Certain films go unnoticed by viewers, while others become timeless classics that capture the interest of millions. Dirty Dancing is definitely one of those classics. The romance between Frances ‘Baby’ Houseman and dance instructor Johnny Castle was a hit, selling over 1 million VHS copies. The movie’s theme song, ‘I’ve Had The Time of My Life‘, received multiple awards, such as an Academy Award and a Golden Globe.
Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze were thrust into the spotlight as the lead actors, but Grey’s tragic incident before the premiere overshadowed her success and the fan attention.
Today, years after Dirty Dancing saw the light of the day and became one of the best movies of the decade, Grey speaks of her fame and her decision to turn her back on Hollywood at the age of 27.
In 1987, when the movie was released, Grey resided in Ireland with her then-boyfriend Matthew Broderick. Unfortunately, they were both in a car accident that resulted in the tragic loss of a mother and her young daughter’s lives. According to reports, Broderick was driving on the incorrect side of the road and caused the accident. He faced charges for reckless driving, which were later reduced to careless driving.
Grey didn’t suffer any serious physical injuries, or at least she thought so, but she was never the same person she once was. The tragedy touched her deeply and she had a hard time moving on.
The actress expressed her feelings to the Daily Mirror, saying that she didn’t feel comfortable being praised and celebrated while also experiencing deep sorrow and survivor’s guilt. The contrast between these emotions didn’t sit well with her.
She informed People that her head and ambition were never the same again.
Grey battled with survivor’s guilt, so she chose to have a nose surgery for herself. Unfortunately, the outcome was not what she expected, and her face ended up looking completely different.
In 2012, she disclosed, “I entered the operating theater as a famous person and emerged as someone unknown. It felt as if I was in a program to protect witnesses or as if I had become invisible. The nose surgery was a complete nightmare. Now, I will forever remain an actress who was once well-known but is now unrecognizable due to a nose job.”
About a decade ago, Grey decided she wanted to return to the film industry. Winning the TV show ‘Dancing with the Stars’ allowed her to move on from her past and feel rejuvenated.
Grey explained to People that it felt as though they had deprived themselves due to fear of judgment, but now it feels like indulging in a tasty steak after years of dieting.
Today, she returns to the silver screen and has appeared in the films Untogether, Red Oaks, Bittersweet Symphony, and I am Patrick Swayze.
But, at one point, she faced serious health problems. A medical examination showed that Grey was in danger of becoming paralyzed.
Dr. Robert Bray, Jr., a neurological spinal surgeon, warned that her spinal cord could have suffered severe damage if she had a bad fall, a rear-end accident, or suddenly threw her head. He explained that her spine was at risk of literally falling off, which could result in complete paralysis.
Dr. Bray conducted multiple surgeries on Grey and had to attach a titanium plate to her spine. Regrettably, there was even more distressing news to come – Grey was diagnosed with cancer.
The actress said doctors removed the cancerous growth in her thyroid before it spread.
In 2010, Grey had to go through four significant surgeries, which included the one mentioned earlier. Additionally, she had no choice but to have her thyroid removed.
Fortunately, she is now feeling fantastic.
Jennifer Grey’s career would have taken a completely different path if not for the life-changing accident. Nevertheless, we are delighted that she has returned to her rightful place in Hollywood.
If you enjoyed Dirty Dancing, watch the unforgettable scene from the movie in the video provided below.
