Julia Stiles Reunites With "Save the Last Dance" Co-Star Sean Patrick Thomas

Julia Stiles, who starred as Sara Johnson in the 2001 hit film "Save the Last Dance," recently recreated an iconic dance routine from the movie on "Dancing With The Stars." The performance also featured a surprise cameo from her co-star Sean Patrick Thomas, who played Derek Reynolds.

Stiles performed a hip-hop and jazz-style routine to Jennifer Lopez's "Jenny From the Block" during the show's Super Bowl Night episode. Her routine paid homage to the film's Juilliard dance audition finale, incorporating ballet moves and hip-hop elements. Mid-routine, her professional partner Ezra Sosa stepped back, allowing Stiles to have the spotlight. The camera then cut to Sosa standing with Thomas, who perfectly mimicked a famous shot from the movie. Stiles expressed her emotion at the "full circle" moment, telling Entertainment Tonight, "I seriously have been wanting a do-over on that movie for 25 years, and I never knew that I would get it on my favourite TV show on the planet!"

The film, which premiered in 2001, grossed over $130 million worldwide and helped propel Stiles to stardom. It followed her character, Sara, a grieving ballet dancer who moves to Chicago and falls for her classmate Derek. Together, they blend ballet and hip-hop, helping Sara rebuild her confidence to audition for Juilliard.

Julia Stiles, now 45, has had a prolific career since "Save the Last Dance." She went on to star in the Bourne film series and appeared in "Silver Linings Playbook." More recently, she starred in Sky Original's "Riviera" and directed her first feature film, "Wish You Were Here." Stiles married Preston J Cook in 2017 and has two children.

Sean Patrick Thomas, 55, played Derek Reynolds, Sara's love interest and dance instructor. After the film, he secured various television roles in shows such as "Vixen," "General V," and "Reaper," and had a recurring role on "The Good Fight." He also appeared in the "Barbershop" film franchise and received praise for his performance in the 2022 drama "Till." Thomas portrayed Professor Chadwick in a TV adaptation of "Cruel Intentions." He married actress Aonika Laurent in 2006, and they have two children.

Kerry Washington, who played Chenille Reynolds, Sara's best friend, has become a major Hollywood star. She is widely known for her role as Olivia Pope in the ABC drama "Scandal," which earned her two Emmy nominations. Her other notable credits include "Django Unchained," "American Son," and "Little Fires Everywhere." Washington also launched her production company, Simpson Street, and has directed episodes of television shows like "Insecure." She has been open about her mental health struggles, detailing her battle with binge eating and suicidal ideation in her 2023 memoir, "Thicker Than Water." Washington is married to former NFL player Nnamdi Asomugha, and they have children together.

Bianca Lawson, 47, played Derek's ex-girlfriend Nikki. She has since built a career in supernatural and teen television, with roles in "The Vampire Diaries" as Emily Bennett and in Ava DuVernay's "Queen Sugar" as Darla Sutton. Her other credits include "Teen Wolf" and "Saved by the Bell: The New Class."

Terry Kinney, 72, portrayed Sara's father, Roy Johnson. He continued a successful career as an actor and theater director, notably for his role as Tim McManus in HBO's "Oz." More recently, he appeared in Showtime's "Billions," Netflix's "Inventing Anna," and Ryan Murphy's "The Watcher." Kinney is also a co-founder of the renowned Steppenwolf Theatre Company.

Fredro Starr, 55, played Malakai, Derek's friend. Following "Save the Last Dance," he gained recognition for his role as Marquis in the HBO drama "The Wire." He also hosted "Dance 360" and released music with his hip-hop group Onyx. Starr contributed to the "Save the Last Dance" soundtrack and wrote a song for Eminem's film "8 Mile." He is married with two sons.