Jennifer Grey, one of the most beloved actresses of the ’80s, has unfortunately been in the news for sad reasons. Dirty Dancing, the classic movie that tells the love story of Frances “Baby” Houseman and dance teacher Johnny Castle, captured the hearts of millions and sold over a million copies on VHS. The original song for the movie, “I’ve Had The Time of My Life,” won numerous awards, including an Academy Award and a Golden Globe.
For Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze, the lead actors of the movie, this brought them under the spotlight, but Grey’s success was short-lived. A tragic incident preceded the film’s premiere, which prevented her from enjoying her enormous success and all the attention she received from fans. Grey speaks about her fame and decision to leave Hollywood at the age of 27, years after Dirty Dancing became one of the best movies of the decade.
In 1987, when the movie premiered, Grey was living in Ireland with then-boyfriend Matthew Broderick. The couple was involved in a car accident in which a mother and her young daughter lost their lives. Broderick was charged with dangerous driving, which was later reduced to careless driving. Although Grey didn’t suffer any serious physical injuries, the tragedy affected her deeply, causing survivor’s guilt and making it hard for her to move on.
Grey underwent a nose procedure to help herself, but it didn’t go as planned. Instead of making her feel better about her looks, Grey’s face became unrecognizable, causing her to say that she was “like being in a witness protection program or being invisible.” This made her struggle with survivor’s guilt even more.
However, ten years ago, Grey decided to return to the film industry, and she won the TV show “Dancing with the Stars,” which helped her leave her past behind.
Currently, Grey is back on the big screen and starred in the movies “Untogether,” “Red Oaks,” “Bittersweet Symphony,” and “I am Patrick Swayze.” Unfortunately, she had to go through severe medical issues, including a medical checkup that revealed she was at risk of being paralyzed. A titanium plate had to be screwed into her spine to prevent her from being paralyzed.
Grey also had cancer, but doctors were able to remove it before it spread to other areas. She underwent four major surgeries, including the removal of her thyroid, in 2010. Fortunately, she is now feeling great.
If it weren’t for the accident that changed her life forever, Grey’s career would have taken a different turn. But we’re glad she’s back where she belongs, in Hollywood. Watch the unforgettable scene from Dirty Dancing in the video below if you loved the movie.
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