Cynthia Rhodes, known for her iconic roles in Staying Alive and Dirty Dancing, is a legendary figure in 1980s dance dramas. As she approaches her 68th birthday in November 2024, it’s worth reflecting on why this Hollywood triple threat chose to retire at the peak of her career.
Rhodes was born in Nashville, Tennessee, and began her career with a small part in the 1980 film Xanadu, which starred Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly. Her breakout came with her portrayal of Tina Tech in Flashdance, followed by a significant role in Staying Alive, where she played the love interest of John Travolta.
However, it was her unforgettable performance as Penny Johnson in Dirty Dancing that solidified her status in Hollywood. In this role, she captivated audiences with her Mambo dancing alongside Patrick Swayze, while also delivering poignant emotional scenes, including the character’s harrowing experience with an illegal abortion.
Rhodes described Penny as a complex character who had endured a tough life, yet retained a sense of sweetness. The film not only showcased her dancing skills but also tackled important social issues, positioning its leads, including Rhodes, for stardom.
Despite her success, Rhodes decided to step back from the industry, citing the physical demands of dance. “Dancing became really hard”, she said, expressing her desire for roles that didn’t involve strenuous movement. “I keep saying I’ll never dance again… my bones hurt, my back hurts all the time”, she explained.
In 1987, the same year Dirty Dancing premiered, Rhodes appeared in Richard Marx’s music video for “Don’t Mean Nothing”. She married Marx in 1989 and welcomed three children: Brandon in 1990, Lucas in 1992, and Jesse in 1994. Marx noted that Rhodes found more fulfillment in motherhood than in her previous career, which she left in 1990 partly due to the intense physical pain from dancing.
Rhodes, who started dancing at the age of three, emphasized her love for it but acknowledged the toll it took on her body. “If I never danced again, I wouldn’t regret it”, she said, highlighting her contentment in focusing on her family.
Her last film appearance was in 1991’s Curse of the Crystal Eye. After divorcing Marx in 2014, she stepped further into her role as a mother, watching her children pursue careers in the arts: Brandon as a music producer, Lucas as a singer and actor, and Jesse as a musician in a metal band. While fans miss seeing Cynthia Rhodes on screen, her decision to leave Hollywood resonates, underscoring the high demands of a career in dance and the joy she found in motherhood.
Woman finds a friendly dog sitting on her porch and helps him find a new home
Amy Haden had a surprise one morning when her daughter alerted her to a dog on their back porch. Initially, Amy didn’t think much of it, assuming it was one of their family’s dogs. However, she soon realized it was a new visitor, comfortably settled on their patio furniture.
“It’s like he had taken up residence,” Amy recalled, noting how the dog had made himself at home on the cushions and showed no signs of leaving.
Despite the dog’s contentment in their company, Amy knew he needed assistance. She took on the responsibility of caring for him and embarked on a mission to reunite him with his family, reaching out to the community and using social media platforms.
Despite efforts to locate his previous owners, including checking for a microchip, the dog remained unclaimed. Amy affectionately named him Walker, with input from TikTok users, and her family continued to provide him with care.
As time passed, it became evident that Amy’s household wasn’t the permanent solution for Walker. Compatibility issues arose with her existing dogs, prompting Amy to seek a forever home better suited for Walker’s needs.
Fortunately, Amy’s persistence paid off when she found an ideal match for Walker—an elderly lady who had been longing for a furry companion.
“She was super sweet,” Amy shared, expressing gratitude that their paths crossed. “She told us that she had been praying for a dog like him and that we were the answer to her prayers.”
Leave a Reply