This article originally appeared on eightieskids.com
Jennifer Grey almost turned the film down after working with Patrick Swayze on Red Dawn
Dirty Dancing wasn’t the first film that Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey made together; that honour goes to 1984 action thriller Red Dawn. Unfortunately, Grey had so disliked working with Swayze on Red Dawn that, when the Dirty Dancing project came along, Swayze had to convince Grey to work with him again. The actress reportedly begged the filmmakers to cast someone else as Johnny.
Grey and Swayze repeatedly butted heads throughout filming
Grey’s wariness of working with Swayze again proved well-founded. Tension between the two built to the point that they were reportedly “facing off” before every scene and refusing to talk outside of takes. It got so bad, the filmmakers became concerned the animosity between the actors would affect their characters’ more intimate scenes and derail the film’s central romance.
Swayze and Grey eventually made peace after the film’s release
Happily, the Dirty Dancing romantic leads eventually got over their differences. Grey told The Hollywood Reporter in 2016, “[Swayze] was a great dancer and he was fearless. His fearlessness with my fearfulness…together was like a marriage where you have two opposites.” In other interviews, Grey expressed regret over not being able to apologize to Swayze after his untimely death from pancreatic cancer in 2009.
The ‘crawling’ scene was improvised
The famous ‘lover boy’ scene, in which Baby and Johnny crawl toward one another lip-syncing Love is Strange by Mickey and Sylvia, wasn’t scripted. Grey and Swayze improvised the moment in a pre-take rehearsal as part of a warm-up exercise. Director Emile Ardolino loved it so much, however, that he filmed it and made it part of the final cut.
Patrick Swayze turned down a $6 million offer to make a sequel
Dirty Dancing was a major hit, making $214 million on a $6 million budget – so naturally a sequel was hoped for. The only thing getting in the way was a reluctant Patrick Swayze, who refused to make a follow-up even after he was offered a then-monumental fee of $6 million (equivalent to the entire budget of the original film).
A sequel finally came in 2004, featuring Swayze as a different character
A sequel wouldn’t emerge until 2004’s Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights, starring Diego Luna and Romola Garai. Technically a ‘reimagining’ or prequel, it follows the same basic plot but in Cuba, 1958. Patrick Swayze takes a supporting role as an unnamed dance instructor, but – given the timeline, and his age – he does not reprise the role of Johnny. The film flopped with both audiences and critics.
A direct sequel is in the pipeline, with Jennifer Grey returning
In November 2022, an official Dirty Dancing sequel was announced, with Jennifer Grey returning as Baby and Jonathan Levine (Long Shot, 50/50) directing and co-writing. It will again be set in the Catskills, but this time in the 1990s. Although Swayze’s death means Johnny won’t return, Variety reported “[the] filmmakers are in conversations with Swayze’s estate to incorporate the actor’s presence in some way.”
Grey and Swayze were much older than their characters
The character of Frances ‘Baby’ Houseman was written as a 17-year-old, whilst Johnny Castle was meant to be 25. While the real-life age gap between the actors was close to this, they were both much older than their characters: Grey was 27 and Swayze was 34 when Dirty Dancing was in production.
Patrick Swayze did all his own stunts
Not content simply to pull off all his character’s dance moves himself, Patrick Swayze was keen to do all his own stunts as well. This was no small thing, as the repeated impacts from falls onto crash mats aggravated an old knee injury. For this reason, Swayze insisted on only performing a single take of the jump from the stage in the climactic dance scene.
The trees in the forest scene are spray-painted green to make it look like summer
Though Dirty Dancing is set in the summer of 1963, filming actually began in September 1986, and ran on all through autumn, to the point where producers were forced to disguise the season. In the scenes where Baby and Johnny dance in the woods, the crew had to spray-paint the leaves on the surrounding trees green to hide the fact that they were going brown.
There are no close-ups in the lake scene because the actors’ lips had turned blue from the cold
The lake scene, in which Johnny lifts Baby out of the water, was shot at Lake Lure in North Carolina in October. While the crew were so cold they wore warm coats and gloves, Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey still had to wear their characters’ summer clothing. There are no close-ups during the scene because temperatures were so low, the actors’ lips had turned blue.
