The Albany Gazette - Julia Stiles and Ezra Sosa Share Emotional Farewell After 'DWTS' Elimination

Julia Stiles and Ezra Sosa shared tearful interviews following their elimination from "Dancing With the Stars" during Monday's "Disney Night" episode. The actress, 45, and her professional dance partner, 25, appeared on ABC’s "On the Red Carpet" to reflect on their time in the competition.

Stiles described the experience as "incredible," noting that she would always cherish the memories despite the sadness of leaving. She referenced their final performance, a paso doble set to "Satisfied" from the musical "Hamilton," stating, "I’m really, really glad that we were able to go out with a bang." However, her tone shifted as she expressed personal attachment to her partner. "I’m really sad because I’m gonna miss seeing this guy every day," Stiles said.

Sosa responded by leaning his forehead against hers, visibly emotional. "She made me a better person. Oh, I’m gonna cry!" he said. He elaborated that Stiles had positively impacted his professional and personal development. "Just your openness, and your honesty, really — it touched me in so many ways," Sosa explained. "I took away, I took a lot from Julia, and I’m really grateful for this experience." He added that she made him a "better teacher, choreographer [and] person."

The pair also spoke to Entertainment Tonight, where Stiles credited the competition with building her "confidence" and "strength." Despite the emotional farewell, she found moments of levity, joking about getting matching tattoos with Sosa. "I had so much fun," she repeated tearfully.

Stiles’ journey on Season 35 included significant physical challenges. She suffered from a recurring rib injury throughout the competition, which caused her to cry during rehearsals for the Monday episode. Despite the pain and landing near the bottom of the leaderboard, Stiles remained determined. "I pulled things out of myself that I didn’t realize were there," she said, calling it an "absolute honor" to partner with Sosa.

The partnership was not without its tensions. In October, Stiles admitted she did not "respond well to frustration" and jokingly referred to Sosa as a "cranky bitch" during a moment of conflict. Sosa acknowledged that he had pushed her "too far" but defended his methods by citing his belief in her potential. "I know her excellence. I know what she can bring to the table," he said.

Stiles ultimately finished in eighth place. Meanwhile, Sosa, who has been a professional dancer on the show since 2021, revealed to Out magazine that he hopes to compete with a same-sex partner in the next season. "I’m working my magic! I definitely want that 100% to happen," Sosa said, noting his passion for same-sex dancing and his communication with the casting director regarding the possibility.

News of Stiles joining the cast was first reported in August. The Emmy nominee’s participation marked her return to the spotlight after a long career that includes roles in "10 Things I Hate About You" and various film and theater productions.

(R.White--TAG)