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Jennifer Grey returns for 'Dirty Dancing' sequel, 40 years after the original

Grey and Patrick Swayze starred in the original film

Grey made it clear that Swayze won't be recast

JANUARY 28, 2026 7:58 PM ESTJAN 28, 2026, 7:58 PM EST

Jennifer Grey is returning to the most emblematic role of her career. 40 years after the release of "Dirty Dancing," Grey will be reprising the role of Frances "Baby" Houseman.

The pair starred in one of the most famous movies of all time — Grey and Swayze starred in one of the most famous Hollywood movies of all time

Grey, 65, shared the news in a statement. She made it clear how important the role of Baby has been to her life and career. “The role of Baby has held a very deep and meaningful place in my heart, as it has in the hearts of so many fans over the years,” she said.

“I’ve long wondered where we might find Baby years later and what her life might be like, but it’s taken time to assemble the kind of people that I felt could be entrusted to build on the legacy of the original film.”

Jennifer Gret will be returning to the most famous role of her career — Grey is returning to the role that launched her career

“I’m excited to say that it looks like the wait will soon be over!”

Grey will also be serving as one of the film's producers, which will be under the studio Lionsgate. The film is scheduled to start production in the coming months. A seasoned team of writers and filmmakers will be involved, including Kim Rosentock, the showrunner of the show "Dying for Sex" onboard as the writer, and producers Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson.

What about Patrick Swayze?

"Dirty Dancing" has left a huge imprint on Hollywood history, especially when it comes to Patrick Swayze's career and status as a heartthrob. The actor, who died of pancreatic cancer in 2009 when he was 57, reprised his role on "Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights," alongside Diego Luna and Romola Garai.

Years ago, while discussing a possible sequel, Grey shared that Swayze's part would not be recast. “All I can say is there is no replacing anyone who’s passed,” she said in 2020 interview with PEOPLE. “You never try to repeat anything that’s magic like that. You just go for something different.”

Patrick Swayze died in 2009, after a pancreatic cancer diagnosis

In previous interviews, Grey has discussed her friendship with Swayze, sharing some of her fondest memories of their time working together, including the "Dirty Dancing" lift. "Patrick is the only one who really anyone should try it with, because he was just such a good ballet dancer," she said to E! News. "He was so used to lifting women and so strong. By the end of the movie, I trusted him so much."

She revealed that the lift occurred only once, on camera. "I never rehearsed it," she said. "There was no room for a panic attack."