A producer disliked the film so much he recommended the only copy be ‘burned’
Though critics following Dirty Dancing’s release were kind if not blown away, the film’s producers were less so. The rough cut of the film was allegedly so bad it convinced the production team and executives at Vestron Pictures, Dirty Dancing’s distributor, that it was going to bomb. Producer Aaron Russo reportedly told a Vestron executive, “Burn the negative, and collect the insurance.”
It’s one of the most popular films ever among women
Despite the studio’s lack of confidence, Dirty Dancing enjoyed unprecedented success. As well as being the third highest-grossing film of 1987, it has become one of the most-watched films ever. A 2007 Sky Movies poll ranked the film first in a list of the most-watched women’s films. Such is the film’s enduring popularity with female audiences, it has been dubbed ‘Star Wars for girls.’
There was a remake in 2017
Did you know Dirty Dancing was remade in 2017? Produced for TV network ABC, it follows the same plot with an added framing device of an older Baby reflecting on the film’s events in 1975. Abigail Breslin and Colt Prattes play Baby and Johnny, with support from Nicole Scherzinger, with Bruce Greenwood and Debra Messing. A “flattered” Jennifer Grey was offered a role but declined.
She’s Like the Wind was written by Patrick Swayze… for a different movie
Power ballad She’s Like the Wind is performed by Patrick Swayze, who also co-wrote it with Stacy Widelitz. Originally, the song was written for another movie entirely: the 1984 teen drama Grandview, USA, in which Swayze appeared alongside Jamie Lee Curtis and C Thomas Howell. However, the song was rejected for that film, ultimately making the cut for Dirty Dancing instead three years later.
Sarah Jessica Parker and Sharon Stone auditioned to play Baby
Before Jennifer Grey was cast as Baby, her competitors for the role included Sarah Jessica Parker, then a 21-year-old newcomer (who, perhaps ironically, would later marry Jennifer Grey’s then-boyfriend Matthew Broderick). Also in the running was Sharon Stone, 28 at the time of screen-testing and yet to become a household name thanks to the likes of Total Recall and Basic Instinct.
Billy Zane almost played Johnny
Before Patrick Swayze was cast, his main competition for Johnny Castle was Billy Zane. Just 20 years old with only two screen credits (supporting roles in Critters and Back to the Future), Zane fit the original conception of Johnny as an Italian-American with a ‘dark, exotic’ look. Unfortunately for Zane, he wasn’t anywhere near as good a dancer as Swayze, which lost him the role.
Swayze was genuinely angry during the arm tickling scene
Like the crawling scene, another of Dirty Dancing’s fan-favorite moments was entirely unplanned. While rehearsing the moment when Johnny trails his fingers down Baby’s armpit, a ticklish Baby laughs, leaving Johnny sighing in frustration. This wasn’t scripted: Grey’s laughter and ticklish reaction was real, as was Swayze’s annoyance.
The film’s soundtrack is one of the best-selling albums of all time
As well as being a massively popular movie, Dirty Dancing’s official soundtrack also became one of the best-selling albums ever. On release in August 1987 it topped the Billboard album chart and stayed there for 18 weeks. To date it has sold 14 million copies in the US alone, and an estimated total of 32 million copies worldwide.
Patrick Swayze wore a girdle for some of the film
Most would consider 80s-era Patrick Swayze as a physical ideal of masculinity, but the actor at times felt a little insecure about his body whilst shooting Dirty Dancing. For parts of the film in which Johnny is clothed, Swayze allegedly wore a waist-tightening girdle. This was apparently so that Swayze (a 34-year-old playing a 25-year-old) would look thinner and therefore younger.
The film was very popular in the Eastern Bloc
As beloved as Dirty Dancing is in the West, screenwriter Eleanor Bergstein claims it had an arguably even more significant impact in the former USSR. Bergstein recalls, “When the Berlin Wall came down, there were all these pictures of kids wearing Dirty Dancing t-shirts; they were saying, ‘We want to have what they have in the West! We want Dirty Dancing!'”
