Jessica Biel Watched This '80s Classic Over 80 Times
The actress opens up about her childhood obsession with a Patrick Swayze film that shaped her career path and eventually led to working with her idol.
Jessica Biel shot to fame early in her career, becoming a household name among her peers. But even with all her success, she still got nervous meeting the star of her favorite childhood movie. Actors from Biel's generation grew up with deep respect for 1980s icons, who seemed almost mythical back then.
Celebrity culture was different in those days. Stars mostly appeared on movie screens rather than constant talk show circuits. This created something magical around them.
A Daily After-School Ritual
Biel confessed that Patrick Swayze topped her list of admired actors. The '80s legend died too young, leaving behind classics like Point Break, Road House, Red Dawn, and Donnie Darko. But one film captured Biel's heart completely.
"He is beloved by everyone, including me," Biel told Parade. "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."
Few movies inspire that level of devotion. Dirty Dancing tackled serious subjects like women's rights and social class differences. The film basically created the dance movie genre that exploded in the following decade.
Dreams Come True
Movies like Step Up, Center Stage, and Save the Last Dance probably wouldn't exist without Dirty Dancing paving the way. Biel's childhood fantasy became reality when she landed a role opposite Swayze in Powder Blue. The ensemble drama also featured Ray Liotta and Forest Whitaker.
Tragically, this became Swayze's final film before cancer took his life. Biel treasured their time together on set. "Patrick was wonderful and full of energy," she said. "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.'"
Career Transformation
Powder Blue flopped with critics, but it marked a turning point for Biel. After several big-budget disappointments, she shifted toward smaller, independent projects. These roles allowed her to display more emotional range and vulnerability.
Television became Biel's sweet spot. Her performance in The Sinner earned her a Primetime Emmy nomination, proving she could handle complex dramatic material.
Biel isn't alone in her Dirty Dancing obsession. The movie spawned one of history's best-selling soundtracks and won an Oscar for Best Original Song. It inspired a prequel, Broadway musical, reality shows, and an upcoming sequel with Jennifer Grey. But Swayze's magnetic performance in the original remains unmatched.