Jennifer Grey Sets the Record Straight About Her Relationship with Patrick Swayze in Dirty Dancing

Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze’s relationship, both on and off-screen, is an iconic and enduring part of Hollywood’s romantic history.
The two actors first came together in the 1987 hit film “Dirty Dancing,” where they portrayed Frances “Baby” Houseman and Johnny Castle, respectively.

Their on-screen chemistry was electric, and their passionate dance sequences, including the famous lift in the water, became iconic moments in cinematic history.

Their characters’ love story resonated with audiences worldwide and played a significant role in the film’s tremendous success.

Off-screen, Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze’s relationship was complex but deeply rooted in mutual respect and admiration. While they had a strong professional connection, the two actors faced their share of challenges during the making of “Dirty Dancing.” Swayze had a reputation for being a perfectionist, and his intense commitment to his craft occasionally caused friction on set.

However, Grey and Swayze’s dedication to their roles and the project ultimately led to a successful collaboration. Despite any conflicts that may have arisen during filming, their on-screen partnership remains one of the most beloved and cherished cinematic romances of all time.

Tragically, Patrick Swayze passed away in 2009 after a battle with pancreatic cancer, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the world of entertainment. Jennifer Grey, on the other hand, continues to be an accomplished actress and dancer, carrying with her the memory of their unforgettable on-screen partnership as Baby and Johnny in “Dirty Dancing.”

Their enduring connection in the hearts of fans serves as a testament to the power of storytelling and the magic that can happen when two talented actors come together to create something truly special.

or all the fans of the classic movie Dirty Dancing, there has been a lingering question: what was the real relationship between Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze during the filming of the iconic film? Well, in her memoir titled “Out of the Corner,” Grey finally sheds light on their connection. Let’s delve into what she revealed and get a deeper understanding of their bond.

Jennifer Grey’s Initial Dislike for Patrick Swayze’s Pranks
Before they starred together in Dirty Dancing, Grey and Swayze collaborated on the film Red Dawn. It was during this time that Grey developed a dislike for Swayze’s playful pranks. In an interview on The View, Grey candidly admitted, “Patrick was constantly playing pranks on me and everyone else on set. It was all macho and I just couldn’t handle it. I remember thinking, ‘Please, enough already with this guy.’”

However, Grey’s perspective shifted after their first screen test for Dirty Dancing. Swayze took her aside and offered a sincere apology. Grey recalls, “He said to me, ‘I love you, I love you, and I’m so sorry. I know you don’t want me to do the movie.’” This heartfelt apology from Swayze melted Grey’s heart, and she agreed to do the film with him. Their incredible chemistry on set made her feel like she had found her perfect match. Grey fondly describes the moment, saying, “As soon as we started working together, he took me in his arms, and I was like, ‘Oh, boy. I’m done.’ 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 complicated relationship she had with Swayze during the making of Dirty Dancing. She explains that although they were not a natural match, they had to find a way to work together and find common ground for the sake of the film.

Reflecting on their dynamic, Grey expresses regret for not fully appreciating who Swayze was at the time. She writes, “I’m deeply sorry that I couldn’t fully appreciate and embrace who you were, instead of wishing you were someone else.” Despite their differences, Grey acknowledges Swayze’s support and talent, particularly during the challenging dance scenes. She describes him 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 the loyal fans of Dirty Dancing! In 2020, Lionsgate confirmed that a sequel to the beloved film is in the works. Jennifer Grey will reprise her role as Baby, and Jonathan Levine will be directing the project. Levine, in a display of enthusiasm, exclaimed, “While the original Dirty Dancing has always been one of my favorite films, I never imagined I would have the opportunity to direct the sequel.”

The filmmakers have promised to honor the magic of the original while exploring new storylines and introducing ’90s hip-hop music. They are also in discussions with Swayze’s estate to find a meaningful way to pay tribute to his presence in the sequel.

Grey wants to make it clear that they are not trying to replace Swayze. She states, “All I can say is there is no replacing anyone who has passed—you never try to recreate anything that was magical like that. You simply go for something different.”

With Jennifer Grey stepping back into her iconic role and the filmmakers approaching the sequel with love and respect, fans can look forward to a nostalgic and fresh take on the Dirty Dancing universe. Stay tuned for more updates on the sequel and get ready to hit the dance floor once again!