Cast From 10 Things I Hate About You: Everything You Need To Know In 2026
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Hey there, fellow rom-com enthusiasts and 90s kids (and even those who just appreciate a really good angsty teen movie)! It's 2026, and while we're all busy navigating flying cars or, you know, just trying to remember where we put our keys, some things just stick. And one of those things, my friends, is the glorious, the iconic, the chef's kiss of teen movies: 10 Things I Hate About You.
Seriously, has it really been that long since we first met Kat Stratford, that wonderfully prickly enigma with a penchant for protest songs and a glare that could curdle milk? Or Patrick Verona, the bad boy with a heart of gold (and a seriously impressive serenade skillset)? Time, much like Kat’s fashion sense, is a wild and unpredictable beast. But fear not, because today, we're diving deep into the fabulous cast of 10 Things I Hate About You, and seeing where all our beloved actors have landed by the time we're all debating the merits of holographic phones.
The Stars of the Show: Where Are They Now?
Let's start with the queen herself, shall we? The one and only Julia Stiles, who brought us the unforgettable Katherine "Kat" Stratford. Remember that scene where she's walking through the bleachers, totally owning her indie cred? Pure magic! Stiles has had a career that's as impressive as Kat’s list of dislikes. She's continued to grace our screens in everything from gripping dramas to more rom-coms (proving she's not just Kat).
By 2026, she’s probably got an Oscar on her mantelpiece and is starring in some critically acclaimed historical drama where she plays a fierce, independent woman who defies societal norms. You know, the usual. She's also famously been pretty private about her personal life, so no juicy gossip here, folks. Just a talented actress who knows how to pick her roles and consistently deliver a knockout performance. She’s practically a national treasure at this point, and we’re here for all of it.
And then there's the impossibly charming Heath Ledger as Patrick Verona. Oh, Patrick. The guy who made us all believe that a little bit of rebellion and a whole lot of serenading could win over any girl. Heath, sadly, is no longer with us, and his absence is still felt deeply by so many. His performance in 10 Things I Hate About You was just a glimpse of the incredible talent he possessed. He went on to achieve superstardom, captivating audiences with his roles in The Patriot, Monster's Ball, and of course, the unforgettable Joker in The Dark Knight. His legacy is one of sheer brilliance and a reminder of the profound impact a single artist can have. We still miss his radiant smile and his undeniable charisma every single day.
The Supporting Squad: More Than Just Sidekicks
We can't talk about 10 Things I Hate About You without giving a massive shout-out to the rest of the incredible cast. Let's start with the younger Stratford sister, the sunshine-y Bianca, played by Larisa Oleynik. Remember her perfectly innocent, slightly clueless portrayal? Oleynik has continued to work steadily in television and film, often in voice acting roles. By 2026, she might be lending her voice to the hottest new animated superhero franchise or perhaps even starring in a reboot of a beloved 90s sitcom. She’s proof that sometimes, being the sweet one pays off in the long run!
And who could forget the ever-so-slightly-creepy-but-ultimately-lovable Cameron James, played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt? My gosh, this guy. From awkward admirer to indie film darling to bona fide movie star, JGL has had an epic journey. He’s gone from playing the sweet kid who just wants to take Bianca to the prom to starring in mind-bending sci-fi flicks like Inception and helming his own creative projects. By 2026, he’s probably got his own production company churning out groundbreaking art, or maybe he's secretly invented a more efficient form of time travel. Who knows with that brilliant mind! He’s truly one of those actors who just keeps getting better and more interesting.
Now, for the man who made us all question our dating choices: Joey Donner, the smarmy, ridiculously handsome school heartthrob. Andrew Keegan played him with just the right amount of ego and delusion. Keegan has continued to act, appearing in a variety of TV shows and independent films. By 2026, he might be the lead in a gritty detective drama or perhaps have found his niche as a charismatic villain in a blockbuster franchise. Or maybe he's just chilling on a beach somewhere, looking effortlessly cool. Either way, we haven’t forgotten him!
And what about Michael Eckman, Patrick’s loyal best friend and partner in crime? David Krumholtz brought such a great energy to the role. Krumholtz has had a fantastic career, particularly in television. He’s known for his roles in shows like Numb3rs and The Deuce. By 2026, he’s probably the quirky, lovable sidekick who steals every scene in a major Netflix series, or maybe he’s the genius scientist everyone turns to for a complex problem. He’s got that perfect blend of humor and intelligence.
Let’s not forget the formidable Miss Veronica, played by the always wonderful Allison Janney. She was Kat and Bianca's eccentric aunt, and honestly, she stole every scene she was in. Janney has gone on to become an absolute powerhouse, racking up awards and starring in everything from heartwarming comedies to intense dramas. By 2026, she’s likely got more Emmys than she knows what to do with and is probably advising world leaders on matters of state. She’s the kind of actress who can do anything, and we’re eternally grateful for her talent.
And the school’s esteemed (and slightly ridiculous) principal, Mr. Morgan, played by the legend Daryl "Chill" Mitchell. He brought such a great comedic timing to the role. Mitchell has continued to work in television and film, often bringing his signature humor and charisma. By 2026, he’s probably the wise-cracking mentor in a high-stakes action movie or the hilarious dean of a prestigious university. He’s got that timeless cool factor.
We also have Walter Stratford, Kat and Bianca's father, played by the always brilliant Larry Miller. He was the grumpy-but-secretly-caring dad who just wanted his daughters to be safe. Miller is a veteran comedic actor and has continued to grace our screens with his presence. By 2026, he might be the cantankerous but lovable grandpa in a family comedy or the no-nonsense boss in a workplace sitcom. He’s a master of the deadpan delivery.
And finally, let’s not overlook the always memorable Ms. Perky, played by the fantastic Gabrielle Union. She was the English teacher with a crush on Mr. Stratford, and she was a total scene-stealer. Union has gone on to become a massive star and a powerful voice for social change. By 2026, she’s probably running her own media empire, starring in a powerful biopic, or advocating for something she deeply believes in. She is pure inspiration!
The Enduring Magic of Padua High
It's pretty incredible to look back and see how far this cast has come. From the halls of Padua High to Hollywood's brightest stages, they've all carved out remarkable careers for themselves. And yet, no matter what else they’ve done, for so many of us, they’ll always be inextricably linked to those unforgettable characters.
The beauty of 10 Things I Hate About You isn't just the witty dialogue or the killer soundtrack (though, let’s be honest, that soundtrack is legendary). It's the heart. It's the messy, complicated, and ultimately hopeful journey of these teenagers finding their way in the world. It’s about learning to look past the surface, to embrace your quirks, and to, dare I say it, fall in love.
So, here we are in 2026, still quoting Kat Stratford, still humming along to "Can't Take My Eyes Off You," and still believing that maybe, just maybe, a little bit of rebellion and a lot of courage can lead to something truly wonderful. Whether you’re a Kat, a Bianca, a Patrick, or a Cameron, remember that your story is just as valid, just as important, and just as capable of a grand, cinematic ending. Keep being your perfectly imperfect selves, and know that somewhere out there, someone is watching you and thinking, "I’m in love with you. You are beautiful. And I'm staring. Because I'm here with you." And that, my friends, is a beautiful thing. Keep shining!