For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. But you let me down, too.". Later, Penny misses an evening where she's supposed to be teaching dance classes. "You just go for something different." Penny's character in Dirty Dancing was at the center of it. When she discovers she's pregnant with Robbie the Creep's child, she goes to a doctor in a nearby town to have an abortion. Problem is, Penny doesn't have enough for the procedure. The Truth About The Actress Who Plays Penny In Dirty Lionsgate said in a statement at the time: It will be exactly the kind of romantic, nostalgic movie that the franchises fans have been waiting for and that have made it the biggest-selling library title in the companys history., Its appeal was that it was very genuine and simple, she said in a 2020 People interview about the original movie. Baby comforts Penny and lets her know everything will be okay. Her film roles include Tina Tech inFlashdance(1983), Jackie inStaying Alive(1983) and Penny inDirty Dancing(1987). The outside temperature rose to 105F (41C), and with all the additional camera and lighting equipment needed for filming, the temperature inside could be as high as 120F (49C). (Remember the scene when she's writhing in pain after an illegal abortion procedure? The duo even starred together in the 2003 dance film "One Last Dance," which Niemi wrote and directed. Johnny's and Baby's performance is mostly successful, although Baby is too nervous to accomplish the dance's climactic lift. Dad knows that they weren't playing charades. They met in 1983, while Marx was working on themotion picture soundtrackforStaying Alive. Dirty Dancing: Penny is pregnant scene Binge Society 6.98M subscribers Subscribe 619 87K views 8 months ago #DirtyDancing #PatrickSwayze #BingeSociety While The elderly Paula Trueman collapsed and was taken to the local emergency room to be treated for dehydration. While going to the kitchen with Neil (Lonny Price), Baby (Jennifer Grey) sees Penny (Cynthia Rhodes) crying. Take a cold shower, Robbie. The film drew adult audiences instead of the expected teens, with viewers rating the film highly. Rhodes split from husband Richard Marx in 2014 after Filming started on September 5, 1986 but was plagued by the weather, which ranged from pouring rain to sweltering heat. In addition to several live-action film and TV roles, Knight has also lent his voice to animation. And, after the illegal abortion goes horribly awry, its the reason Baby comes clean with her father a doctor and faces his disappointment, in favor of asking him to help save Pennys life. No one on the team, however, liked the rough cut that was put together, and Vestron executives were convinced the film was going to be a flop. Dirty Dancing Quotes, Because Nobody Puts Baby She runs to warn Billy (Neal Jones) so that he will warn Johnny (Patrick Swayze). Many filmgoers, after seeing the film once, went right back into the theater to watch it a second time. Dirty Dancing Wiki is a FANDOM Movies Community. [12]There was concern among the production staff that the animosity between the two stars would endanger the filming of the love scenes. From television and movie stars to choreographers, directors, and screenwriters, the cast has been up to some very interesting things, even if you don't recognize them. In case you've been wondering, here's what the cast of "Dirty Dancing" looks like today. While Baby was busy falling in love with Johnny, her sister Lisa was getting mixed up with some bad company. As of 2005, it was selling a million DVDs per year,with over ten million copies sold as of 2007. His despicable actions only get worse when he lets Johnny take the fall for Penny getting pregnant after Jake forbids Baby from seeing him, and ends up rejecting Lisa by sleeping with a married woman. What Happened To The Cast Of Dirty Dancing? From small parts in films "G.I. From major films like "Hercules" and "Toy Story 2" to children's cartoons like "Xiaolin Showdown" and "Catscratch," Knight's voice has been a part of many people's childhoods. They set the film in 1963, with the character of Baby based on Bergstein's own life, and the character of Johnny based on the stories ofMichael Terrace, a dance instructor whom Bergstein met in the Catskills in 1985 while she was researching the story. So, she wrote the lyrics for the songshe sang in the movie and still holds the copyright. It happened, enjoy it, watch it over and over again but never ask me to do it again because I'm too fking old, she quipped. While Dirty Dancing is clearly both a coming-of-age story and a love story, the movie doesnt fall into the trap of connecting Babys growth with the loss of her virginity. And Rhodes hasn't looked back -- at least that's what she's led Marx to believe. Penny can't keep the baby (not the Baby), but she doesn't have $250 for the abortion. Penny will miss her weekly dance performance if she goes for the abortion, forfeiting Penny's and Johnny's salary for the season. He tends to Penny, no questions asked. "I honestly 'had the time of my life!'" The self-professed "catch of the county" may not have gotten the girl, but actor