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Heath Ledger's '10 Things' role: A director's lucky guess
9 May
Summary
- Heath Ledger secured the lead role through a director's favor.
- Director Gil Junger cast Ledger after seeing him enter the room.
- Ledger was hired before leaving the audition room at age 17.
The romantic comedy '10 Things I Hate About You' significantly boosted the career of the late actor Heath Ledger.
Director Gil Junger recounted how Ledger landed his breakthrough role, initially as a favor to an agent. Junger and his casting team had already seen 253 actors for the part.
Upon Ledger's arrival, Junger was immediately struck by his confidence and magnetism. He decided to cast Ledger within moments of him entering the room, even before the audition began.
Ledger, who was 17 at the time, was hired before he left the audition space. The director described him as possessing a magical quality and incredible young talent.
Heath Ledger tragically passed away in January 2008 at the age of 28.
