Patrick Swayze as Johnny Castle, Jennifer Grey as Frances ‘Baby’ Houseman, and Jerry Orbach as Dr. Jake Houseman star in the 1987 romantic drama ‘Dirty Dancing‘.
Main cast
- Johnny CastlePatrick SwayzeMain
- Frances ‘Baby’ HousemanJennifer GreyMain
- Dr. Jake HousemanJerry OrbachMain
- Lisa HousemanJane BruckerMain
Supporting cast
- Max KellermanJack WestonSupp
- Vivian PressmanMiranda GarrisonSupp
- Marge HousemanKelly BishopSupp
- Penny JohnsonCynthia RhodesSupp
Guest & voice
- Neil KellermanLonny PriceGuest
- WilliNeal JonesGuest
- StanTommy BreslinGuest
- GeneDonald S. HarronGuest
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About this cast
The 1987 film ‘Dirty Dancing’ follows Frances ‘Baby’ Houseman, a young woman who falls for dance instructor Johnny Castle at a summer resort in the 1960s. Directed by Emile Ardolino, the film became a cultural phenomenon, known for its iconic line ‘Nobody puts Baby in a corner’ and its soundtrack.
FAQs
Who plays Johnny Castle in Dirty Dancing?
Patrick Swayze plays the dance instructor Johnny Castle.
Who plays Baby in Dirty Dancing?
Jennifer Grey plays Frances ‘Baby’ Houseman.
Who plays Dr. Houseman in Dirty Dancing?
Jerry Orbach plays Baby’s father, Dr. Jake Houseman.
Is Dirty Dancing based on a true story?
No, it is not based on a true story, but screenwriter Eleanor Bergstein did incorporate some autobiographical elements from her own childhood.
Sources & where to watch: IMDb · Wikipedia · Where to watch (JustWatch UK) · Updated June 2026