Jennifer Grey, the actress known for her role as ‘Baby’ in the iconic movie Dirty Dancing, had the potential for a remarkable career, as experts believe.
However, fate had other plans. A tragic incident altered her path, leading her to bid farewell to the film industry permanently.
Decades later, Jennifer Grey has opened up about the challenging period in her life that left a lasting impact on her.
Dirty Dancing, released in August 1987, didn’t feature A-list actors or a big-budget, but it was evident to the producers that they had created something special.
While Patrick Swayze, the male lead, swiftly rose to stardom post the film’s release, becoming a heartthrob in movies like Ghost and Donnie Darko, Jennifer Grey faced struggles and soon disappeared from the limelight.
The actress vanished from public view for quite some time. However, in a recent interview with People Magazine, she candidly discussed the life-altering accident that reshaped her journey.
Before delving into the details of the incident, let’s take a glimpse into Jennifer Grey’s life leading up to the catastrophic event in the summer of 1987.
Jennifer Grey’s journey began with dance lessons in her youth. Born in 1960 in New York, she may have inherited her passion for the entertainment industry from her father Joel Gray, a versatile figure working as an actor, singer, dancer, director, and photographer.
After graduating in 1978, Grey embarked on her acting career, starting with TV commercials, one notable for Dr. Pepper. Her film debut occurred in 1984 with “Reckless,” followed by her breakthrough role in “Dirty Dancing” where she portrayed Frances ‘Baby’ Houseman.
This timeless classic, based on screenwriter Eleanor Bergstein’s experiences, propelled Grey to stardom overnight, earning her a Golden Globe nomination.
Tragedy struck just before the film’s premiere when Jennifer Grey and her then-boyfriend Matthew Broderick met with a fatal accident in Ireland, resulting in the death of two individuals. While Broderick faced legal consequences for the incident, Grey battled with survivor’s guilt and emotional scars.
Despite the film’s success, Grey found it challenging to revel in the limelight due to the trauma she endured. She expressed her struggles with reconciling grief and newfound fame.
Following a hiatus in the early 90s and a brief appearance on Friends in 1995, Grey underwent plastic surgery, significantly altering her appearance and leading her to reflect on the consequences of fame and anonymity.
In 2010, Jennifer Grey returned to the spotlight by winning ‘Dancing with the Stars,’ reigniting her popularity. Subsequently, she embraced a varied career in Hollywood, appearing in projects like ‘Untogether’ and ‘Red Oaks.’
It’s heartening to witness Jennifer reclaiming her passion and joy in the entertainment industry, resonating with fans once again.
Are you ready for a nostalgic journey back to 1987?
Watch the unforgettable scene from Dirty Dancing below. Let’s cherish those wonderful memories!
Please share Jennifer Grey’s inspiring story with your friends on Facebook and reminisce about the ever-delightful Dirty Dancing!
