Can You BelieveDirty DancingTurns 37 Today? See a Glowing Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey at the 1987 Premiere

Mar. 15, 2025

Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze in 1987.Photo:Bettmann/Getty

Actress Jennifer Grey gives a wink and a wave to cameras as she and her co-star Patrick Swayze attend a party following the showing of their latest movie Dirty Dancing. The party for the Vestron Pictures release was held at Ed Debevic’s dinner whose ’50s setting matched the romantic love story which is set in the Catskill’s resort in the summer of 1963.

Bettmann/Getty

On Aug. 21, 1987, summer vacations changed forever whenDirty Dancingpremiered.

“Jennifer really jumped into this stuff,” Swayze told PEOPLE at the time. “She came out with a sensuality in her dancing that staggered everybody.”

As the movie marks its 37th anniversary, look back at these vintage pics of Swayze, Grey and more of the movie’s stars at the film’s various premieres.

01of 10Patrick Swayze and Lisa NiemiPatrick Swayze and Lisa Niemi in 1987.Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection/GettyThe film’s star Patrick Swayze got a loving gaze from his wife,Lisa Niemi, atDirty Dancing’s New York City premiere.

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Patrick Swayze and Lisa Niemi

Patrick Swayze and Lisa Niemi in 1987.Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection/Getty

Actor Patrick Swayze and wife Lisa Niemi attend the premiere of “Dirty Dancing” on August 17, 1987 at the Gemini Theater in New York City.

Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection/Getty

The film’s star Patrick Swayze got a loving gaze from his wife,Lisa Niemi, atDirty Dancing’s New York City premiere.

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Jo Grey, Jennifer Grey and Joel Grey

Jo Grey, Jennifer Grey and Joel Grey in 1987.Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection/Getty

(L-R) Jo Grey, Jennifer Grey and actor Joel Grey attend the premiere of “Dirty Dancing” on August 17, 1987 at the Gemini Theater in New York City.

“My father wanted to make sure we had as normal a life as possible as children,'' she told PEOPLE in 1987. “He wanted me to know who I was before I got my sense of worth from perfect strangers who were casting things.”

03of 10Patrick Swayze and Eric RobertsPatrick Swayze and Eric Roberts in 1987.Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection/GettyActor Eric Roberts was also among the guests that night.

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Patrick Swayze and Eric Roberts

Patrick Swayze and Eric Roberts in 1987.Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection/Getty

Actors Patrick Swayze and Eric Roberts attend the premiere of “Dirty Dancing” on August 17, 1987 at the Gemini Theater in New York City.

Actor Eric Roberts was also among the guests that night.

04of 10Cynthia Rhodes and Richard MarxCynthia Rhodes and Richard Marx in 1987.Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection/GettyCostar Cynthia Rhodes, who played dance instructor Penny Johnson, walked the New York City red carpet with musician boyfriend Richard Marx.

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Cynthia Rhodes and Richard Marx

Cynthia Rhodes and Richard Marx in 1987.Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection/Getty

Actress Cynthia Rhodes and musician Richard Marx attend the Dirty Dancing New York City Premiere on August 17, 1987 at the Gemini 1 & 2 in New York City

Costar Cynthia Rhodes, who played dance instructor Penny Johnson, walked the New York City red carpet with musician boyfriend Richard Marx.

05of 10Sydney Biddle BarrowsSydney Biddle Barrows in 1987.Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection/GettySocialite Sydney Biddle Barrows and her date brought the summer vibes with their outfits.

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Sydney Biddle Barrows

Sydney Biddle Barrows in 1987.Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection/Getty

Socialite Sydney Biddle Barrows and date attending the premiere of ‘Dirty Dancing’ on August 17, 1987 at Gemini 1 Theater in Los Angeles, California.

Socialite Sydney Biddle Barrows and her date brought the summer vibes with their outfits.

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Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze

Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze in 1987.Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection/Getty

Actress Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze attend the premiere of “Dirty Dancing” on August 17, 1987 at the Gemini Theater in New York City.

Speaking to PEOPLE in 2022, Jennifer Grey addressed the rumors that she and Patrick Swayze didn’t completely see eye to eye on set.

Swayzedied in 2009after a pancreatic cancer diagnosis. He was 57.

07of 10Jennifer GreyJennifer Grey in 1987.Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection/GettyIn her of-the-moment red dress, Jennifer Grey stood out on the red carpet. The film sent her star shooting even higher; the year prior she had starred inFerris Bueller’s Day Off.

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Jennifer Grey

Jennifer Grey in 1987.Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection/Getty

Actress Jennifer Grey attends the premiere of “Dirty Dancing” on August 17, 1987 at the Gemini Theater in New York City

In her of-the-moment red dress, Jennifer Grey stood out on the red carpet. The film sent her star shooting even higher; the year prior she had starred inFerris Bueller’s Day Off.

08of 10David Oliver and Loree RodkinDavid Oliver and Loree Rodkin in 1987.Barry King/WireImageActor David Oliver and designer Loree Rodkin (with a friend) were among the attendees at an afterparty.

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David Oliver and Loree Rodkin

David Oliver and Loree Rodkin in 1987.Barry King/WireImage

David Oliver & Loree Rodkin during Dirty Dancing Premiere After Party at Ed Debevic’s in Los Angeles, California, United States.

Barry King/WireImage

Actor David Oliver and designer Loree Rodkin (with a friend) were among the attendees at an afterparty.

09of 10Rob Camilletti and CherRob Camilletti and Cher in 1987.Barry King/WireImageAlso stepping out for the bash: Cher and then-boyfriend Rob Camilletti, in matching leather looks.

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Rob Camilletti and Cher

Rob Camilletti and Cher in 1987.Barry King/WireImage

Rob Camilletti & Cher during Dirty Dancing Premiere After Party at Ed Debevic’s in Los Angeles, California, United States.

Also stepping out for the bash: Cher and then-boyfriend Rob Camilletti, in matching leather looks.

10of 10Cher and Jennifer GreyCher and Jennifer Grey in 1987.Barry King/WireImageJennifer Grey also got a moment with the pop superstar.

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Cher and Jennifer Grey

Cher and Jennifer Grey in 1987.Barry King/WireImage

Cher & Jennifer Grey

Jennifer Grey also got a moment with the pop superstar.

source: people.com