Jennifer Grey, famous for her role as Frances “Baby” Houseman in the iconic film “Dirty Dancing,” may be returning to the franchise that made her a global sensation over three decades ago. The 60-year-old actress is set to star in and executive produce an untitled dance project in collaboration with Lionsgate, which holds the distribution rights to the “Dirty Dancing” films.
While fans are speculating that this new project could be a sequel to “Dirty Dancing,” it has not been officially confirmed. The upcoming film will be set in the 1990s, a departure from the original movie’s 1963 Catskills backdrop, further fueling rumors of a potential sequel.
Notably, Jennifer Grey’s co-star in the original film, Patrick Swayze, passed away in 2009 after battling pancreatic cancer. Despite her previous reluctance to be associated with the “Dirty Dancing” franchise, fans are hopeful that Grey’s involvement in the new project signals a change of heart.
Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze had previously shared the screen in the 1984 film “Red Dawn.” Grey gained recognition for her role as Matthew Broderick’s sister in the hit movie “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.” However, tragedy struck just days before the release of “Dirty Dancing” when Grey and Broderick were involved in a devastating accident in Ireland.
In the accident, two people were killed, and both Grey and Broderick suffered serious injuries. Grey endured severe whiplash and neck ligament tears but also underwent surgery during which doctors discovered a small cancerous node on her thyroid. She has since remained cancer-free.
Despite the challenges she faced, Jennifer Grey went on to win the 11th season of “Dancing With The Stars” alongside her professional partner, Derek Hough. The original “Dirty Dancing” film achieved immense success, grossing $218 million worldwide on a modest $5 million budget. The film’s iconic song, “I’ve Had the Time of My Life” by Frank Previte, earned an Oscar and a Golden Globe, while Jennifer Grey received a Golden Globe nomination for her role as Baby.
Jennifer Grey’s potential return to the world of “Dirty Dancing” has sparked excitement among fans who fondly remember her role in the beloved classic.