Dirty Dancing, the iconic film that captured the hearts of millions, has always left fans wondering about the real-life relationship between Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze. In her recently released memoir, Out of the Corner, Grey finally reveals the truth about their connection. Let’s dive deeper into what she shares.
Jennifer Grey’s Initial Dislike for Patrick Swayze’s Pranks
Before Dirty Dancing, Grey and Swayze crossed paths while working on the film Red Dawn. However, Grey wasn’t too fond of Swayze’s playful pranks. She candidly admitted during an interview on The View, “Patrick was always playing pranks on me and everyone else. It was all in good fun, but I couldn’t handle it. I thought to myself, ‘Enough is enough.’”
It’s no wonder that Grey was less than thrilled to learn that she would be starring alongside Swayze in Dirty Dancing. However, everything changed after their first screen test together. Swayze pulled Grey aside and sincerely apologized, telling her, “I love you, I love you, and I’m so sorry. I know you don’t want me to do the movie.”
Grey realized that Swayze’s apology was genuine, and it touched her heart. She decided to give the film a chance, and their incredible chemistry on set made her feel like she had finally found her perfect match. Grey describes the moment, saying, “He took me in his arms, and I knew right then and there that he was the one. It was effortless; there was no competition. He was the easy chair I had been dreaming of my whole life.”
Jennifer Grey Reflects on Her ‘Tension’ with Patrick Swayze
In her autobiography, Grey opens up about the complex relationship she and Swayze had during the making of Dirty Dancing. She reveals that they weren’t always a natural match, leading to tension between them. However, they had to find a way to work together and find common ground for the sake of the film.
While reflecting on their dynamic, Grey expresses regret for not fully appreciating who Swayze was at the time. She writes, “I deeply regret not being able to fully appreciate and enjoy who you were, instead of wishing you were someone else.”
Despite their differences, Grey acknowledges Swayze’s unwavering support and undeniable talent, especially during the challenging dance scenes. She describes Swayze as strong, protective, and incredibly dedicated to his craft. And of course, she couldn’t resist mentioning how good he smelled and how nice his skin was.
Looking Ahead: A Sequel to ‘Dirty Dancing’
Exciting news for all Dirty Dancing fans! Lionsgate has officially confirmed that a sequel to the beloved film is in the works. Jennifer Grey will be reprising her iconic role as Baby, and Jonathan Levine will be directing the project. Levine excitedly shares, “While the original Dirty Dancing has always held a special place in my heart, I never imagined getting the chance to direct its sequel.”
The filmmakers have made it clear that they intend to honor the magic of the original while exploring new storylines and infusing ’90s hip-hop music. They are also in discussions with Swayze’s estate, ensuring that his legacy will be respected in the sequel.
However, Grey wants to make it clear that they are not attempting to replace Swayze. She firmly states, “No one can ever replace someone who has passed away—you can never recreate that kind of magic. Instead, we are striving to create something entirely different.”
With Grey’s involvement and the promise to approach the sequel with love and respect, fans can eagerly anticipate a nostalgic yet fresh take on the beloved Dirty Dancing universe.
