Jessica Biel’s Lifelong Obsession With Dirty Dancing Revealed

Jessica Biel shot to fame early on, becoming a familiar face for many Aussies and a standout in her generation. Despite her own success, she’s never lost that sense of awe for the stars she grew up watching. For Biel and her peers, the big names of the 1980s seemed almost untouchable, living in a world where celebrity news wasn’t splashed everywhere like it is now. Back then, you’d only catch a glimpse of these stars on the big screen or the odd TV appearance, which made them feel larger than life.

Among all the icons of that era, Patrick Swayze held a special place in Biel’s heart. He was a true legend of the ‘80s, known for a string of classic films. Biel once shared,

“He is beloved by everyone, including me. I grew up watching Dirty Dancing. I watched it every day after school. Every day. I’ve seen it probably 80 times or more, no joke.”

That level of dedication is rare, but Dirty Dancing was no ordinary film. It tackled some pretty serious issues for its time, like women’s rights and class divides, all while kicking off a wave of dance films that would dominate the next decade. It’s hard to imagine hits like Step Up or Centre Stage existing without the path set by Dirty Dancing.

Meeting a Childhood Hero

Biel’s childhood dream came true when she landed a role alongside Swayze in Powder Blue, a drama that also featured Ray Liotta and Forest Whitaker. It turned out to be Swayze’s final film before his passing, but Biel only had good things to say about working with him.

“Patrick was wonderful and full of energy,”

she recalled.

“He was involved in the process and literally coming to the set even when he wasn’t even working and saying, ‘Here’s my idea for that scene tomorrow’.”

Although Powder Blue didn’t win over the critics, it marked a turning point for Biel. After a few big-budget flops, she shifted her focus to smaller, independent projects where she could show a more vulnerable side. It was on television that she really hit her stride, earning a Primetime Emmy nomination for her work in The Sinner.

The Lasting Impact of Dirty Dancing

Biel isn’t alone in her love for Dirty Dancing. The film’s soundtrack became one of the most successful ever, and it even picked up an Oscar for Best Original Song. Its influence didn’t stop there—Dirty Dancing inspired a prequel, a stage show, reality competitions, and there’s even a sequel in the works with Jennifer Grey. Still, Swayze’s performance in the original is so iconic that it’s tough to see any new version matching its impact.