Jennifer Grey, best remembered for her iconic role as “Baby” in the timeless film *Dirty Dancing*, was expected to see her career soar after the movie’s success. However, a life-altering event drastically changed her path, leading her to retreat from the spotlight.
Now, at 62, Grey has opened up about the traumatic experience that left her emotionally scarred and reshaped her career trajectory.
*Dirty Dancing* was a low-budget film without major stars or a famous director, yet it became an unexpected hit when it premiered in August 1987. Patrick Swayze, Grey’s co-star, quickly became a teen idol and leading man in Hollywood, starring in films like *Ghost* and *Donnie Darko*. But Jennifer Grey’s journey was much different. While the movie turned into a pop culture phenomenon, Grey quietly disappeared, haunted by a tragedy that would overshadow her success.
In a revealing interview with *People Magazine*, Grey shared the details of the fateful accident that changed everything.
Before delving into the incident, it’s worth exploring Grey’s early life. Born in New York City in 1960, she began dancing at a young age. Her father, Joel Grey, a celebrated actor, singer, and dancer, no doubt inspired her to pursue a career in entertainment. After attending the Dalton School and training at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of Theatre, Grey worked as a waitress to make ends meet while seeking acting opportunities. She eventually landed several TV commercials, including one for Dr. Pepper.
Her breakthrough came with *Dirty Dancing*, in which she played Frances “Baby” Houseman, a role that catapulted her to fame. Based on screenwriter Eleanor Bergstein’s childhood, the film became an overnight success, earning Grey a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress.
But just before the movie’s release, Grey and her then-boyfriend, actor Matthew Broderick, were involved in a tragic car accident in Ireland. Broderick, driving on the wrong side of the road, collided with another vehicle, killing a mother and her daughter. Although Broderick faced charges of reckless driving, they were later dropped. While Grey sustained only minor physical injuries, the emotional toll was profound.
The accident happened just days before the premiere of *Dirty Dancing*, leaving Grey unable to celebrate the film’s success. Struggling with survivor’s guilt, she found it difficult to bask in her newfound fame. “It didn’t feel right to be celebrated when I was carrying such deep grief,” she told *The Daily Mirror*.
The emotional trauma left a lasting impact, causing Grey to retreat from the public eye for years.
In the early 1990s, Grey attempted a return to acting but faced further setbacks after undergoing plastic surgery. The procedure dramatically changed her appearance, and she felt as though her identity had been erased. Reflecting on this experience, she said, “I went into the operating room as a celebrity and came out a stranger. It was like entering a witness protection program.”
Following her surgery, Grey’s Hollywood career became sporadic. However, she made a triumphant comeback in 2010 when she won *Dancing with the Stars*, rekindling her connection with fans and rediscovering her joy in performing. “It felt like I had been hiding in fear of judgment, and I finally allowed myself to enjoy life again,” she said.
In 2018, Grey continued her resurgence with roles in the comedy series *Red Oaks* and the film *Untogether*, reigniting the passion for acting that she had once left behind.
Jennifer Grey’s story is one of resilience and reinvention. After years of retreat, she is finally reclaiming her place in the industry and embracing the joy of her craft once more.
Who wouldn’t want to relive the magic of *Dirty Dancing*? Revisit the unforgettable moments from the 1987 classic and bask in the nostalgia.
Share this heartwarming journey with your friends on Facebook—they’ve probably been wondering what became of the beautiful and talented Jennifer Grey, just like I did!