Jennifer Grey, known for her iconic turn as Baby in “Dirty Dancing,” is honoring her mother’s memory. In a new post shared on social media, Grey tributed Jo Wilder, who was 94 and diagnosed with cancer. She died this past 4th of July.
Grey shared numerous photos of her mother over the years on her Instagram, with all of them black and white. Some of the images feature Grey herself, as a baby, showing the strong bond they shared throughout their lives.
“My mother, Jo Wilder, passed away on July 4th at 94 — by her own choosing, on her own terms, exactly as she lived,” wrote Grey.
“A week earlier, she learned she had lung cancer. True to who she was, she chose grace over fear, understanding that leaving this world with dignity is an honor, not a tragedy.”
Grey went on to praise her mother and her life, revealing that she was also an actress, something that likely inspired Grey’s own decision to pursue the career.
“She was gorgeous and talented — a promising young actress on the New York stage in her youth. She used to say she never fully answered that calling; she became a mother instead. If she’d chosen ambition over my brother and me, we never would have had the mother we had. Her passion found other outlets: she was a lifelong activist, fiercely attuned to right and wrong. And for years, many people discovered her extraordinary eye through Wilder Place, her store on Melrose,” Grey continued.
“She was brave and deep. I love you, Mom. Thank you for showing me how to do it all, even this, with grace.”
The post received love and support from different members of the industry. “So sorry for your loss,” wrote Julianne Moore. The director Reed Morano commented numerous heart emojis.
Grey is making big moves in her professional career
© GettyImagesEarlier this year, it was reported that Grey was involved with a “Dirty Dancing” sequel, marking her first involvement in the franchise in 40 years. She’ll be playing the role of Baby again, a moment that has fans excited.
“The role of Baby has held a very deep and meaningful place in my heart, as it has in the hearts of so many fans over the years,” she said in a statement. “I’ve long wondered where we might find Baby years later and what her life might be like, but it’s taken time to assemble the kind of people that I felt could be entrusted to build on the legacy of the original film.”
The original was known for its romance plotline and for launching Patrick Swayze’s career as one of the biggest heartthrobs of the era.
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