Bill Medley almost didn’t sing Time of My Life because he thought the film was an actual ‘dirty’ movie
Bill Medley, one half of 60s pop duo The Righteous Brothers, sings Dirty Dancing’s theme song (I’ve Had) The Time of My Life with Jennifer Warnes, and it became the biggest hit of his career. However, when the song and the movie was first pitched to Medley, he initially said no, thinking Dirty Dancing’s title made it sound like an actual XXX movie.
A nude scene of Jennifer Grey was cut
Despite its mild sexual content, Dirty Dancing was granted a PG-13 rating. However, the first completed cut of the film reportedly got more R-rated, as Jennifer Grey filmed a nude scene which was included in initial test screenings. However, after test audiences reacted poorly to this scene, the nudity was cut out entirely. It is believed this deleted footage has long since been destroyed.
Jennifer Grey dropped out of promoting the film after a lethal traffic collision with boyfriend Matthew Broderick
Just prior to Dirty Dancing’s August 1987 release, Grey was in Ireland with then-boyfriend Matthew Broderick (her Ferris Bueller’s Day Off co-star) when they were involved in a car accident which killed two women in another car. Because of this tragedy, Grey bowed out of the Dirty Dancing promotional campaign. Broderick faced five years in jail for dangerous driving, but was ultimately fined just $175.
Swayze suggested retitling the film ‘I Was A Teenage Mambo Queen’
Bill Medley wasn’t the only person worried the title Dirty Dancing would give audiences the wrong idea. Patrick Swayze also hated the title, and suggested a more family-friendly alternative that he came up with himself: I Was A Teenage Mambo Queen. Thankfully, Swayze’s idea wasn’t taken on board, and the film retained the much catchier title known and loved worldwide to this day.
In Poland, the film is known as ‘Swirling Sex’
International releases of Hollywood movies often carry titles which translate a bit differently. In French-speaking countries, Dirty Dancing is called Danse Lascive, or Lustful Dance; in Brazil, it’s Hot Pace; in Spanish-speaking territories it’s Hot Dance. The list goes on, but perhaps the oddest retitle was in Poland, where Dirty Dancing became Wirujacy Seks, which translates as Swirling Sex.
It contains ‘the most romantic line ever’
According to a Daily Mail article, Dirty Dancing features the single most romantic movie quote ever. This was for Baby’s line “I’m scared of walking out of this room and never feeling the rest of my whole life the way I feel when I’m with you.” However, another of the film’s best-loved lines was not one that everyone felt confident about…
Swayze hated saying “nobody puts Baby in a corner”
If there’s one line that everyone remembers from Dirty Dancing, it’s when Johnny declares, “nobody puts Baby in a corner” (although this is often misremembered as “THE corner”). This particular quote was voted #98 in the top 100 movie quotes by the American Film Institute. However, as iconic as it has become, Swayze actually hated the line and had to push himself to say it.
(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life was an awards-laden smash hit
Dirty Dancing’s theme song (I’ve had) The Time Of My Life was a US number one single, and made the top ten in many other countries. On top of all this, it was named Best Original Song at both the Oscars and the Golden Globes, and also won a Grammy for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. Overall, quite a hit!
The crew had to make Cynthia Rhodes look worse in her crying scene
Dirty Dancing co-stars Cynthia Rhodes as Penny, Johnny’s dance partner who, in the film’s most provocative subplot, falls unexpectedly pregnant and gets an abortion. In her ‘agony’ scene, Cynthia Rhodes presented the filmmakers with a problem: she simply looked too good! Because her natural beauty was shining through too much, make-up had to be applied to make Rhodes look worse whilst crying.
It has been called a classic Jewish movie – although religion is never directly addressed
Many fans and critics consider Dirty Dancing a Jewish classic. Though religion is never mentioned in the movie, the Houseman family and many other main characters are supposed to be Jewish. The Kellerman’s resort is modeled on the real-life Grossinger’s Hotel, a Catskills resort which caters mostly to Jewish vacationers (who were often rejected by other US hotels and resorts in the early 20th century).
