Jennifer Grey Chokes Up As She Gives Joel Lifetime Achievement Award: Why Grey Waited Until 82 To Reveal He’s Gay


Jennifer Grey choked up when she tried to honor her father, Joel Grey. Famed for Dirty Dancing, Jennifer has attended premieres and interviews calmly and smoothly. But when it was time to talk about her dad, Grey couldn’t handle the emotional overflow, reported People.

The confession of how she felt came when Grey stood in front of the audience to celebrate Joel’s Douglas Watt Lifetime Achievement Award at the 33rd Annual Fred & Adele Astaire Awards. Tears choking the 55-year-old actress, Jennifer had to reveal why she was so overwhelmed.

“I didn’t expect to feel like that,” admitted Grey. “I feel like Liza [Minnelli], all gaspy and stuff!”

Famed for his performance in Cabaret, which resulted in Joel’s skyrocketing success both as a Broadway performer and film actor, Grey inspired Jennifer, added the actress.

“I’m so inspired by my dad. By the sheer breadth of his work, his love of life. As someone who has clung to his every move my entire life … his incredible career … only pales in comparison to the accomplishment of how he lives his life, his gigantic heart. This world is just markedly better for him being here.”

And for the 83-year-old actor, the joy of having Jennifer by his side also provided an emotional moment.

“It’s just fun having my daughter here. That’s the best part, because who knew with both of our careers and she being so busy and a mom and all that, the fact that she’s here at this moment without [us having tried to plan it] … neither one of us knew!”

In January, Joel made the decision to reveal that he is gay. Now, reflecting on his candor in talking about his sexual orientation, Grey takes pride in his honesty.

“Everybody has been so positive and up, and seemed to like the story,” said Grey.

Joel was 82-years-old when he came out, and he revealed that most of his friends and family already knew about his sexual orientation, reported USA Today.

“I don’t like labels,” declared Grey. “If you have to put a label on it, I’m a gay man.”

Joel, who has two children and a marriage that lasted for more than two decades, explained that it took him awhile to accept his orientation.

“All the people close to me have known for years who I am. (Yet) it took time to embrace that other part of who I always was.”

As the Inquisitr reported, Caitlyn Jenner, formerly Bruce, also waited until she was 65 to reveal that she was transgender. And although some, such as Dr. Phil, questioned why she waited until she was “past prime,” as the TV talk show host phrased it, Jenner also received support from family and friends.

[Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez / Getty Images]

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