If you’re a fan of the iconic movie Dirty Dancing, you might have wondered about the real relationship between Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze. You’ll be pleased to know that Grey recently released her memoir, Out of the Corner, where she sets the record straight about their connection. Let’s dive deeper into what she revealed.
Jennifer Grey: From Dislike to Deep Connection
Before they starred together in Dirty Dancing, Grey and Swayze worked on the film Red Dawn. Back then, Grey wasn’t exactly 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, and I couldn’t handle it. I found myself thinking, ‘Enough is enough with this guy!’”
So when Grey learned that Swayze would be her co-star in Dirty Dancing, she wasn’t thrilled. However, her perspective changed after their first screen test. Swayze pulled her aside and sincerely apologized, saying, “I love you, I love you, and I’m so sorry. I know you didn’t want me to do the movie.”
Grey realized that Swayze’s apology was genuine, and it touched her heart. She decided to do the film with him, and their incredible chemistry on set made her feel like she had found her perfect match. Grey fondly recalls, “He took me in his arms, and I thought, ‘Oh, boy. I’m done.’ There was no competition. He was the easy chair I had been dreaming of my whole life.”
The Complex Relationship of Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze
In her autobiography, Grey opens up about the complicated dynamic she and Swayze shared during the making of Dirty Dancing. She explains that they weren’t necessarily a natural match, and this led to tension between them. However, they had to find common ground for the sake of the film.
Reflecting on their relationship, Grey expresses regret for not fully appreciating who Swayze truly was at the time. She writes, “I’m truly sorry that I couldn’t just appreciate and enjoy you for who you were, instead of wanting you to be someone you’re not.”
Despite their differences, Grey acknowledges Swayze’s immense talent and unwavering support, especially during the challenging dance scenes. She describes him as strong, protective, and incredibly dedicated to his craft. And of course, she couldn’t help but mention how good he smelled and how nice his skin was.
Exciting News: A Sequel in the Works!
Calling all Dirty Dancing fans! Lionsgate has confirmed that a sequel to the beloved film is happening. Jennifer Grey will reprise her role as Baby, and Jonathan Levine will be directing the project. Levine expressed his excitement, saying, “While the original Dirty Dancing has always held a special place in my heart, I never imagined I would have the opportunity to direct the sequel.”
The filmmakers plan to capture the magic of the original while exploring new storylines and introducing ’90s hip-hop music. They are also in talks with Swayze’s estate to find a way to honor his presence in the sequel.
However, Grey wants to make it clear that they are not trying to replace Swayze. She states, “I can say with certainty that no one can ever replace someone who’s passed away—you can never recreate something as magical as that. We’re simply aiming for something different.”
With Grey’s involvement and the promise to approach the sequel with love and respect, fans can look forward to a nostalgic and fresh take on the Dirty Dancing universe.