Dirty Dancing gave Wayne Knight his breakthrough role
As well as making superstars of Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey, Dirty Dancing launched the career of a less celebrated but highly successful character actor: Wayne Knight, who co-stars as Stan. Knight later appeared in Born on the Fourth of July, JFK and Basic Instinct before landing his biggest role as the corrupt computer programmer Nedry in Jurassic Park.
The lift is one of the most mimicked moments in film history
Dirty Dancing’s final dance – in particular the iconic lift – has become one of the most widely-imitated scenes in film and television. YouTube is rife with amateur recreations of the moment, and it’s also been re-enacted in more professional settings. For one, the scene was recreated on Dancing with the Stars by Bindi Irwin, who was crowned the celebrity competition show’s winner in 2015.
It was the first of only five films for director Emile Ardolino
Dirty Dancing was the feature directorial debut of Emile Ardolino, whose background in musical theater made him ideal for the dance-based romance. Aged 44 when the film opened, Ardolino would direct only four more theatrically released films – Chances Are, Three Men and a Little Lady, Sister Act and The Nutcracker – before tragically dying of AIDS in 1993, aged 50.
The director insisted on only casting experienced dancers
As a seasoned stage professional, Ardolino was adamant that his film would portray dance more authentically than some other films of the era – most notably Flashdance, which infamously used numerous dance doubles for lead actress Jennifer Beals (one of whom was male). Because of this, the director insisted on only casting experienced dancers, which meant harder work for his cast, but more effective results.
The dance during the love scene wasn’t initially in the film
Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey’s impromptu dance during their screen test wasn’t actually initially slated for the film. Yet their undeniable chemistry shone through, leading the directors to incorporate the dance into the movie’s intimate scene – surprising, given their off-screen tension.
Mountain Lake Lodge hosts multiple Dirty Dancing-themed weekends a year
Mountain Lake Lodge, the backdrop to many Dirty Dancing scenes, keeps the spirit of the film alive. Each year, they host Dirty Dancing-themed weekends, inviting fans for a nostalgic trip with dance lessons, parties, and immersive experiences from the iconic film.
Johnny Castle was originally Italian
Initially, Johnny Castle was intended to be an Italian character. Patrick Swayze, despite a “No dancing” note on his resume due to a knee injury, was cast, and Johnny’s heritage was subsequently changed to Irish. Swayze was drawn to the multifaceted nature of Johnny and took the part despite his limitations.
The iconic lift was recreated in 2011’s Crazy, Stupid, Love.
In 2011, the much-loved Dirty Dancing lift was given a modern twist in the film Crazy, Stupid, Love. Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone charmingly perform the famous scene, which included at Gosling’s suggestion. In a post-production interview Gosling revealed he’d actually used the move in his own dating life to impress his dates.
The characters of Baby and Johnny were both influenced by Bergstein’s own life
Dirty Dancing borrowed heavily from screenwriter Eleanor Bergstein’s life. Just like Baby, Bergstein hailed from a liberal Jewish family, frequented Catskills resorts in the 60s, and carried the nickname Baby into adulthood. Bergstein’s dancing prowess also inspired Johnny’s character, with Bergstein having herself been a seasoned ‘dirty dancer’ and a recognized Arthur Murray instructor.
The Cry to Me love scene has been voted one of the sexiest movie moments ever
It’s no surprise that Dirty Dancing has its fair share of steamy moments, but none quite as sizzling as the love scene set to Cry to Me by Solomon Burke. Over the years, this particular intimate moment has been voted among the sexiest movie moments of all time.
Rehearsals often evolved into disco parties
One might think that after a day of dancing on set, the cast would be ready for a restful evening. Not the Dirty Dancing crew. Rehearsals reportedly turned into full-blown disco parties, with practically every cast member, dancers and non-dancers alike showcasing their personal dance moves. It’s a wonder they had any energy left for filming!
