Julia Stiles was once seen as a rising star with a promising future in the entertainment industry. However, she surprised many by stepping away from Hollywood’s limelight to pursue different avenues.

Julia became widely recognized for her role in “10 Things I Hate About You,” but her acting career began much earlier. She started acting at the age of 11 with the La MaMa Theater Company in New York City.

Growing up in the artistic environment of Soho, her love for theater was nurtured by frequent trips to Broadway shows with her parents. Raised in a creative and intellectual household—her father an elementary school teacher and her mother an artist—Julia’s childhood in a changing Soho shaped her unique outlook on life.

At 15, Julia secured her first major film role in “I Love You, I Love You Not,” acting alongside Claire Danes and Jude Law. She continued to land smaller roles until her big break came in 1999 with “10 Things I Hate About You,” where she portrayed the headstrong Kat Stratford opposite Heath Ledger. The film’s success solidified her status in the industry.

In the 90s, many young actresses vied for attention in the teen rom-com genre. Julia faced stiff competition from stars like Kate Hudson and Kirsten Dunst. However, her determination to embody the outspoken Kat distinguished her from the rest. The on-screen chemistry between Julia and Heath Ledger played a key role in her winning the part, as casting director Marcia Ross later disclosed.

Following her success in “10 Things I Hate About You,” Julia starred in two more Shakespearean adaptations, taking on the roles of Ophelia in “Hamlet” and Desdemona in “O,” a modern retelling of “Othello.” She continued to thrive with hits like “Save the Last Dance” and her recurring role as Nicky Parsons in the “Jason Bourne” series.

Despite her rising stardom, Julia chose to enroll at Columbia University, where she earned a degree in English literature in 2005. This decision allowed her to stay grounded and maintain a balance between her education and acting career.

Julia’s choice to pursue higher education at the height of her fame helped her retain a sense of normalcy. College provided a sanctuary from the pressures of Hollywood, giving her the opportunity to focus on personal growth and academic pursuits. As she grew older, Julia began to face the challenges that many women in Hollywood encounter as they age.