Cynthia Rhodes, born in Nashville, Tennessee, is a talented singer and dancer who rose to fame in the 1980s. Her first role was in the 1980 musical *Xanadu* alongside Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly. In 1983, Rhodes starred as Tina Tech in *Flashdance* and later as John Travolta’s love interest in *Staying Alive*, directed by Sylvester Stallone.

Her most iconic role was Penny Johnson in *Dirty Dancing* (1987), where she showcased her Mambo-style moves with Patrick Swayze. Rhodes described Penny as having an “edge,” adding that the character’s struggles charmed and shocked viewers. Despite her success, the physical demands of dancing led Rhodes to consider quitting. “My back hurts all the time and my bones hurt,” she admitted, though she continued accepting roles.

In 1989, Rhodes married musician Richard Marx and stepped away from acting to focus on raising their three sons. Marx acknowledged her devotion, stating, “She felt total happiness as a mom.” Rhodes hasn’t returned to acting, with her last film being *Curse of the Crystal Eye* in 1991.

Today, Rhodes’ sons, Brandon, Lucas, and Jesse, are following in their parents’ footsteps, pursuing careers in music and acting.