“From Ballet Dreams to Hollywood Shock: The Untold Ups and Downs of Jennifer Grey’s Iconic Journey”
As ‘Baby’ in Dirty Dancing, she clashed with co-star Patrick Swayze
Following Red Dawn, Jennifer Grey went on to star in the classic 1986 comedy Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, in which she played Ferris’ jealous sister Jeanie Bueller. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, one of the most successful comedy films of the era, established the young actor as a Hollywood A-lister and a name to be reckoned with. Apart from this comedy, however, Jennifer Grey will of course always be remembered for what came next: her role in the classic 1987 romantic drama Dirty Dancing.
In this romantic drama and dance film written by Eleanor Bergstein, directed by Emile Ardolino and starring Patrick Swayze as Johnny Castle, Grey took the lead role as Frances ‘Baby’ Houseman. Though her performance would later see her nominated for the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy (her only nomination for the film), Grey was initially unhappy about Swayze being cast alongside her, given their acrimonious relationship on Red Dawn.
However, the dance tests they performed together in New York proved to be so good that she accepted the choice. Sadly, the initial cooperation between the two soon faded, and reports suggested the two were frequently arguing behind the scenes. Despite this, Grey and Swayze were well-received and their convincing show of affection made Dirty Dancing an unexpectedly big hit.
Dirty Dancing was an unprecedented success
Made on a budget of $6 million, the film went on to gross $214 million worldwide, making it the third biggest film at the box office that year. It also won the Best Original Song Oscar for classic theme song (I’ve Had) The Time of My Life.
