Jennifer Grey reflects on 'Dirty Dancing', and admits she was nervous about the film's bold scenes
Jennifer Grey , best known for her role as Baby in the iconic 1987 film ' Dirty Dancing ,' recently opened up about her initial doubts and nervousness when she first learned about the project.
While speaking on The Hollywood Reporter, Grey shared that she wasn’t sure how audiences would receive a movie with such a bold title and explicit scenes.
At the time, 'Dirty Dancing' was a low-budget film, and Grey admitted that such movies weren’t common or considered prestigious back then. She recalled sitting in her agent’s office and feeling an intense determination to land the role despite her reservations. Grey confessed she initially worried that the film’s title and some of the intimate scenes might make people dismiss it as something inappropriate or even a “glorified porno.”
While speaking on The Hollywood Reporter, Grey shared that she wasn’t sure how audiences would receive a movie with such a bold title and explicit scenes.
At the time, 'Dirty Dancing' was a low-budget film, and Grey admitted that such movies weren’t common or considered prestigious back then. She recalled sitting in her agent’s office and feeling an intense determination to land the role despite her reservations. Grey confessed she initially worried that the film’s title and some of the intimate scenes might make people dismiss it as something inappropriate or even a “glorified porno.”
The actress revealed that the movie was made on a tight budget of $4.5 million, with her paycheck being $50,000. In comparison, her co-star Patrick Swayze earned between $75,000 and $100,000 because of his already established fame. Despite the financial constraints, Grey believed in the vision of director Emile Ardolino, who had previously worked in documentaries. She felt his documentary background brought a raw, authentic feel to the storytelling, which played a significant role in the film’s success.
Grey also admitted she had initial reservations about working with Patrick Swayze again. The two had previously acted together in the 1984 movie Red Dawn, and she remembered him being unkind during that time. However, during their early rehearsals for 'Dirty Dancing,' Swayze apologized to her, and they shared an emotional moment. Grey recalled them both crying, hugging, and then going straight into a dance rehearsal. It was at that moment she realized that no one else could have played Johnny Castle the way Swayze did.
Filming 'Dirty Dancing' wasn’t easy for Grey. It was her first time as a lead actress, and she was in almost every scene. The schedule was packed, with little time for rehearsals, and the weather conditions were often difficult. Despite these challenges, Grey believes those struggles brought a unique energy to the project, ultimately contributing to the film’s magic.
Looking back, Jennifer Grey expressed gratitude for being a part of such an iconic film. Even though she had doubts at the start, the love and dedication of the entire team turned 'Dirty Dancing' into a timeless classic that continues to inspire audiences around the world.
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