Jennifer Grey Said Matthew Broderick Originally Doubted Ability To Score Role In 'Dirty Dancing'

Hollywood veteran, Jennifer Grey made her television debut in a Dr. Pepper commercial before appearing in the romance drama "Reckless" in the 1990s. Her next cinematic appearance was in Francis Ford Coppola's "The Cotton Club," followed by roles in "Red Dawn," a war drama, and John Badham's 1985 picture "American Flyers."

Grey's career was on the rise by 1986, but she had yet to score the big break that would launch her into Hollywood. Luckily, her spotlight moment came the following year as she gained worldwide recognition and admiration for her role as Frances "Baby" Houseman in the romantic drama film "Dirty Dancing,"

With Grey's performance in the film still being talked about, the actress has now revealed some behind-the-scenes information about how her then-boyfriend Matthew Broderick was skeptical about her getting the part.

Grey's new biography, "Out of the Corner," detailed the incident that led to her auditioning for the part of "Dirty Dancing" Baby, according to Insider. The actress said that the night before her 1986 audition, her then-boyfriend Broderick refused to go out to the location with her, and she had to keep begging him to accompany her.

Broderick changed his mind and consented to accompany Grey after considerable persuasion, but not before uttering something that has stayed with Grey for decades.

"He said this odd thing as if to reassure himself, like he wasn't aware he was using his 'out loud voice,'" Grey said, before following up with a paraphrased version of her recollection. "I don't know what I'm worried about. There's no way you're gonna get it. I'm sure they're seeing everybody for this part."

Grey ultimately landed the role of "Baby" and was propelled into Hollywood stardom well beyond her wildest aspirations. The actress is expected to reprise her part in the remake of the classic love story, with production set to begin later in 2022.

While still a newbie in the film industry, Grey was in a relationship with actor/singer Broderick, whom she had started dating in semi-secrecy during the filming of 1986 "Ferris Bueller's Day Off." The pair had played teenage siblings in the comedy film delivering a stellar performance that garnered them acclaim.

By the time the production had finished, the pair's onscreen rivalry had evolved into an off-screen connection that they had tried to keep hidden. However, the relationship would come to light weeks before the release of "Dirty Dancing" in 1987.

Grey and Broderick were engaged in an automobile accident that led to the death of the other vehicle's occupants. This tragedy tempered Grey's elation over the success of "Dirty Dancing," and she took a sabbatical from performing for several months. In 1988, the actress and Broderick became engaged, but their relationship ended after only a few months.

In addition to revealing untold details about her "Dirty Dancing" role and other tidbits about her relationship with Broderick, Grey's new memoir takes her readers on a vivid tour of other experiences that have shaped her, including her early years as the daughter of Broadway legend Joel Grey and her impressive season eleven win on ABC's "Dancing with the Stars."

The book's extensive information also emphasized her appearances in classic 1980s films, as well as her wild, romantic escapades in Hollywood from the time she first entered the industry until she achieved genuine stardom and beyond.

Details on the tragic consequences of a plastic surgery ordeal were also penned in the memoir, with the actress unwrapping how it led to the abrupt and shocking loss of her professional identity and career, as well as how she rose to the task of regaining her self-worth.

If there was any doubt about the book's importance to Grey, her interview with People in 2021, which heralded the book's release, revealed the actress's feelings about her literary effort.

"Writing Out of the Corner has been one of the most gratifying things I've ever done," Grey told the publication at the time. "It gave me the opportunity to slow down and unpack my story, to be more curious than certain about what I thought I knew, and through a lens of compassion, empathy, and, at times, absurdity."

She added: "I think everybody should write the story of their life. Take back your narrative. It's one of the most empowering things you can do. For yourself. For your kids. And not only is it a radical act of self-inquiry that can lead to really knowing yourself, but it can also shine a light on where it is you want to go."

"Out of the Corner" came out in bookstores earlier this month.