Jennifer Grey Reveals She Turned Down ABC's DIRTY DANCING Reboot: 'It Didn't Feel Appropriate'

By: Aug. 08, 2016
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At Sunday's Television Critics Association's summer press tour, Jennifer Grey revealed to The Hollywood Reporter that she turned down an offer to appear in ABC's upcoming remake of the 1980's classic DIRTY DANCING.

"I was asked to do something on that show and 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," she shared with THR. "It feels like if you're going to do your own thing, do your own thing. I wouldn't say [what role was offered] but I will tell you, it wasn't Baby!"

As previoulsy reported, ABC's Dirty Dancing will star Abigail Breslin in the iconic role of "Baby" portrayed by Grey in the film. It also features the Tony-winning HAMILTON creative team of Andy Blankenbuehler (choreography) and Tommy Kail (director), a fact not lost on Grey. "Tommy Kail directed it and I'm obsessed with Hamilton, so that's thrilling to me," says the actress. "I think they've got wonderful actors in it. I'm going to be watching it and I'm excited. My only advice is to own it for yourself because we all just do our interpretation and 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."

Read the article in full HERE

"Dirty Dancing," the global pop-cultural phenomenon, becomes a three-hour filmed musical event this season on the ABC Television Network. An adaptation of the beloved 1987 romantic drama and instant music classic, "Dirty Dancing" will be produced by Lionsgate Television in association with Allison Shearmur Productions, executive produced by Allison Shearmur ("Rogue One: A Star Wars Story," "The Hunger Games" franchise; "Cinderella"); Eleanor Bergstein, who wrote the screenplay for the original movie; and Grammy Award-nominee Adam Anders ("Glee," "Rock of Ages"), who also serves as executive music producer. Wayne Blair ("The Sapphires," "Septembers of Shiraz") is the director, and Andy Blankenbuehler("Hamilton," "Bring It On," "In the Heights") is the choreographer.

"Dirty Dancing" stars Abigail Breslin as Baby, Debra Messing as Marjorie Houseman, Bruce Greenwood as Dr. Jake Houseman, Nicole Scherzinger as Penny, Colt Prattes as Johnny, SARAH HYLANd as Lisa Houseman, Tony Roberts as Max Kellerman, Trevor Einhorn as Neil, Shane Harper as Robbie Gould, J. Quinton Johnson as Marco, Beau "Casper" Smart as Billy, Katey Sagal as Vivian Pressman and Billy Dee Williams as Tito. Image courtesy of Lionsgate

Photo Credit: Jennifer Broski



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