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.
Prince William Rocks Harry’s Signature Style, Leaving Fans and Critics Buzzing
People online have mixed opinions about Prince William’s new stubble. His facial hair now looks a lot like the beard that he used to criticize his younger brother for having.
On September 10, Prince William visited South Wales and showed off his new rugged look. Many people on social media noticed that his stubble is very similar to the beard his brother often wears.
Photos of Prince William online show him with a bright smile and expressive face as he visited various places in Llanelli
During his visit, Prince William also stopped by Swiss Valley Community Primary School. He met with former and current members of the Wales female international rugby team, who have qualified for the 2025 World Cup.
After seeing pictures of Prince William with his stubble, people started sharing their opinions online. One Instagram user commented, “Not a good look on him.”
Another user expressed a similar opinion but also praised his character, saying, “Sorry William, I don’t like the stubble But you’re kind, thoughtful, caring, and a lovely family man, so who cares what I think \.”
Expressing concern for the prince, someone else wrote, “William has lost weight and seems to have aged. He needs to rest and take care of himself. With all the pressure from Harry, his father, and his wife, he’s carrying a lot on his shoulders!!”
In contrast to the criticism Prince William received about his stubble, some fans were enthusiastic. One admirer swooned, “Looks good on him,” while another exclaimed, “Love the beard!!!!” A third fan gushed, “Even more handsome with his beard.”
Referring to Prince Harry, one social media user noted, “[They] told William not [to] grow his beard, so now he’s copying Harry, even though [he] had a [fight] with [him] to [shave] it. William is always copying Harry.
Some of the details about his family were included to shed light on the characters and personalities in Prince Harry’s life. He recognized that even the information he chose to share might be hard for his family to forgive.
The Duke of Sussex also stated, “But the way I see it is, I’m willing to forgive you for everything you’ve done. I wish you had actually sat down with me properly instead of just saying I’m delusional and paranoid.”
He also stressed the importance of having an honest discussion, saying, “Actually sit down and have a proper conversation about this. What I really want is some accountability and an apology to my wife.”
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