Jennifer Grey, best known for her role as “Baby” in the iconic film Dirty Dancing, was expected to see her career soar after the movie’s success. However, fate had other plans, and a devastating event led her to step away from the limelight.
Years later, Grey has finally opened up about the traumatic experience that left her scarred for life.
Dirty Dancing was a low-budget film with no big-name stars and an unknown director. Yet, when it hit theaters in August 1987, it became an instant classic. Patrick Swayze, who played the male lead, became a household name, but Jennifer Grey, his co-star, suddenly disappeared from the public eye.
In a recent interview with People Magazine, Grey shared the story of what happened before the movie’s release—a story that explains her abrupt exit from Hollywood.
Born in New York in 1960, Jennifer Grey began dancing at a young age, likely influenced by her father, Joel Grey, an accomplished actor, dancer, and singer. After studying theater and dance at Dalton School, she pursued acting while working as a waitress to make ends meet.
Her early career included TV commercials and her film debut in Reckless (1984). Her big break came when she landed the role of Frances “Baby” Houseman in Dirty Dancing.
The film, based on screenwriter Eleanor Bergstein’s childhood, catapulted Grey to stardom, earning her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress. But just before the film’s release, tragedy struck.
While vacationing in Ireland with her then-boyfriend, actor Matthew Broderick, their car collided with another vehicle after Broderick mistakenly drove on the wrong side of the road.
The crash claimed the lives of a woman and her daughter in the other car. Although Broderick was initially charged with dangerous driving, the charge was later reduced to careless driving. Grey, who suffered only minor physical injuries, was left with deep emotional scars.
When Dirty Dancing premiered just days later, Grey was unable to enjoy the film’s success. The trauma of the accident, combined with the guilt of surviving and being thrust into the spotlight, was overwhelming. Grey later revealed, “My head was never the same, my ambition was never the same.”
In the early 1990s, Grey disappeared from the public eye, struggling with survivor’s guilt. She made a brief return to television with a guest appearance on Friends in 1995, but by then, she had undergone a nose job that drastically changed her appearance. The surgery left her feeling unrecognizable and marked the beginning of her retreat from Hollywood.
In 2010, Grey made a comeback, winning Dancing with the Stars and reclaiming her place as a beloved figure in the entertainment world. Reflecting on her journey, she told People, “I feel as though I’ve starved myself out of fear of what others would think of me.”
In 2018, Grey took another step toward re-entering the spotlight with roles in the film Untogether and the comedy series Red Oaks.
We’re thrilled to see Jennifer Grey regain her passion and joy. Her story is a reminder of the resilience it takes to overcome life’s challenges.
For those who remember Dirty Dancing, this might be the perfect time to revisit the film and celebrate the incredible talent of Jennifer Grey. Share her inspiring story with your friends on Facebook, and let’s honor the actress who touched so many hearts.