Jennifer Grey Biography

Jennifer Grey was born on 26 March 1960, in Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA, to actress and singer Jo Wilder and acclaimed actor Joel Grey. She has a brother James Katz who grew up to become a chef.

Jennifer Grey studied acting and dancing at ‘Dalton School’ in Manhattan and graduated in 1978. Later, she enrolled at the prestigious ‘Neighborhood Playhouse’ in Manhattan to train in acting for two years.

Jennifer Grey began her career at the age of 19 when she became part of a commercial advertisement for the soft drink brand ‘Dr. Pepper.’

In 1984, she made her film debut with a minor role in ‘Reckless.’ This was followed by a small role in the movie ‘The Cotton Club.’ She also starred in the war film ‘Red Dawn,’ which released the same year. In 1985, Jennifer Grey appeared in the movie ‘American Flyers.’

In the year 1986, Jennifer Grey portrayed the character of ‘Jeanie Bueller’ in the comedy movie ‘Ferris Bueller's Day Off.’ The movie received much appreciation from the critics. Her next movie turned out to be a milestone in her career and brought her into the limelight. She starred in the drama film ‘Dirty Dancing’ in 1987, opposite actor Patrick Swayze. This limited budget film is considered a classic as it is known to be the first film to sell one million copies on video. Her performance earned her a nomination for the prestigious ‘Golden Globe Award’ that year.

In 1988, she voiced ‘Airelle’ in the English version of science fiction and fantasy film ‘Gandahar.’ The following year, she starred in the feature film ‘Bloodhounds of Broadway,’ based on author Damon Runyon’s stories. During 1990 and 1991, Jennifer Grey played characters in television movies like ‘Murder in Mississippi,’ ‘Criminal Justice,’ ‘If the Shoe Fits,’ and ‘Eyes of a Witness.’

Jennifer Grey has made appearances in several popular television shows like ‘Friends’ (1995), ‘Fallen Angels’ (1995), ‘It's Like, You Know...’ (1999-2001), ‘John from Cincinnati’ (2007), ‘Phineas and Ferb’ (2008-2014), ‘The New Adventures of Old Christine’ (2009), and ‘House’ (2010).

In 1995, she acted in the television movie ‘The West Side Waltz.’ The next year, she was seen in feature films, such as ‘Portraits of a Killer’ and ‘Lover’s Knot.’ In 1998, she got an opportunity to be part of television movies like ‘Outrage’ and ‘Since You’ve Been Gone.’

In 2000, she portrayed the role of an airline employee in ‘Bounce.’ In 2006, she acted in the television movie ‘Road to Christmas,’ starring alongside her husband Clark Gregg. Jennifer Grey appeared in the martial arts movie ‘Red Belt’ in 2008 and in the independent drama film ‘Keith.’

In 2010, Jennifer Grey participated in the 11th season of the TV competition show ‘Dancing with the Stars.’ She was the winner of that season. The following year, she was seen as a judge for the ninth season of the dance competition ‘Strictly Come Dancing.’

She voiced ‘Mrs. Kurokawa’ in the English adaptation of Japanese animation drama film ‘The Wind Rises’ in 2013. The following year, she was part of projects that received positive reviews from critics. These projects include paranormal romance feature film ‘In Your Eyes’ and comedy series ‘Red Oaks.’

The actress voiced a character in ‘Duck Duck Goose’ (2018) and had supporting roles in movies like ‘Untogether’ (2018) and ‘Bittersweet Symphony’ (2019). She has also appeared in three episodes of the long-running medical drama series ‘Grey’s Anatomy.’

Some of Jennifer Grey’s most notable works include her roles in ‘Ferris Bueller's Day Off’ and ‘Dirty Dancing.’ Her performance in these movies made her a star in the industry.

She won the 11th season of the popular dancing reality show ‘Dancing with the Stars’ in 2010.

It is believed that Jennifer Grey had a relationship with actor Matthew Broderick around the late-1980s. Even though they chose to keep it private, the relationship came to light when the couple met with an accident while on a vacation in Ireland in 1987. She has also been in relationships with American actor and producer Johnny Depp and journalist George Stephanopoulos.

Jennifer Grey married director, screenwriter, and actor Clark Gregg on 21 July 2001. They have a daughter named Stella, born on 3 December 2001. On July 3, 2020, Gregg and Grey announced that they separated amicably.

During the 1990s, she underwent two rhinoplasty surgeries after which she stated that even closest friends were unable to recognize her.

In 2010, Jennifer Grey underwent physical examinations where the doctor found a cancerous nodule on her thyroid. However, it was removed before it spread and she stated that she is cancer-free.

Jennifer Grey is the daughter of renowned actor Joel Grey, who is best known for his role in the musical "Cabaret."

Despite her success in "Dirty Dancing," Jennifer Grey initially struggled with the fame that came with the film and took a break from acting to focus on her personal life.

In addition to her acting talents, Jennifer Grey is also an accomplished dancer, having competed on the reality show "Dancing with the Stars" and winning the competition in 2010.

Jennifer Grey has made guest appearances on popular TV shows such as "Friends," "The West Wing," and "Grey's Anatomy," showcasing her versatility as an actress.

Jennifer Grey has been open about her decision to undergo a rhinoplasty procedure early in her career, which significantly altered her appearance but did not diminish her talent or charm.