Dirty Dancing: what happened to the original cast?

One of the biggest box office hits of the late 80s was 'Dirty Dancing' (1987), a movie that influenced the lives of a whole generation. Those who were there were enchanted by the love story and dance numbers starring Johnny and Baby.

More than 30 years later, there is going to be a sequel and it once again stars Jennifer Gray (pictured) as Baby. The film will be directed by Jonathan Levine and is scheduled for release in the summer of 2025, according to Deadline. This time, the characters move to the 1990s, three decades after 1963 in which the original film was set.

How they will explain the absence of Patrick Swayze's character in this sequel has not yet been revealed. As Levine told Deadline, while promising a "coming-of-age story". But, before this new version excites (or disappoints) us, let's take a look back.... What became of the stars of the original film?

With an incomparable charisma, Patrick Swayze made thousands swoon as Johnny. After the success of 'Dirty Dancing', he stood out with other performances in 'Road House' (1989); 'Ghost' (1990); 'To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar' (1995); And, of course, the spectacular 'Point Break' (1991) .

In 1991, Swayze was named by People magazine as "the sexiest man alive", but he sadly left us only a few years later, after filming the pilot of 'The Beast' (2009). In 2007 the actor said he was feeling ill and, in mid-January 2008, he was diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer.

Patrick Swayze was the subject of continuous fake news throughout 2008 that his death was imminent, but he never stopped and continued his career until cancer finally stopped him from working.

Unfortunately, the disease was stronger than him and, in September 2009, Swayze died at the age of 57. His body was cremated and his ashes scattered on his ranch in the state of New Mexico.

Jennifer Grey had already worked in successful films such as 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off' (1986) and 'Red Dawn' (1984), in which she also worked with Patrick Swayze. But it was thanks to 'Dirty Dancing' that she made the leap to stardom.

At the top of the Hollywood industry, Jennifer Grey decided to have a nose job, which left her unrecognizable. She continued with her career working in productions mainly for television, but also some for the big screen such as 'Bloodhounds of Broadway' (1990); 'Eyes of a Witness' (1991) with Paul Newman and 'Bounce' (2000);

If it wasn't for Penny dropping out of the show and leaving her choreography in Baby's hands, the magic of 'Dirty Dancing' would never have happened. Dancer and actress, Cynthia Rhodes starred in other unforgettable films such as 'Xanadu' (1980) and 'Flashdance' (1983).

In 1991, Cynthia Rhodes appeared in the action film 'Curse of the Crystal Eye' alongside Jameson Parker, but her career went no further. After six films throughout her short career, she announced her retirement to take care of her family.

Jerry Orbach played Baby's father, Jake. He began his life as an actor in the 1960s, both on and off Broadway. It was a time when he was present in major theatrical productions such as 'Try to Remember' and 'Billy Flynn'.

In the late 1980s, Orbach appeared in Woody Allen's 'Crimes and Misdemeanors' (1989) and became a voice actor for Disney. The actor was also part of the cast of 'Law & Order', but in 2004 he was diagnosed with prostate cancer and he died in December of that year.

Baby's mother, Marge, was played by Kelly Bishop. In addition to gaining fame with this role, she also became known between 2000 and 2007 as Emily Gilmore in the series 'Gilmore Girls'.

Kelly Bishop's most recent television roles include Benedetta in 'The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel' and Mrs. Ivey in 'The Watchful Eye'.

Jane Brucker played Baby's older sister, Lisa. 'Dirty Dancing' was the biggest success of her career, as she worked for a short time as an actress, then left to  devote herself to another job in the world of film and television: becoming a screenwriter. In 1988 she acted in the film 'Stealing Home' and in 1989 in the series 'Doctor Doctor', her last appearance on screen.

Jack Weston was Max, the owner of the resort where the whole plot of 'Dirty Dancing' took place. After the success of the film, the actor was part of the cast of 'Ishtar' (1987) as Marty Freed, and 'Short Circuit 2' (1988), as Oscar Baldwin, which would be the last role of his career. He died in 1996 of lymphoma.

Max Cantor was Robbie, the womanizing employee and 'boyfriend' of Penny (Cynthia Rhodes). 'Dirty Dancing' was his first film, after which he only worked in one more production: 'Fear, Anxiety & Depression' (1989). He died of an overdose in 1991 at the age of 31.