'Dirty Dancing': Cast Then and Now — Plus Filming Secrets and Where to Watch Now
From Baby and Johnny’s ages to the film’s iconic locations.
Knowing how much Dirty Dancing still charms hearts, diving into its backstory felt like revisiting an old scrapbook — with fresh insight. Here's a brief trip through who’s who today, where it was made, and how you can watch even now.
The Stars Then and Now
Jennifer Grey (Baby) was 26 when she portrayed a 17‑year‑old Frances 'Baby' Houseman. Patrick Swayze (Johnny), meanwhile, was 34 at the time of filming, though his character is written as being in his mid-twenties, around 24 or 25. That seven-year gap remains one of the film’s most discussed details.
Other cast members took diverse paths: Cynthia Rhodes (Penny) retired, Kelly Bishop (Baby’s mother) became a TV icon (Gilmore Girls), and Wayne Knight (Stan) gained fame in Seinfeld.
Where Was It Filmed?
Though set in the Catskills, the movie was filmed at Mountain Lake Lodge in Virginia (as Kellerman’s Resort) and around Lake Lure, North Carolina. Fans still flock to visit the real-life cabins and stairs where iconic scenes played out — most notably, the famous lift. The lodge keeps the magic alive with themed weekends and dance tours.
How and Where to Watch
If you’re feeling nostalgic or discovering the romance for the first time, Dirty Dancing is currently streaming in the U.S. on Hulu, Disney+, and a few other platforms like MovieSphere+ and Amazon channels. Note that availability may vary depending on your region.
Fan moment: Did you know the film's "Nobody puts Baby in a corner" line wasn’t loved by Patrick Swayze? He apparently thought it was a bit silly. Real tension, real grit — captured for the screen.
