What Happened to 'Dirty Dancing' Star Penny Who Left Hollywood – Her Rare Photos & New Life

Cynthia Rhodes became famous for her dancing and her marriage to a famous singer. The "Dirty Dancing" star made a mark in Hollywood before deciding to leave, intriguing fans. Discover her journey from Hollywood fame to a quiet life away from the spotlight.

Cynthia Rhodes, born on November 21, 1956, won the hearts of many with her remarkable talents as a singer, actress, and dancer. Rising to fame with iconic roles and mesmerizing performances, she quickly built a devoted fan base.

But then, seemingly at the height of her career, Rhodes vanished from the spotlight, leaving fans to wonder what happened. After a successful career and a high-profile marriage, Rhodes chose a different path, one that would take her far from the limelight.

Her sudden disappearance from the public eye has only fueled curiosity. What led her to step away from it all? And where is she now? Join us as we delve into the intriguing journey of Rhodes, uncovering the twists and turns of her life that led her from the silver screen to a life of quiet seclusion.

From Olympic Dreams to Hollywood Stardom: The Rise of Rhodes

Rhodes, a Tennessee native, discovered her passion for dancing at a young age. In a past interview, she reminisced about starting to dance at the age of three, but it wasn't until she was sixteen that she began training professionally.

Her dedication was clear. She trained tirelessly for the Olympics, committing to an intense routine of eight hours a day. Her dancing prowess led her to Hollywood, where she would go on to star in iconic roles.

Reflecting on her career, the "Dirty Dancing" star, recalled the rigorous preparation they underwent before filming. She mentioned training ten hours a day with her co-star Patrick Swayze, describing it as one of the hardest rehearsals she had ever experienced.

It was during this time she decided to step back from dancing professionally due to the physical toll it took on her body. In addition to her dance career, Rhodes made a name for herself as a talented actress.

Raised in a religious family, she aimed to maintain a clean-cut image in her acting roles and in the media, often turning down scripts that required nudity. While "Dirty Dancing" remains one of her most celebrated projects, Rhodes also shone in films such as "Runaway," "Staying Alive," and "Flashdance."

A Love Story Beyond the Spotlight: Rhodes and Richard Marx

After her rise to fame in Hollywood, Rhodes met and married celebrated singer Richard Marx, known for hits like "Now and Forever" and "Satisfied," he has also sold more than 30 million albums worldwide. The two first crossed paths in 1983.

Despite their seven-year age difference, their love blossomed over time. Initially, they didn't hit it off, but two years later, their connection deepened, and they began dating. After a few years together, they tied the knot in 1989.

Their love story captivated many. In an interview, Marx revealed that Rhodes was the inspiration behind his hit song "Right Here Waiting." He wrote the song for her when they were still dating, during a time when she had traveled to South Africa to shoot a film.

Marx's efforts to obtain a visa to join her were unsuccessful, so he decided to write and mail her the song instead. "It was the fastest song I wrote, in barely 20 minutes. And this was the time when there was no Skype and social networking, so I had to ship the track to her," he shared.

Rhodes and Marx's Marriage and Family Life

The pair welcomed three boys, all of whom followed in their parents' artistic footsteps. Their firstborn, Brandon Marx, arrived in September 1990, followed by their middle child, Lucas Marx, in September 1992, and their youngest, Jesse Marx, in 1994.

A few years into their marriage, the two decided to leave the bright lights of Los Angeles behind and settle down in Chicago. This move marked a new chapter in their lives, one focused on family and personal fulfillment.

As Rhodes embraced her role as a stay-at-home mom, she dedicated herself to raising their three sons. The couple's decision to prioritize family over career endeared them even more to their fans, who followed their journey with keen interest.

Despite the demands of parenthood, Rhodes and Marx managed to maintain a semblance of normalcy away from the public eye. Their life together in Chicago seemed idyllic, a perfect blend of love, family, and private contentment. However, after more than two decades of marriage, things took an unexpected turn.

The End of an Era: Inside Cynthia and Richard's Surprising Split

The seemingly perfect union between Rhodes and Marx came to an end after 25 years when they announced their divorce in 2014. The news shocked many who had followed their journey and admired their commitment to each other and their family.

While the reasons for their separation remained largely private, Marx later spoke about the split, and how it had affected him. "It has been a painful time," he acknowledged.

He expressed respect and affection for Rhodes despite their separation. "What I will say is that I had the great fortune and blessing to not only be married to Cynthia for all those years but to just share her company," he said. He went on to express gratitude for their time together and their family, thanking Rhodes and calling her "an amazing person."

A year after their divorce, Marx found love again and remarried Daisy Fuentes in 2015. However, fans couldn't help but notice the striking resemblance between Fuentes and Rhodes. Marx occasionally pays tribute to Fuentes on Instagram, celebrating special moments such as anniversaries.

This has led fans to compare Fuentes to Rhodes, with many noting their similar looks. One fan commented on a post, "She reminds me of Cynthia when she is sitting on the bed."

Another fan couldn't help but compliment Marx for having Fuentes by his side, writing, "You have such a beautiful wife, inside and out." The grammy-award winner, who often gushes about Fuentes, once revealed, "I'm in love in the most freeing way I've ever experienced. It's a beautiful thing."

Life After Fame: Cynthia Rhodes' Journey to Privacy and Peace

Since her divorce, Rhodes has largely remained out of the public eye and less is known about her love life. However, in 2023, she made a rare appearance on author Randal Kenneth Jones' page.

They shared a photo together while promoting his book, "Ruby," in which Jones revealed that the main character was inspired by Rhodes. Her rare appearances and occasional photos on social media have only fueled curiosity about her life post-Hollywood.

In 2021, her ex-husband reflected on his life and marriage during an interview, mentioning Rhodes. "I didn't have a girlfriend until I was 21 and I ended up marrying her," Marx said, noting that their 25-year marriage left him with nothing but respect for Cynthia.

He shared how, despite the end of their relationship, they remain in regular contact. He is also very close to their sons. All three of their children have pursued music careers, following in their father's footsteps.

Brandon, in particular, has also branched out into photography and production. According to his Instagram, he is married to his wife, Zaira.

Choosing a life of quiet seclusion, Rhodes, who turns 68 on November 21, has embraced her privacy, a stark contrast to her days in the limelight. It's intriguing how she went from a celebrated star to a devoted mother and then to a private individual.