Thursday, March 31st marked the 21st anniversary of the much beloved ’90s classic 10 Things I Hate About You .
As well as being both a commercial and financial success, the film also helped launch the film careers of Gabrielle Union, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and the late Heath Ledger.
In order to celebrate the milestone, Gordon-Levitt shared this throwback pic, along with a few kind words.
It all started with William Shakespeare…
10 Things I Hate About You is a modern retelling of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew . The story focuses on Cameron James (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) and his plan to win over the girl of his dreams.
But in order to do that, he first has to find a date for her introverted older sister.
Then came time to cast the players and start filming.
10 Things I Hate About You was Gabrielle Union’s first film appearance.
It was one of the earliest opportunities she received to showcase her incredible acting talents.
Some of them looked a lot different back then.
Julia Stiles had her long flowing locks that every girl wish she could have had, and every girl wanted to be as cool as her.
As for Joseph Gordon-Levitt, he had an absolute baby face!
Aging also apparently avoided him because he doesn’t look that different today.
While some of actors took a second to get famous, this movie is what launched Heath Ledger into stardom.
Heath Ledger’s rendition of ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You’ is one of the most breathtaking musical performances to ever grace the silver screen.
Ever since then, people wanted him.
Everything was looking good; the movie was a huge success.
The film opened to great critical reception and box office success.
As a result, doors began to open for the film’s stars to pursue bigger projects.
No one could have known that tragedy was waiting just around the corner.
On January 22nd, 2008, Heath Ledger was found unconscious and unresponsive by his housekeeper.
He was rushed to hospital where he was later pronounced dead .
It was a horrible shock for everyone, especially the cast.
They hadn’t just lost a colleague – but a friend.
The entire world mourned and still does, for the passing of this great human.
Years later, Gabrielle Union posted this photo.
She did it as a way of celebrating the film’s anniversary.
“Just a bunch of kids having the time of our lives up in Tacoma/Seattle … 1st movie & an experience that I’ll never forget,” she wrote on Instagram .
But more than anything, she did it to honor the memory of her lost friend.
“The best/coolest/most generous group of people to share my 1st film experience. What a time man. Love and eternal light. RIP Heath Ledger.”
On Thursday, Joseph Gordon-Levitt made a similar post.
“Today, March 31st, is the anniversary of ’10 Things I Hate About You.’ All of us were friends and spent so much time together that whole summer.
Nothing but love for all the wonderful memories I had making that movie.” – Joseph Gordon-Levitt
And it seems that fans haven’t forgotten either.
The replies on twitter have been pouring in ever since JGL first made his initial post.
It’s clear that Heath Ledger made a lasting impression on the young JGL.
Gordon-Levitt has incredibly fond memories of his time with Ledger.
“Heath turned me on to a lot of great music during that summer we worked together,” he said.
“I remember the first time I ever heard Radiohead’s OK Computer was when I was riding in the back of his car.”
It’s clear that Levitt and Ledger shared some unforgettable memories on the set of the movie.
This movie will definitely go down in history.
Whether because of Heath Ledger, or because it’s a rom-com classic or both.
Was 10 Things I Hate About You one of your favorite movies? Let us know below in the comments!