Side-by-Side Comparisons of the Original 'Dirty Dancing' Cast and the Cast of the Remake
It's almost time to have the time of your life.
On May 24, ABC will finally bestow upon us the long-awaited three-hour television remake of one of the most iconic films of all time. Before you settle in with a bowl of popcorn and your best Baby Houseman stilettos (yes, you should totally wear them), here's your quickie rundown of who's filling the most notable characters' shoes.
Frances 'Baby' Houseman: Played By Abigail Breslin
The magical role of Baby Houseman, originally played by Jennifer Grey, goes to Abigail Breslin of Scream Queens, Little Miss Sunshine, and August: Osage County fame. She made the famous "intimate dance in Johnny's cabin" look 🔥🔥🔥, so it seems like she'll step into Baby's stilettos just fine.Â
Johnny Castle: Played By Colt Prattes
LBH: Nobody can replace Patrick Swayze (RIP). But Colt Prattes will do his best — and since the trailer proved he can nail the iconic lift (as can RyGos), his odds look good. Fingers crossed the rest of his performance is just as masterful. Â
Lisa Houseman: Played By Sarah Hyland
Modern Family's Sarah Hyland knows how to make a headband look chic, which is clearly one of the most important parts of playing Lisa Houseman, Baby's quirky — and slightly obnoxious — older sister (originally played by Jane Brucker). Since it's well-known that the star is a top-notch singer, all she needs to do is nail her ukulele performance and she's got that end-of-season talent show trophy in the bag.
Penny Rivera: Played By Nicole Scherzinger
The role of Penny, Johnny's fellow dance instructing partner, goes to Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger. In the original, Penny (played by Cynthia Rhodes) didn't have any vocal performances — she was busy warning Johnny away from Baby, or trying to, um, survive after a back-alley abortion — but who knows if Nicole will sneak in an impromptu performance?Â
RELATED: 11 Things You Didn't Know About Dirty Dancing
Marjorie and Jake Houseman: Played By Debra Messing and Bruce Greenwood
We didn't get to see much of the bond between Marjorie and Dr. Jake Houseman in the 1987 film, played by Kelly Bishop and Jerry Orbach. But an ABC press release about the TV remake said "this fresh reimagining explores the relationship between Jake and Marjorie Houseman." Currently taking bets on whether that means Marjorie, now played by Debra Messing, has a more in-your-face personality than the average 1960s housewife would normally.Â
Vivian Pressman: Played By Katey Sagal
Oh Vivian, you dirty, dirty bird. The role of the jealous "bungalow bunny" — AKA the resort guest who gets around by paying the hired help for sex, originated by Miranda Garrison — goes to none other than Katey Sagal of Sons of Anarchy, 8 Simple Rules, and Married With Children fame. I have a feeling Katey is going to bring plenty of sass to the table, so watching her mischief unfold will be deliciously exciting.
Tito: Played By Billy Dee Williams
The lovable band conductor didn't have a huge role in the original, but Charles "Honi" Coles' smooth dance moves and sweet smile left an impression on fans of the first film. Here's hoping Billy Dee Williams has the same effect.Â
Samantha Lefave is an experienced writer and editor covering fitness, health, and travel. She regularly interviews pro athletes, elite trainers, and nutrition experts at the top of their field; her work has appeared in Runner's World, Bicycling, Outside, Men's Health and Women's Health, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, and more.
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