Cast of 10 Things I Hate About You

Released in 1999, 10 Things I Hate About You quickly became a beloved teen classic, blending the wit of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew with the charm of a modern high school setting. With memorable performances, unforgettable lines, and a perfect mix of humor and romance, the cast of 10 Things I Hate About You brought this teen rom-com to life in a way that has kept it relevant for decades.

Read our other blogs:

1. 100 reasons why I hate you
2. 10 reasons I hate about you

Here’s a breakdown of the main cast members who made the film such a hit.

1. Heath Ledger as Patrick Verona

Heath Ledger’s portrayal of Patrick Verona remains iconic. As the charming bad boy who’s hired to date Kat Stratford, Patrick starts off as a bit of a mystery but eventually wins over both Kat and the audience. Ledger’s performance, combined with his undeniable charisma, made Patrick one of the most beloved characters in teen movie history. His role in 10 Things I Hate About You remains a standout in his early career, showcasing his effortless ability to balance humor with depth.

2. Julia Stiles as Kat Stratford

Julia Stiles took on the role of Kat Stratford, the smart, independent, and fiercely opinionated high school student who is anything but conventional. Kat’s witty comebacks, strong convictions, and eventual vulnerability gave Stiles the opportunity to portray a character that broke away from the typical “popular girl” trope. Stiles made Kat both relatable and unforgettable, making her the perfect foil to Patrick’s rebellious charm.

3. Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Cameron James

Joseph Gordon-Levitt brought the sweet, lovable Cameron James to life, a guy who moves to Padua High and quickly becomes smitten with Bianca Stratford, Kat’s younger sister. Cameron’s earnestness and determination to win Bianca’s heart make him both endearing and relatable. His performance as the classic underdog was one of the highlights of the film, and his chemistry with 10 Things I Hate About You castmates helped elevate the movie’s charm.

4. Larisa Oleynik as Bianca Stratford

Larisa Oleynik portrayed Bianca Stratford, Kat’s seemingly perfect younger sister who, at first, appears to be a more traditional teen movie character—obsessed with her appearance and popularity. But Bianca’s journey in the film shows her to be more complex than she initially seems. Oleynik’s performance as Bianca was a great counterpart to Stiles’ Kat, with their contrasting personalities providing a rich dynamic throughout the story.

5. David Krumholtz as Michael Eckman

David Krumholtz played Michael Eckman, Cameron’s nerdy but loyal friend who helps him hatch a plan to get Bianca to notice him. Michael is the quintessential sidekick, bringing comic relief and warmth to the story. Krumholtz’s comedic timing and likable personality made him a fan favorite, and his role helped balance the romantic drama with some lighthearted moments.

6. Andrew Keegan as Joey Donner

Andrew Keegan played the arrogant, self-absorbed model Joey Donner, who serves as the film’s antagonist. Joey is the type of guy who’s only interested in Bianca for her looks and status. Keegan’s portrayal of the egotistical Joey was both obnoxious and hilarious, making him the perfect foil to the film’s more genuine characters. His over-the-top performance was a key ingredient in the movie’s comedic and dramatic tension.

7. Gabrielle Union as Chastity

Gabrielle Union took on the role of Chastity, Joey’s girlfriend and Bianca’s friend. Though she’s a secondary character, Chastity adds a lot of flair to the film. Union’s portrayal of Chastity is both fun and a little bit scheming, and she helps provide the perfect backdrop to the rivalry between Bianca and Joey’s superficial world and the more grounded, quirky personalities of the main characters.

8. Larry Miller as Walter Stratford

Larry Miller played Walter Stratford, the overprotective father of Kat and Bianca. Walter is a classic comedic character who, despite his controlling nature, loves his daughters and just wants to keep them safe. Miller’s performance adds a layer of humor and heart to the film, especially when he delivers some of the film’s most memorable lines about his parenting methods.

9. Susan May Pratt as Mandella

Susan May Pratt played Mandella, a supportive and loyal friend to Kat, who provides both comic relief and insight into the lives of the main characters. Mandella’s interactions with Kat offer a glimpse into their long-standing friendship, and Pratt’s portrayal helped ground the movie’s more dramatic moments with lighthearted humor.

10. Richard Gibbs as Mr. Morgan

Richard Gibbs appeared as Mr. Morgan, the high school teacher who adds another layer of humor and wisdom to the film. He serves as a more minor character, but his moments in the classroom are hilarious, especially when he lectures Joey and his classmates in the most entertaining ways. His role, while small, plays into the school setting and adds another funny touch to the mix.

The cast of 10 Things I Hate About You is a huge reason why this film still resonates with audiences today. With standout performances from Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles, the movie balances humor, romance, and drama in a way that makes it endlessly watchable. Each actor brought something unique to their role, making the film a true ensemble piece.

Whether you’re drawn to the fiery chemistry between Patrick and Kat, the relatable charm of Cameron and Bianca, or the comedic sidekicks like Michael and Chastity, the cast of 10 Things I Hate About You delivered an unforgettable film experience. Their performances cemented the movie as a classic in teen cinema, and it’s no surprise that people are still watching—and loving—this film all these years later.