Eleanor Bergstein makes a cameo in the film
Amidst the movie’s whirl of dancing and drama, it’s easy to miss Eleanor Bergstein’s small cameo. For those eagle-eyed fans: when Baby seeks out Johnny, having witnessed Penny’s tears, Bergstein is briefly spotted as the woman in the white dress, gracefully waltzing with Johnny before Billy steps in. A fleeting moment, but a fun Easter egg for those in the know.
Jane Brucker co-wrote the song Hula Hana
Lisa, Baby’s older sister, left audiences entertained with her rendition of Hula Hana. But there’s a behind-the-scenes tidbit many might not know: Jane Brucker, who portrayed Lisa, co-wrote the catchy tune. Unfortunately, her songwriting contribution went unnoticed for years, until she finally received due credit in 2002.
It was the first film to sell a million copies on home video
While the film dazzled on the big screen, its magic didn’t stop there. Dirty Dancing danced its way into history by becoming the first film to sell over a million copies on home video. Living rooms everywhere were transformed into Kellerman’s Resort, one VHS tape at a time.
Throughout the film, Johnny and Baby mostly wear contrasting colors
Throughout Dirty Dancing’s many dance sequences and emotional scenes, there’s a detail that some viewers might overlook. Johnny and Baby are often dressed in opposing colors, underscoring the differences and the magnetism between the two characters, as they both stand out yet complement each other.
The film was a major box office success
Produced on a budget of $6,000,000, Dirty Dancing grossed a staggering $62,811,299 in the USA alone, reaping 10.4 times its initial cost. And when you factor in the global earnings, clocking in at $213,954,274, the movie’s return shoots up to an impressive 35.6 times its investment. Talk about dancing all the way to the bank!
The tight schedule allowed only two weeks for rehearsals
Dirty Dancing wasn’t just a whirlwind romance on screen; its production timeline was equally dizzying. The cast and crew were given a tight two weeks for rehearsals. From the word ‘action’ on September 5, 1986, to the final cut on October 19, 1986, the entire film was wrapped up in precisely 44 days.
Choreographer Kenny Ortega used Swayze and Grey’s real-life dynamic to fuel their characters’ chemistry on-screen
Kenny Ortega had a front-row seat to the dynamics between Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey. In an interview in 2017, he shed light on their interactions off-camera, detailing how their genuine moments of affection and friction contributed to the palpable tension and romance between their characters: “Sometimes, it was conflict; sometimes it was love. There was something there between the two of them that was unexplainable. They were human fireworks.”
Procter & Gamble came close to sponsoring the film
In a bid to amplify the film’s promotion, Vestron Pictures sought a corporate sponsor, zeroing in on Proctor & Gamble, the giants behind Clearasil skincare. Envisioning the film as a golden ticket to a teen audience, P&G was on the brink of sealing the deal. However, some of the sensitive subplots didn’t sit well with P&G execs, leading the company to withdraw their sponsorship.
Most of the cast and crew stayed at Kellerman’s during filming
The scenic Mountain Lake Lodge in Virginia, which served as Kellerman’s, was also the accommodation of choice for most of the cast and crew during filming. Today, it stands as a favorite destination for movie fans. Visitors can explore a gift shop filled with memorabilia and even see Patrick Swayze’s signature for Room 232 in the guest registry.
The book that Robbie tries to lend to Baby is The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand
Robbie’s character, ever the self-assured intellectual, offers Baby a book as a supposed rationale for his refusal to assist Penny. The book, The Fountainhead, is a controversial classic that delves into individualism and ego. Robbie’s choice perhaps serves as an insight into his own self-centered worldview.
The real life age gap between Kelly Bishop and her onscreen daughters is smaller that you may think
It’s hard not to be charmed by the Houseman family dynamic. However, what might surprise many is the narrow age gap between the actors. Kelly Bishop, who brilliantly portrays the poised and elegant Marjorie Houseman, is only 14 and 16 years older, respectively, than Jane Brucker and Jennifer Grey, who play her daughters.
