In 1987, Jennifer Grey carried a watermelon straight into our hearts as Baby in the original “Dirty Dancing” movie. But the actress has put the iconic role behind her ― in the proverbial corner, if you will ― and doesn’t plan on revisiting it, or the film, anytime soon.
In a new interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Grey admitted that she was offered a part in the upcoming ABC TV remake but turned it down.
“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,” she said. “But for me, it would be sacrosanct for me to do it because it didn’t feel appropriate to me.”
“I wouldn’t say [what role was offered] but I will tell you, it wasn’t Baby!” she added. (Our bet’s on Mrs. Houseman, but that’s purely speculation.)
Despite her own decision to stay out of the remake, Grey is still looking forward to watching it.
“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,” she said. “I think they’ve got wonderful actors in it. I’m going to be watching it and I’m excited.”
“My only advice,” Grey said, “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.”
ABC’s “Dirty Dancing” remake will star Abigail Breslin in Grey’s iconic role. Colt Prattes will take on the role of Johnny, originally played by Patrick Swayze. Nicole Scherzinger, Debra Messing and Sarah Hyland are also in the production.
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