Jennifer Grey: More Than Just “Baby”. In 1987, Dirty Dancing made Jennifer Grey a star. As Frances “Baby” Houseman, she was electric—real, raw, unforgettable. With a Golden Globe nomination and the world at her feet, she was poised for stardom.
But just before the film’s premiere, tragedy struck. While vacationing in Ireland with then-boyfriend Matthew Broderick, they were involved in a car crash that killed two people. Jennifer survived physically, but emotionally, she was shattered. As her face lit up billboards, she was battling trauma and survivor’s guilt in silence.Fame felt hollow. Instead of riding the wave, she stepped back—not because she lacked talent, but …