Price has found triple success as a director of television, film, and stage. Her final role before retirement was 1991's "Curse of the Crystal Eye," after which Rhodes completely stayed out of the public eye, not speaking with anyone in the press for decades, even when she and Marx divorced after 25 years in 2014. And Rhodes hasn't looked back -- at least that's what she's led Marx to believe. John MorrisErich Bulling Eat that, James Joyce. It's safe to say that Max Cantor's Robbie Gould is the main villain of "Dirty Dancing." Billy Kostecki was Jones' first major role as an actor. I dont know how all these people who reenact it have the guts to throw themselves into the arms of anyone other than Patrick Swayze. And I'm sorry I let you down. Dirty Dancing Baby tries to get the money from Robbie, who's a deadbeat baby daddy. In May 1987, the film was screened for producerAaron Russo. Rhodes split from husband Richard Marx in 2014 after 25 years of marriage. Dirty Dancing (1987) - Cynthia Rhodes as Penny Johnson - IMDb You cant win no matter what you do!. Outside of acting, Bishop was married twice. In a 2008 interview with Hobo Trashcan, he revealed he was interested in directing TV and film in the future. Knight has enjoyed steady work still to this day. In 1963, Frances "Baby" I said, Well, I dont know that we will always have Roe v. Wade, and I got a lot of pushback on that. A May 2007 survey by Britain'sSky MovieslistedDirty Dancingas numberone on "Women's most-watched films", above theStar Warstrilogy,Grease,The Sound of Music, andPretty Woman. After serving his country, he set his sights on Broadway and was eventually nominated for a Tony Award for his role in the Woody Allen play "The Floating Light Bulb. [11]Despite her character's enjoyment, Grey later described the water as "horrifically" cold, and she might not have gone into the lake, except that she was "young and hungry". ", Garrison was also featured in two "Dirty Dancing" related projects in later years. Johnny teaches Baby a few moves, and boy, does Baby let loose. At breakfast, Jake tells his family they will be leaving the resort early but relents when they object. Tito Suarez was played by Charles Coles, a professional tap dancer who was big in the 1940s thanks to his partnership with fellow tap dancer Charles Atkins. His latest live-action film, "12 Mighty Orphans," is scheduled for release in June 2021. Rhodes later joined the 1980s pop groupAnimotion, replacing the group's singerAstrid Planefor the recording of its third album of original material. PATRICK SWAYZE BELIEVED DIRTY DANCING ENDURED BECAUSE Cynthia Rhodes (born November 21, 1956) is an American retired actress, singer and dancer. Though Wayne Knight's role in "Dirty Dancing" was an admittedly small one as Stan, as the presumed events coordinator and resident comedian of Kellerman's, it helped set the stage for his later, more iconic roles. People have better access to and more types of birth control, and theres also Plan B and medication abortion, neither of which were available in 1963 or 1987. Kelsea Ballerini, Chase Stokes Get Cozy at Rangers Game. By the end of the meeting, Peisinger had greenlighted the project to become Vestron's first feature film production. Despite that, Johnny says she did a wonderful job when they get back to Kellerman's. Baby runs to get her dad, who's a doctor. When I made the movie in 1987, about 1963, I put in the illegal abortion and everyone said, Why? Despite being a relatively small part, Lonny Price was more than just a little memorable as Kellerman resort heir Neil Kellerman who had his sights set on Baby and made absolutely no secret of it. After resort dancer Penny gets pregnant, Baby finds herself tasked with stepping in while the pro takes time off to get an (at the time, illegal) abortion. WebPenny Johnson is a dancer and Johnny 's former love interest. This is what every girl at that time wants to hear: Patrick Swayze is single. After Flashdance, Rhodes was cast oppositeJohn TravoltainSylvester Stallone's 1983 filmStaying Alive, a sequel to the 1977 hit filmSaturday Night Fever. Her dad is disappointed in Baby yet again. #98, 2006:AFI's 100 Years100 Cheers Nominated. Release date Baby agrees to stand-in for Penny, which means she must learn to dance. The dance they're going to perform has a daring lift. Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture Comedy/Musical, Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture Comedy/Musical, Best Song written for a Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media, "Big Girls Don't Cry" Frankie ValliandThe Four Seasons, "Stay" Maurice Williams and the Zodiacs, "Will You Love Me Tomorrow" The Shirelles, "In the Still of the Night" The Five Satins, "(I've Had) The Time of My Life" Bill MedleyandJennifer Warnes, 2002:AFI's 100 Years100 Passions #93. Rhodes's final motion picture role was the character of Vickie Phillips, playing opposite Jameson Parker, in the sleeper action-adventure movie Curse of the Crystal Eye. Vivian also plots revenge against Johnny by accusing him of stealing her husband's wallet in an attempt to get him fired, but the lie is