Jennifer Grey is taking fans down memory lane as she reflects on her experiences filming intimate scenes with the late Patrick Swayze during their careers. Notably, she reveals some surprising insights from their time working together on the 1984 film Red Dawn and the iconic 1987 classic, Dirty Dancing.
Speaking candidly on The Hollywood Reporter's Awards Chatter podcast, the 64-year-old actress opened up about her nerves before filming one of the romantic scenes with Swayze. During her recollection, Grey described how she had been feeling super paranoid, anxious, and scared leading up to the shoot. To cope with these emotions, she admitted to engaging prior to the shoot, saying, "I was smoking a lot of weed ... I didn't sleep the whole night.”
Grey contrasted the love scene against the backdrop of the film's intense action sequences, stating, "You're running, and shooting, and throwing hand grenades ... But this is the only acting scene I get to do where I'm not doing action." Her mention of weed reflects the pressures she felt as a young actor eager to perform well.
Interestingly enough, Grey's intimate moment with Swayze didn’t go as planned. She recalled, “He came ... drunk ... and he didn’t know his lines.” Fans will be surprised to learn this scene ended up being cut from Red Dawn, leaving Grey feeling frustrated. "And then it got cut. And they said, 'We'll come back and reshoot it. But, of course, they didn't."
The frustration did not hinder their spirits, as both actors later united for Dirty Dancing where they shot to stardom as Johnny and Baby. Reflecting on the transition from one film to another, Grey explained how Swayze approached her before filming and extended concerns over their previous interactions. He said, "I love you, I love you, and I'm so sorry. And I know you don't want me to do the movie."
It seems feelings ran high during this moment, as Grey recalled how emotional they both became—yet for different reasons. "I got the tears in my eyes—not for the same reason," Grey described. This heartfelt reconciliation allowed for newfound chemistry between them as they undertook the drumming tensions of dance filming. “We could kill it — we could kill it if we did this,” Swayze encouraged Grey, alluding to the remarkable performance they would deliver onscreen.
The enduring success of Dirty Dancing undeniably showcases the pair’s chemistry leading to numerous memorable moments, including the famed lift. Interestingly, Grey has mentioned she never rehearsed this iconic dance move, stating, “I only did it on the day I shot it. Never rehearsed it.”
Beyond the film's success, Grey also shared some behind-the-scenes antics, claiming her co-stars would jokingly put firecrackers in her door to prank her, adding lightheartedness to the working environment. With combined worldwide box office revenue for Dirty Dancing reaching $214 million, it’s clear both films elevated both Grey and Swayze to the heights of superstardom.
Patrick Swayze sadly passed away from pancreatic cancer at the age of 57, which remains an emotional aspect for fans and cast alike. Grey reflects on their time together fondly and acknowledges the lasting impact he made on her life and the film industry. Her recollections are not just about the movies they were involved but also highlight the human connections formed through their work.
Through her reflections, Grey provides not only insight but also celebrates the lasting legacy of both films—films from which new generations continue to derive inspiration and nostalgia. Their unforgettable performances as Johnny and Baby cemented their spots as cultural icons, marking moments of joy and romance all around the world.
