Rapid Rise and Fame
When the film Dirty Dancing debuted in August 1987, Jennifer Grey rose quickly into the spotlight. She portrayed Frances “Baby” Houseman and earned a Golden Globe nomination for her performance.
The Accident in Ireland
Nine days before the U.S. premiere of Dirty Dancing, Jennifer Grey went on vacation in Northern Ireland with her then‑boyfriend, actor Matthew Broderick. On August 5 1987, Broderick drove a rented car that crossed into the wrong lane and collided head‑on with a Volvo carrying a mother and daughter, who both died instantly. Broderick was seriously injured and later convicted of careless driving, paying a fine. Grey suffered severe whiplash.
