Patrick Swayze’s widow says the actor would not be part of Dirty Dancing reboot: ‘Patrick had a high standard’
The actor’s widow said ‘“Dirty Dancing” was like lightning in a bottle’
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Patrick Swayze’s widow, Lisa Niemi Swayze, said her husband would not be tempted into reappearing in the planned Dirty Dancing reboot 35 years on from the original.
Lisa was married to Swayze from 1975 until his death at the age of 57 in 2009 from pancreatic cancer.
"It's very strange to have someone so far away and yet have them still so incredibly close in your heart," Lisa told Entertainment Tonight.
“I feel like he’s with me every day, but of course, it’d be nice to have him physically in the room. But, I tell you what, we had a great ride and there’s so much to be grateful for.”
Dirty Dancing tells the story of a young woman (Jennifer Grey) who falls in love with dance instructor Johnny Castle (Swayze) at her family summer camp.
Back in 2020, it was announced that Grey would be reprising the role of Frances “Baby” Houseman in the sequel to the 1987 hit romantic drama.
The project’s director, Warm Bodies filmmaker Jonathan Levine, said in a recent interview that the sequel “will not ruin your childhood”.
In her interview with ET, Lisa said that Swayze “would not do it again”.
“[The way they] left it was absolutely perfect. There were several iterations of a script for that movie, but Patrick had a high standard and he wasn’t gonna do it just for the money,” she said.
She continued to say that “Dirty Dancing was like lightning in a bottle” but wished the producers well in their sequel.
“I don’t think you can ever absolutely duplicate something. I think you always have to start fresh, but if they’re going to do it, I hope it’s the absolute best and it has its own character, and personality, and source of inspiration.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments