Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze’s unforgettable chemistry in the iconic film “Dirty Dancing” captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. Their on-screen love story as Baby and Johnny remains one of the most beloved cinematic romances of all time. But what was their relationship like off-screen? Let’s take a closer look at the real connection between these two talented actors.
A Rocky Start: Jennifer Grey’s Initial Thoughts on Patrick Swayze
Before “Dirty Dancing,” Grey and Swayze worked together on the film “Red Dawn.” At the time, Grey wasn’t a fan of Swayze’s playful pranks. In an interview on The View, Grey confessed, “Patrick was always playing pranks on me and everybody. It was just too much. I couldn’t handle it.” So when she learned that Swayze would be her co-star once again, she wasn’t thrilled.
However, everything changed after their first screen test together. Swayze approached Grey and sincerely apologized for his behavior. Grey recalls, “He looked at me and said, ‘I love you, I love you, and I’m so sorry. I know you don’t want me to do the movie.’” His genuine words touched Grey’s heart, and she decided to give their on-screen partnership a chance.
A Complicated Collaboration: Jennifer Grey Reflects on Their Relationship
In her memoir, “Out of the Corner,” Grey opens up about the complexities of her relationship with Swayze during the making of “Dirty Dancing.” Their personalities clashed at times, leading to tension on set. But despite their differences, they understood the importance of working together for the success of the film.
Looking back, Grey admits that she didn’t fully appreciate who Swayze was during that time. She writes, “I regret not fully embracing and cherishing you for who you were, rather than wishing you were someone else.” Despite their challenges, Grey recognizes Swayze’s strength, talent, and dedication, particularly during the demanding dance scenes. She even mentions how great he smelled and how nice his skin was, adding a touch of lightheartedness to their on-set dynamic.
Exciting News: A Sequel to “Dirty Dancing”
For fans of “Dirty Dancing,” there’s exciting news on the horizon! Lionsgate confirmed the production of a sequel to the beloved film in 2020. Jennifer Grey will reprise her role as Baby, and the project will be directed by Jonathan Levine. Levine expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “While the original ‘Dirty Dancing’ has always been one of my favorite films, I never imagined I would get to direct the sequel.”
The filmmakers aim to honor the magic of the original while introducing new storylines and incorporating ’90s hip-hop music. They are also in discussions with Swayze’s estate to find a way to pay homage to his presence in the sequel. However, Grey wants to make it clear that their intention is not to replace Swayze. She states, “You can never replace someone who has passed away. We’re not trying to recreate the same magic, but instead, create something different.”
With Grey’s involvement and a promise to approach the sequel with love and respect, fans can eagerly anticipate a fresh take on the enchanting world of “Dirty Dancing.”
