles, California.
- Notable Roles: *Party of Five*, *Camp Nowhere*.
- Current Status: The '90s heartthrob has stepped away from major film roles, focusing on family and personal projects. He made a notable public appearance at the '90s Con in 2024, where he addressed the persistent rumors regarding his former spiritual center, Full Circle, clarifying his current life is centered on raising his daughter.
Behind the Scenes: 5 Surprising Facts That Defined the Film’s Legacy
Beyond the on-screen chemistry, the production of 10 Things I Hate About You was filled with unexpected details that contribute to its lasting legacy. These lesser-known facts provide a deeper appreciation for the 1999 classic.
The Iconic Filming Location Was Originally a Hotel
The imposing, gothic-style high school used for Padua High is actually Stadium High School in Tacoma, Washington. This location is famously unique, not just for its architecture, but because the building was originally constructed to be a grand railroad station hotel. The production team chose this specific location because they wanted a high school that looked nothing like the typical, generic American school, giving the film a distinct, timeless visual identity.
Heath Ledger’s Audition Was Unforgettable
Director Gil Junger was reportedly captivated by Heath Ledger almost immediately, wanting him for the role of Patrick Verona "basically before he even opened his mouth." Ledger’s audition, and his subsequent performance, was so charismatic that it set a new standard for the "bad boy with a heart of gold" trope in teen cinema. The famous scene where Patrick sings "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" on the football field was entirely Ledger's moment, a perfect blend of vulnerability and grand romance.
No Sets Were Built for the Film
In a rare move for a major studio film, the production utilized existing locations entirely. This meant that all the scenes—from the classrooms and hallways of Padua High to the Stratford family home—were real, pre-existing locations. This commitment to practical locations, primarily around the Seattle and Tacoma areas, helped ground the film in a realistic, yet visually striking, Pacific Northwest setting.
The Supporting Cast: Where Are They Now?
The film was also a launching pad for several other actors who have since become familiar faces in film and television, adding depth to the 10 Things I Hate About You universe.
- Allison Janney (Ms. Perky): The Academy Award-winning actress (for *I, Tonya*) has enjoyed a phenomenal career in film and TV, including her long-running role on *The West Wing* and the sitcom *Mom*. She continues to star in major projects, maintaining a highly respected career.
- Daryl Mitchell (Mr. Morgan): Mitchell, who played the stern but fair English teacher, is known for roles in *Galaxy Quest* and *Veronica's Closet*. He continues to act, often appearing in television series, and is a powerful advocate for spinal cord injury research following a 2001 motorcycle accident.
The enduring popularity of 10 Things I Hate About You, particularly as it marks over two and a half decades since its premiere, is a tribute to its smart script and, most importantly, the talent of its young cast. Their recent projects and ongoing success, from Julia Stiles' new role as a director to Larry Miller's triumphant return to comedy, prove that the stars of Padua High are still very much at the top of their game in 2025.
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