eventually exposed when the real thieves are caught. In 2002, Rhodes co-wrote thesmooth jazztrack "Perfect Day" with then-husbandRichard MarxforDecember, trumpeterChris Botti's holiday album. Penny can't keep the baby (not the Baby), but she doesn't have $250 for the abortion. The two live in Chicago's suburbs with their three sons. By November, it was also achieving international fame. Baby may not be doing any more lifts, but news broke in 2020 that Dirty Dancing was getting a sequel, with Grey starring and executive producing the new movie. Budget It became one of the most famous scenes in the movie, turning out, as choreographer Kenny Ortega put it, "as one of the most delicate and honest moments in the film. The two live in Chicago's suburbs with their three sons. Dirty Dancing. Born inNashville, Tennessee, Rhodes began her brief show business career working atOpryland USAas a singer and dancer while attendingGlencliff High Schoolduring the 1970s. Raised in aBaptistfamily, Rhodes tried to maintain a clean-cut image in her acting roles and in the media, turning down scripts that required nudity and refusing offers to pose for pictorials inPlayboymagazine. She agreed to the larger part, telling the National Post,"What was good about the role was that I'd always played the other woman, that character I was cast for originally, and this changed me into more of a mom, which broadened my outlook a little bit.". Nobody has ever done anything like that for me before.. He refuses to use Baby as his alibi even though that would exonerate him. Johnny leads Baby onstage and makes a brief speech about how "Frances" has made him a better man. He had small roles in several films such as "Rocky II" and "The Cotton Club," appearing as both himself and as a fictional musician. ", Before Baby came into his life, Johnny Castle's main dance partner was Penny Johnson, played by Cynthia Rhodes. Pennys abortion in Dirty Dancing would have taken place right before the abortion rights movement reached a fever pitch in the U.S. God wouldn't have given you maracas if He didn't want you to shake 'em. Though the group's single "Room to Move" rose toNo. He was 57. We'll just go ahead and call it fate. Billy explains that the "doctor" turned out to be a back-alley hack. Jane" and "The Devil's Advocate," and enjoyed recurring roles in shows like "Rescue Me" and "Law & Order: Criminal Intent." She re-teamed up with Gilmore Girls creator Amy Sherman-Palladino for Bunheads, which aired for one season from 2012 to 2013. Cynthia Rhodes But between 1967 and 1973 just a few years after Dirty Dancing takes place 17 states repealed their abortion bans or reformed their laws to allow some access to abortion. She's written a memoir that, she revealed to People, will be released in May 2022, calling it "one of the most gratifying things I've ever done.". November 21, 1956 (age 61)Nashville, Tennessee, United States I had a doctor on set to make sure [the description of illegal abortion] was right.. 2005:AFI's 100 Years100 Movie Quotes: Johnny Castle: "Nobody puts Baby in a corner." Part of the a360media Entertainment Group. The site's critical consensus reads, "Like its winsome characters,Dirty Dancinguses impressive choreography and the power of song to surmount a series of formidable obstacles." I made it very clear that we would leave in what is, for me, very purple language: references to dirty knives, a folding table, hearing Penny screaming in the hallway, she told Vice. If Republicans gain control of the government in the 2022 and 2024 elections, they have signaled interest in passing a nationwide abortion ban. An accomplished dancer and singer, Rhodes got her first film role as a dancer in the musical "Xandau." She initially wanted him to portray the social director but then later asked him to play the part of the magician. Dirty Dancing (1987) - Plot - IMDb If they managed to get Penny a clinic appointment in another state, she might still face the risk of arrest especially if there are complications and she needs to go to a hospital because many Republican lawmakers are aiming to criminalize even traveling for abortions. penny dirty dancing weight To everyone's great surprise, "Dirty Dancing"became one of the most iconic movies of the 1980s, influencing a generation of kids and adults alike. "She's just gorgeous as can be, and people still stop her constantly and say that they've seen 'Dirty Dancing' 74 times," he added. Edited by After her appearance in "Dirty Dancing," Rhodes continued to appear in music videos with her husband, musician Richard Marx, and was briefly a member of the pop group Bergstein built upon this, encouraging the actors to improvise in their scenes. Penny Dirty Dancing Rhodes also appeared as a dancer inmusic videos, such as "Rosanna" by the bandToto, "The Woman in You" by theBee Gees, and "Don't Mean Nothing" byRichard Marx. ", More to say, indeed. What The Cast Of Dirty Dancing Looks Like Today. It was the number one video rental of 1988and became the first film to sell a million copies on video. she said, adding, "We original 'Dirty Dance People' contributed so much of our personal life