In 1987, a little film called Dirty Dancing took the world by storm. It was the story of a young woman finding her voice and her place in the world during a summer at a Catskills resort. That film turned Jennifer Grey into a household name, grossing over $214 million worldwide and becoming the first home video to sell a million copies. But let’s rewind for a second—Jennifer wasn’t exactly ready for the whirlwind of fame that came with this unexpected hit.
By the time Dirty Dancing hit theaters, Jennifer had already been acting professionally since she was 19. Born into a family of performers—her dad Joel Grey won an Oscar for Cabaret and her mom Jo Wilder was an actress—Jennifer was no stranger to the arts. But nothing could have prepared her for the phenomenon Dirty Dancing became. “It was a tiny, low-budget movie,” Jennifer recalls to Closer. “I thought it might be terrible, that no one would see it. And then all of a sudden, people really loved it. It was surreal.”
From Hollywood to Home Life
Fast forward a few decades, and Jennifer, now 61, continues to act in films and on television. She’s also a proud mom to her 19-year-old daughter Stella Gregg, who has followed in her parents’ footsteps as an actress. Stella’s dad, actor Clark Gregg, makes this a true family affair. But Jennifer’s life isn’t just about the screen; she’s also passionate about giving back. This flu season, she’s teaming up with the American Nurses Association and Sanofi Pasteur to encourage everyone to get their flu shots. It’s all about protecting ourselves and those around us.
Read also:Jenna And Barbara Bush Celebrating Motherhood And Family Bonds
The Power of Prevention
Why did you get involved with Flu Shot Fridays?
It’s simple: this campaign matters. Last year, with everyone locked down, the flu season was pretty mild. But now that things are opening up, we’re at risk for a flu season that could break records. By getting a flu shot, we’re not just protecting ourselves—we’re stopping the spread to our loved ones and easing the burden on healthcare workers, who’ve been through so much already. It’s a small action that makes a big difference.
Following in Dad’s Footsteps
You grew up in a legendary acting family. Your dad Joel Grey won an Oscar for Cabaret. Did he ever give you career advice?
My dad wasn’t one for direct advice, but he was a powerful role model. Watching him work taught me everything I needed to know. He wasn’t a trained dancer or singer, but he taught himself to tap-dance for a role. He sang and faked it until he made it. He was a professional child actor, and performing was simply what he did. Watching him persevere showed me the importance of dedication and hard work.
Was that attitude the same for you?
Absolutely. I was backstage with him, on set with him. I saw firsthand what it meant to live the life of an artist—the challenges, the rewards, the magic. For some people, there’s a backup plan. For me, there wasn’t. I never felt like I had another career in me. I’ve always known this is where I belong.
Memorable Roles and Lessons Learned
Audiences first met you as the bratty sister in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. How did that movie change your life?
That movie was pure joy. I’ve never had a director who just got me, believed in me, and pushed me to take risks. It gave me the confidence to be bold, to be mischievous, to be flawed. I didn’t want it to end.
And then came Dirty Dancing the following year.
Getting the lead role in Dirty Dancing was a dream come true. I never thought of myself as a leading lady, but this part felt like it was made for me. It was a tough shoot, though. Everything went wrong—rain delays, cast changes, you name it. It was almost cursed. But the team was incredible, and they pulled through despite the challenges.
Cursed? What happened?
Everything imaginable went wrong. We were working on a shoestring budget, and the production was fraught with difficulties. People were getting fired, quitting, and the weather wasn’t cooperating. It was a battle to survive, but everyone rose to the occasion. They delivered their best work despite the obstacles.
Read also:Hugh Jackman And Sutton Foster Love In The Spotlight
What was it like working with Patrick Swayze?
Patrick was a force of nature. He was a masculine cowboy with the grace of a ballet dancer. He was dependable, supportive, and a fantastic dancer. I had to trust him completely, especially during those iconic lifts. I was terrified, but he never let me down. Trusting him was essential, and it paid off in every scene.
Lessons for Future Generations
If you could go back and give your 26-year-old self advice, what would it be?
I’d tell her that life is a wild ride, full of adventures and challenges. It’ll feel scary at times, but she’s got what it takes to rise to the occasion. Every hardship will change her for the better, teaching her resilience and strength. She’ll learn to handle anything that comes her way.
Why do you think Dirty Dancing remains so beloved after all these years?
It’s a story about transformation. The protagonist loses her innocence, grows into a woman, and discovers she’s capable of more than she ever imagined. She finds love in a way she never thought possible, and her partner sees something in her that changes him too. It’s a feel-good movie with serious themes beneath the surface—empowerment, self-discovery, and breaking free from limitations. That’s why it resonates.
Your daughter Stella has followed you and Clark into show business. Did you give her any advice?
It’s a different world now. My upbringing was steeped in theater—Stephen Sondheim, Bernadette Peters, ballet, rehearsals. I studied with the best teachers in New York. Stella’s experience is shaped by Los Angeles, phones, and the internet. There’s less room for boredom, less time for journaling, and endless access to information. I’m curious to see how her generation uses these tools to shape their careers. Her path will be unique, and I’m excited to watch her carve it out.
