Why Jennifer Grey Passed on 'Dirty Dancing' Remake: 'It Didn't Feel Appropriate'
Jennifer Grey had the time of her life, but she’s not looking to relive it anytime soon.
The 56-year-old actress, who iconically played Baby in the classic, Dirty Dancing, revealed that she was asked to be part of ABC’s TV movie remake of the 1987 film, but she turned down the opportunity.
“I was flattered, because I always want to be asked, because it’s nice to want to be included. But for me, it would be sacrosanct for me to do it, because it didn’t feel appropriate to me,” Grey explained, via The Hollywood Reporter. “It feels like if you’re going to do your own thing, do your own thing.”
So, what role was Grey asked to play in the remake? “I wouldn’t say,” she teased. “But I will tell you, it wasn’t Baby!"
Instead, the remake will star Scream Queen’s Abigail Breslin as Baby, opposite newcomer Colt Prattes as her beloved dance instructor, Johnny, the part originated by Patrick Swayze.
"I am always interested in any iteration of something where they feel there’s more to be gotten, and I would love to see what it is that they come up with,” Grey added of the reboot. “I think they’ve got wonderful actors in it. I’m going to be watching it and I’m excited…I’m only flattered and excited for people who are excited enough to put their stamp on it and see what they make of it and how they make it their own.”
During the Television Critics Association’s Summer Press Tour stop for her Amazon series, Red Oaks, Grey also remembered her co-star, revealing, “He smelled really good, his skin was really nice. He was really strong and he was very protective and his heart was very much in it.”
ET recently spoke with Breslin about starring in the remake and fearing that famous Dirty Dancing lift. Find out why she says she “won’t ever be ready” in the video below.
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