stories to this film. Baby runs to Johnny and executes the elusive lift move they practiced. And I love you. This is one wet, hot American summer. But he makes a dramatic return during the Kellerman's talent show. Penny helps Baby get ready, and she thanks Baby for helping her. Baby (Jennifer Grey) is traveling with her family to Kellerman's resort in the Catskills. Up on the hill, Baby witnesses some bumping and grinding like she's never before seen back home. Its the reason she lies to her father for the first time ever, when she asks him for money to help a friend in trouble while refusing to offer more details. Intrigued, Baby receives a brief, impromptu dance lesson from Johnny. She made it clear to Jones that motherhood is her life now and that her Hollywood days were behind her. When they get there, Billy runs toward them. Ardolino had never directed a feature film, but was extremely passionate about the project; he even sent a message from where he was sequestered on jury duty, insisting that he was the best choice as director. The team of Gottlieb, Bergstein, and Ardolino then presented their vision for the film to Vestron's president, Jon Peisinger, and the company's vice president for production, Mitchell Cannold. But that doesn't mean he's happy with Baby. ", Further disputes arose over whether a corporate sponsor could be found to promote the film. Peter C. Frank Dirty Dancing, which followed Baby (Jennifer Grey) filling in for Penny (Cynthia Rhodes) as Johnnys (Patrick Swayze) dance partner during a summer vacation with her parents, hit theaters in 1987. This paved the way for several other dance roles in other musical films, including "Flashdance" and "Staying Alive." Finally cancer-free and healthy, Grey not only appeared on "Dancing with the Stars" but won the whole thing (after being treated for yet another injury during her season)! The uncooperative weather then took a different turn, plunging from oppressive heat to down near 40F (4C), causing frigid conditions for the famous swimming scene in October. Johnny teaches Baby themambo, and the two spend several awkward practice sessions together. The second was as a judge for the British reality competition series "Dirty Dancing: The Time of Your Life. Delays in the shooting schedule pushed filming into the autumn, which required the set decorators to spray-paint the autumn leaves green. However, she's too scared to do the lift. Patrick SwayzeJennifer GreyJerry OrbachCynthia Rhodes Sadly, in the decades since the film's release, we've lost many of its stars, including Patrick Swayze who played the charismatic and hunky Johnny Castle,Jerry Orbach who played Baby's father Jake Houseman, Jack Weston who portrayed resort owner Max Kellerman, and Max Cantor whom we all loved to hate as Robbie Gould, among others. Rhodes played a small role in the fantasy musicalXanadu(1980)with her next role as Tina Tech in the musical filmFlashdance. Pulling double duty while playing Vivian,Miranda Garrisonalso worked as an assistant choreographer for the film alongside Kenny Ortega, who would go on to direct "High School Musical." Though "Dirty Dancing" was Jones'first credited role, it certainly wasn't his last. After Roe v. Wade legalized abortion nationwide in 1973, that number dropped even lower, hovering right around zero in the years since. They practice the maneuver in a nearby lake, for safety's sake. Dirty Dancingis a 1987 AUSTRALIA romanticdramadance filmwritten byEleanor Bergstein, directed byEmile Ardolinoand Had) The Time of My Life. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1994 and lost his battle with the disease in 2004. But her rise to fame ended there. Here are some not-so-dirty facts about the iconic movie, which grossed nearly $215 million worldwide. After Flashdance, Rhodes was cast opposite John Travolta in Sylvester Stallone's 1983 film Staying Alive, a sequel to the 1977 hit film Saturday Night Fever. The 17-year-old spends time at a New York resort called Kellerman's with her parents and sister, and forms a bond with professional dancers Johnny Castle (the late Patrick Swayze) and Penny Johnson (Cynthia Rhodes). He was 32. She confesses to being with Johnny on the night the wallet was stolen. Surprisingly, she toldMirror of the song, "It's made me more money than I got paid to do the movie.". After his role in "Dirty Dancing," Cantor worked on one other film, 1989's "Fear, Anxiety & Depression," before leaving acting entirely to pursue a career in journalism. Language She starred alongside the late Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey in a role that required not only her dancing chops but also some serious acting acumen. Kellerman was one of the last film roles for actor Jack Weston. FOLLOW BINGE SOCIETYAll platforms: https://linktr.ee/binge_society Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BingeSociety/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/binge_society/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bingesociety Twitter: https://twitter.com/binge_society Baby, the younger of two daughters, plans to study economics in underdeveloped countries and enter