Many fans wonder if Jennifer Grey (60) was a dancer when she took on the role of "Frances 'Baby' Houseman" in Dirty Dancing back in 1987. After all, the different steps and choreographed routines are anything but easy. The answer... is yes!
Jennifer Grey had already had dance experience when she slipped into her famous role. The actress studied dance and drama at the Dalton School in Manhattan.
After graduating in 1978, the "Baby" actress devoted herself initially to acting and expanded her knowledge for two years at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre.
Jennifer Grey's Famous Parents
Jennifer Grey was destined to become a dancer from a very young age. Her famous father is Joel Grey, who was a successful dancer and actor himself. In 1973 he even won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his role as an agent in the film Cabaret. Her mother Jo Wilder is also a singer and actress.
Jennifer Grey did not make her film debut with Dirty Dancing and a dance role, but rather in 1984 with a small role in Reckless. In the same year, she also starred in the film Red Dawn, in which she worked with her Dirty Dancing partner, Patrick Swayze († 57). In 1987 the surprise hit turned cult classic, Dirty Dancing was finally shot.
Jennifer Grey wasn't the only dancer on the set of Dirty Dancing
Not only was Jennifer Grey a dancer, but also her co-star Patrick Swayze, who blossomed from a dancer to a Hollywood star. The actor was a trained ballet dancer before an injury made him rethink his career path.
The great talent and the dancing harmony of the main actors have made Dirty Dancing an unbelievable success. At the moment there are rumors whether Jennifer Grey is making a new Dirty Dancing film.
What we do know is that the actress takes the leading role in a new dance film - but whether there is really a connection to the classic film has not yet been confirmed.
