'Dirty Dancing': These Stars Have Sadly Passed Away

"Dirty Dancing" is one of the most successful and well-known movies of all time. Unfortunately, some of the actors and actresses have already passed away. We'll show you which stars from "Dirty Dancing" have died.

In “Dirty Dancing,” Jack Weston plays resort owner Max Kellerman, helping to set the comedic tone of many scenes at the vacation resort. He died on May 3, 1996, at the age of 71, after a several-year battle with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Weston is remembered for his long career as a versatile character actor in film and television.

Max Cantor, of whom we unfortunately have no photos, plays the self-absorbed waiter Robbie Gould in “Dirty Dancing,” one of the film’s most memorable supporting characters. He died on October 3, 1991, at the age of 32, from a drug overdose. Obituaries noted not only his film role but also his journalistic ambitions, which he pursued alongside his acting career. “Dirty Dancing” remains his best-known film appearance.

Patrick Swayze played the lead role of Johnny Castle in “Dirty Dancing” and became an international star thanks to the 1987 film. He died on September 14, 2009, at the age of 57, from pancreatic cancer, after about 22 months of treatment. His publicist stated that he died “peacefully surrounded by his family.”

Jerry Orbach plays Dr. Jake Houseman, the father of the main character Baby, in “Dirty Dancing.” He died on December 28, 2004, at the age of 69, after a long battle with prostate cancer. In addition to his role in the dance film, obituaries particularly highlight his work on the series “Law & Order” as well as his Broadway career. Orbach is regarded as a distinguished character actor with an unmistakable voice.

Paula Trueman, who plays the resolute Mrs. Schumacher—and of whom we unfortunately have no photos—is part of the cast of the vacation resort in “Dirty Dancing.” She died on March 23, 1994, at the ripe old age of 96.

Jennifer Stahl (unfortunately, no photos available) plays the musically talented sister Lisa Houseman in “Dirty Dancing” and also appears in the film as a singer. On May 10, 2001, she died at the age of 39 during a robbery at her New York City apartment, which was later reported in the U.S. media as a homicide. Media reports at the time were cautious about the exact circumstances.

As bandleader Tito Suarez, Charles “Honi” Coles (no photo available) provides the film’s musical score at the Kellerman’s vacation resort. The acclaimed tap dancer died of cancer on November 12, 1992, at the age of 81. “Dirty Dancing” is considered one of his final film roles and is often cited as part of his artistic legacy.

Nearly four decades after the premiere of “Dirty Dancing,” seven members of the original cast have passed away, ranging from supporting actors to lead actor Patrick Swayze. The film remains one of the most-watched dance movies of all time, and its cast remains unforgettable.