What Is Jennifer Grey’s Net Worth
Jennifer Grey, the American actress renowned for her iconic role as Frances “Baby” Houseman in “Dirty Dancing,” has accumulated a net worth of $10 million. This financial standing is a result of her decades-long career in film and television, her stage performances, and her ventures beyond acting.
Jennifer Grey’s Career and Earnings
Grey’s career began with a Dr. Pepper commercial at the age of 19, marking her entry into the entertainment industry. Her early film roles in 1984 included “Reckless,” “Red Dawn,” and “The Cotton Club,” laying the foundation for her subsequent success. In 1986, she gained further recognition for her role as Jeanie Bueller in “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” co-starring alongside Matthew Broderick. These roles helped propel her to mainstream recognition, setting the stage for her most memorable role in “Dirty Dancing.” Jennifer Grey earned a Golden Globe nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical for “Dirty Dancing” in 1988.
The 1987 film “Dirty Dancing” was a pivotal moment in Jennifer Grey’s career. The film grossed $214.6 million worldwide against a modest budget of $4.5 million, solidifying Grey’s status as a leading actress. While specific details of her salary for “Dirty Dancing” are not publicly available, the film’s success undoubtedly contributed significantly to her net worth. Her portrayal of Baby Houseman earned her critical acclaim and a Golden Globe nomination, further enhancing her professional standing.
Following the success of “Dirty Dancing,” Grey continued to work steadily in film and television. Her roles included appearances in “Bloodhounds of Broadway” (1989), “Wind” (1992), and various made-for-television movies such as “Murder in Mississippi” (1990) and “Criminal Justice” (1990). While these roles may not have reached the same level of commercial success as “Dirty Dancing,” they contributed to her consistent income stream. In 1993, Jennifer performed on Broadway in “The Twilight of the Golds.”
In the mid-1990s, Jennifer Grey underwent rhinoplasty, a decision that significantly impacted her career. The cosmetic procedure led to a drastic change in her appearance, making her less recognizable to the public. This transformation resulted in fewer roles and a period of professional adjustment. Despite this setback, Grey continued to pursue acting opportunities, appearing in films like “Lover’s Knot” (1995) and the TV movie “The West Side Waltz” (1995).
One notable guest appearance during this period was on the “Friends” episode “The One with the Evil Orthodontist,” where she played Mindy, Rachel Green’s former best friend. This role showcased her comedic talent and helped maintain her presence in the public eye. From 1999 to 2001, Grey starred in the sitcom “It’s Like, You Know…,” providing her with a regular role and a steady income.
In the 2000s, Grey continued to diversify her acting portfolio with roles in films such as “Bounce” (2000) and “Ritual” (2002). She also had a recurring role on HBO’s “John from Cincinnati” in 2007. From 2008 to 2014, she lent her voice to various characters on the animated series “Phineas and Ferb,” demonstrating her versatility as a performer. In 2010, she guest-starred on “House” and appeared in the TV movie “The Bling Ring.” In 2010, Grey’s career experienced a resurgence when she competed on “Dancing With the Stars” and won the competition with her partner Derek Hough. The show not only highlighted her dancing skills but also reintroduced her to a wider audience. While the exact amount she earned from “Dancing With the Stars” is not publicly known, it likely included a base fee per episode and additional bonuses for advancing through the competition.
From 2014 to 2017, Grey starred in the Amazon Prime Video series “Red Oaks,” further solidifying her presence in the entertainment industry. More recently, Grey had a recurring role on “Grey’s Anatomy” in 2019 and appeared in two episodes of “The Conners” in 2020. These roles, combined with her earlier successes, have contributed to Jennifer Grey’s $10 million net worth.
In August 2020, it was announced that Jennifer Grey would be reprising her role as Frances “Baby” Houseman in a sequel to “Dirty Dancing,” which she is also executive producing. This project represents a significant opportunity for Grey to not only revisit her most iconic role but also to potentially earn a substantial income as both an actress and a producer. The specific financial details of her involvement in the sequel have not been disclosed, but it is reasonable to assume that she will receive a significant salary and a percentage of the film’s profits.
Jennifer Grey’s Real Estate Assets
In 2004, Jennifer Grey and her then-husband, Clark Gregg, purchased a home in Los Angeles for $1.995 million. Following their separation, Gregg deeded the home to Grey. Unfortunately, this property was destroyed in the 2025 Palisades Fire. The loss of this home represents a significant financial setback for Grey. Details regarding insurance coverage and potential compensation for the loss have not been publicly disclosed.
Other Ventures and Assets
While Jennifer Grey is primarily known for her acting career, she may have other investments and assets that contribute to her net worth. Details regarding her investment portfolio, endorsement deals, and other business ventures are not publicly available. It is common for celebrities to diversify their income streams through various investments, which can include stocks, bonds, real estate, and private equity.
Jennifer Grey’s career has had its ups and downs, but she has managed to maintain a successful career as an actress and performer. Her most recognizable role as Baby in “Dirty Dancing” secures a spot in pop culture history. In 1988, she won Best Actress Bravo Otto awards. Grey also received a CableACE Award nomination for Actress in a Dramatic Series for “Fallen Angels” in 1995. Additionally, Grey and her “Kaze tachinu” castmates were nominated for a Behind the Voice Actors Award for Best Vocal Ensemble in an Anime Feature Film/Special in 2015.