Julia Stiles Gets Emotional Surprise From ‘Save the Last Dance’ Co-Stars Ahead of ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Debut

Julia Stiles is getting some extra encouragement from two familiar faces as she prepares to take on a brand-new challenge. The actress received a heartfelt surprise message from her former Save the Last Dance co-stars Kerry Washington and Sean Patrick Thomas ahead of her upcoming appearance on Dancing With the Stars Season 35.

Stiles appeared on Good Morning America on September 2 alongside her fellow contestants to discuss joining the popular dance competition. The appearance took an unexpected turn when the show played a special video message from Washington and Thomas, who starred alongside Stiles in the beloved 2001 dance drama.

The surprise was particularly meaningful as Stiles prepares to return to the dance floor 25 years after Save the Last Dance first premiered.

Kerry Washington Has a Special Message for Julia Stiles

Washington, who played Chenille Reynolds in Save the Last Dance, shared an enthusiastic message congratulating her former co-star on joining the competition.

“I have known since our days on set for ‘Save the Last Dance’ that you truly know your way around the dance floor, but now the whole world gets to see you in action,” Washington said.

She continued by warning Stiles’ fellow contestants that they should not underestimate her abilities.

“Honestly, the competition better watch out, because I know that you have some slammin’ moves up your sleeves,” Washington added.

The message served as a sweet reminder of the pair’s time working together on the film, which followed Sara Johnson, played by Stiles, as she pursued her dreams of attending Juilliard while discovering a passion for hip-hop dance.

Sean Patrick Thomas Remembers Stiles’ Dancing Days

Thomas, who played Derek Reynolds in the film, also sent his former co-star a message of support.

“Julia, congratulations,” he said, before reflecting on watching Stiles take on a similar challenge during the making of Save the Last Dance.

“I had a front-row seat the last time you undertook a similar challenge in ‘Save the Last Dance,’ and from what I remember, you got into Juilliard, so I know you’re gonna kill it,” Thomas added.

His message referenced the film’s storyline, in which Stiles’ character works toward gaining admission to the prestigious performing arts school.

The reunion of sorts highlighted the lasting connection between the actors and the enduring legacy of the movie, which became a memorable part of early-2000s pop culture.

Julia Stiles Reveals Her Longtime Love for ‘Dancing With the Stars’

During her appearance on Good Morning America, Stiles also spoke about her excitement at finally joining the competition.

The actress revealed that she has been a fan of the show for years and described it as an important part of her weekly routine.

“It’s my Tuesday Night Football,” Stiles said, explaining just how much she enjoys watching the series.

“I’m truly obsessed with the show. I have been for over a decade,” she added.

Stiles also admitted that participating in the competition had been a secret dream of hers for a long time, but she had previously been too nervous to accept the opportunity.

“It’s been a secret dream of mine to be here, and I was always just too scared to say yes, until now,” she revealed.

Her decision to finally join the cast marks a major personal milestone, giving her the opportunity to challenge herself in a new way while revisiting a skill that played a defining role in one of her best-known films.

Julia Stiles Joins a Star-Studded Season 35 Cast

Stiles is among the notable names competing on Season 35 of Dancing With the Stars, which is scheduled to premiere with a two-night event on September 15 and 16.

The season also features actress and dancer Jenna Dewan, actress and singer Tatyana Ali, musician Taylor Hanson, figure skater Amber Glenn, celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis, television personality Guillermo Rodriguez, and other familiar faces.

With contestants coming from different backgrounds, the competition promises to bring a mix of dance experience, performance skills, and plenty of surprises.

For Stiles, however, the experience carries an additional layer of nostalgia. Her participation coincides with the 25th anniversary of Save the Last Dance, the film that introduced audiences to her character’s journey from ballet to hip-hop.

A Full-Circle Moment for Julia Stiles

Stiles’ upcoming appearance on Dancing With the Stars represents a full-circle moment for the actress. More than two decades after audiences watched her learn to combine different dance styles on screen, she is preparing to put her own abilities to the test in front of a live audience.

The surprise messages from Washington and Thomas made the announcement even more special, reconnecting her with two people who shared that memorable chapter of her career.

As Stiles prepares to compete for the coveted Mirrorball Trophy, she can count on the support of her former co-stars and longtime fans who remember her iconic role in Save the Last Dance.

Now, the actress is ready to show viewers what she can do on the dance floor once again.