thePeace Corps. Yes, we love the dancing, and the chemistry between Grey and Swayze is electric, but ultimately, Dirty Dancing is a deeply political movie about abortion, class struggle, and feminist identity. Marx and Rhodes did not start their relationship until two years later, when they were reacquainted at a party. She made a splash playing Jeanie in "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" and had previously starred alongside Swayze in "Red Dawn," meaning that their chemistry was already there. When Baby finds out what Johnny was accused of, she realizes she has to admit to being with Johnny. The film is recognized byAmerican Film Institutein these lists: Dirty Dancing Wiki is a FANDOM Movies Community. Penny : Go back to your playpen, Baby. Its appeal was that it was very genuine and simple," she said in a 2020 People interview about the original movie. Playing Penny in "Dirty Dancing" may not have been the first role Cynthia Rhodes took in the '80s, but it's undoubtedly the one for which she's best known. Well-known Broadway actor Jerry Orbach played Baby's father Jake Houseman, a doctor who is initially untrustworthy of Johnny and forbids Baby from spending time with him. While some went on to achieve massive stardom and continue to work today, others went down quieter roads with more unique projects or settled down outside of the spotlight. The actress who played Lisa, Jane Brucker, only had two acting credits on television before landing her role in "Dirty Dancing," and even wrote the song that her character performs in the film. Dirty Dancing Dad has sat Baby in the corner, which honestly is a pretty good seat with a great view of the stage. While poorly reviewed, the film was commercially successful. Portrayed by actor Neal Jones, Billy was the one who introduced Baby to Johnny, and even scheduled Penny's abortion appointment for her, even though the procedure ended up getting botched. Vivian has sex with Robbie in his cabin, and Lisa accidentally interrupts them. You can!. 9 on the Billboard charts, the album failed to match the group's earlier success, peaking at only No. Rhodes' character, Jackie, was an ensemble dancer, bar band singer, and some-time love interest of Travolta's character, Tony Manero. Running time The pregnancy-turned -botched abortion storyline helped drive much of the plot of "Dirty Dancing," and Rhodes displayed her acting chops right alongside her dancing ability. This is the opening line of Dirty Dancing, and one of the greatest opening lines ever. Credit: Vestron/Kobal/Shutterstock; John Sciulli/Shutterstock. Is 2022 exactly the same as 1963? Dirty Dancing, which followed Baby ( Jennifer Grey) filling in for Penny ( Cynthia Rhodes) as Johnnys ( Patrick Swayze) dance partner during a summer vacation with her parents, hit theaters in 1987. While the film has several iconic lines (nobody puts Baby in a corner!) and scenes, perhaps the most memorable is Johnny and Babys lift. In addition to several film roles, Grey won season 11 of Dancing With the Stars with partner Derek Hough in 2010. She then conceived a new story, focused almost exclusively on dancing. I dont wanna hear that from you. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Cantor, who portrayed Robbie in Dirty Dancing, quit acting shortly after the film to pursue a career as a journalist. The role went instead to 89-year-oldPaula Trueman, and Joel Grey was not cast. You never try to repeat anything thats magic like that, she said. Spouse(s) Max fires Johnny anyway for having a fraternizing affair with Baby. While clumsily dancing with Neil, Baby's eyes are drawn to the professional dancers hired to entertain the guests: Penny Johnson and Johnny Castle (Patrick Swayze). Swayze and Grey stripped down to light summer clothing, to repeatedly dive into the cold water. He loans Baby the money, even though she won't tell him what it's for. Her most notable role was as dance instructor Penny Johnson in the hit 1987 motion pictureDirty DancingwithJennifer GreyandPatrick Swayze. [jwplayer RmxW6pS8-l3ahXupL] "I only did it on the day I shot it, Grey revealed about the scene during an interview with The Guardian in 2015. Penny Johnson is a dancer and Johnny's former love interest. Baby and Johnny dance a more provocative version of their mambo duet, and the other "dirty dancers" join in. Jones hasn't appeared on screen much lately. For the rest of her vacation, Baby sneaks away from her family to spend every minute she can getting new lessons from Johnny, if you catch our drift. "That was the summer of 1963, when everybody called me 'Baby' and it didn't occur to me to mind.". Actress, singer, dancer Why the move from acting to directing? Rhodes' profile significantly increased in 1983 when she appeared in the less-acclaimed sequel to "Saturday Night Fever" -- "Staying Alive" -- as well as hit dance film "Flashdance.". While Baby was off falling in love and learning to dance during the summer at Kellerman's, her sister Lisa (played by Jane Brucker) was working to win the affections of playboy Robbie Gould and preparing her song and dance number for the end of season show at the resort.