Baby is named after the first woman to be in the US cabinet
Baby is named after the groundbreaking Frances Perkins, the first woman to be a part of the US cabinet. (She was Secretary of Labor from 1933 to 1945.) This detail is more than just a name-drop; it resonates with Baby’s own journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and breaking norms.
Baby says she will attend Mount Holyoke College at the end of the summer
Early in the movie, Baby mentions she’s off to Mount Holyoke College come fall. It’s a fitting choice, considering her namesake, Frances Perkins, graduated from Mount Holyoke in 1902. Another nod to history in the film that’s easily missed.
A reality show inspired by the film aired overseas
In a bid to harness the film’s popularity, a reality competition show titled Dirty Dancing: The Time of Your Life was launched in 2007, airing in the UK. Set in the same location as the film, contestants competed in a series of dance challenges. However, the show didn’t quite reach the legendary status of the film, and was cancelled after one season.
Jennifer Grey won Dancing with the Stars in 2010
Jennifer Grey dazzled audiences once again with her dancing skills on Dancing with the Stars in 2010. Teaming up with professional dancer Derek Hough, Grey’s performances were reminiscent of her iconic role in Dirty Dancing. Their impressive routines and undeniable chemistry culminated in a well-deserved win, securing Grey the coveted mirror ball trophy.
Patrick Swayze believed the film endured because of its heart
Swayze often reflected on why Dirty Dancing remained so beloved over the years. In his perspective, while the dance numbers and romance were pivotal, the film’s true power lay in its heart. He believed the film resonated deeply because of its authentic portrayal of love, growth, and self-discovery, emotions that transcend time and remain relatable to each new generation of viewers.
In 1997, the film was re-released in American cinemas to celebrate the film’s 10th anniversary
In 1997 Dirty Dancing made a grand return to American theaters. This 10th-anniversary re-release wasn’t merely a nod to nostalgia. It allowed a brand-new generation of viewers to experience the magic of Johnny and Baby’s story on the silver screen.
Conan O’Brien was one of the catalysts for the re-release
It was revealed that late-night talk show host Conan O’Brien had a significant role in bringing Dirty Dancing back to theaters. O’Brien asked viewers of his show to send letters to the production company demanding the film’s re-release. However, after the studio ultimately agreed he admitted he was actually fairly indifferent to the movie.
Cynthia Rhodes co-starred in three of the biggest dance movies of the 80s
The 1980s saw a surge in dance-themed films, and at the heart of this renaissance was Cynthia Rhodes. With Dirty Dancing, she charmed as Penny, Johnny’s dance partner. But her grace and skill didn’t stop there. Rhodes also played pivotal roles in Flashdance and Staying Alive. Through these films, she solidified her position as the dance movie queen of the 80s.
Matthew Broderick can be spotted in the talent show scene
Despite his absence from the credits, Matthew Broderick, who was in a relationship with Jennifer Grey during the filming of Dirty Dancing, can be spotted in the film’s climactic talent show scene. Blink and you’ll miss it, but the Ferris Bueller star is among the attendees, taking in the spectacle of the final dance.
Paul Feig starred in a Dirty Dancing TV spinoff
Before he became the acclaimed director behind comedies such as Bridesmaids, Paul Feig took to the dance floor in a 1988 television spinoff of the film. Despite the film’s popularity, the TV spinoff didn’t quite resonate and was short-lived, bowing out after a handful of episodes.
Grey experienced some bad luck on set
Behind the scenes, Jennifer Grey faced some peculiar challenges. During one outdoor shoot, she was ambushed by a swarm of wasps, suffering several painful stings. In the search for the on-set makeup artist to address the swelling, they found out she had recently quit. Her replacement, though swiftly hired, faced an unfortunate accident a week into her job, sustaining injuries to her wrist and fingers.
The film was the top rental movie of 1988
Dirty Dancing wasn’t just a big-screen sensation. The allure of Johnny and Baby’s story proved irresistible in homes too. In 1988, Dirty Dancing proudly claimed the title of the year’s top rental video, ensuring its iconic status in both theaters and living rooms.
