What To Know
- Jennifer Grey announced the death of her mother, Jo Wilder, at age 94.
- Wilder was remembered as a talented actress, devoted mother, lifelong activist.
- Grey received an outpouring of condolences and support from celebrities and fans.
Jennifer Grey is mourning a devastating personal loss following the death of her mother, Jo Wilder, at 94.
On Wednesday, July 8, the Dirty Dancing star, 66, took to Instagram with a heartfelt tribute to her late parent.
“My mother, Jo Wilder, passed away on July 4th at 94 — by her own choosing, on her own terms, exactly as she lived,” Grey began her update. “A week earlier, she learned she had lung cancer. True to who she was, she chose grace over fear, understanding that leaving this world with dignity is an honor, not a tragedy.”
Then Ferris Bueller’s Day Off actress described her mom as “gorgeous and talented,” also sharing that she was a “promising young actress on the New York stage in her youth.”
“She used to say she never fully answered that calling; she became a mother instead. If she’d chosen ambition over my brother and me, we never would have had the mother we had,” Grey continued. “Her passion found other outlets: she was a lifelong activist, fiercely attuned to right and wrong. And for years, many people discovered her extraordinary eye through Wilder Place, her store on Melrose.”
To conclude her tribute, Grey wrote, “She was brave and deep. I love you, Mom. Thank you for showing me how to do it all, even this, with grace.”
In the comments, celebrities and regular folks alike flooded Grey with condolences and prayers. Will & Grace actress Debra Messing wrote, “I’m so sorry,” alongside a broken-heart emoji.
Julianne Moore added, “So sorry for your loss,” while former Dance Moms star Abby Lee Miller commented, “This is beautiful. My deepest condolences.”
Baywatch actress Erika Eleniak wrote, “Godspeed healing your heart.”
Family Ties actress Tracy Pollan (who is also married to Michael J. Fox) commented, “What a moving tribute. I am thinking of you and the radiant Jo Wilder today. I feel so blessed to have had your beautiful mother in my life. I will cherish my memories of her warmth, love, and guidance. So heartbroken she is gone, but grateful she left us with the dignity she lived with. I love you both.”
Another Instagram follower shared, “Prayers and blessings for your beautiful mom,” while a second wrote, “Aww, so sorry, Jennifer. Prayers to your family,” and a third echoed, “Sending you so much love and keeping you in my prayers. May your beautiful mum rest in eternal peace and sleep peacefully.”
In addition to Jennifer, Wilder is survived by a son, James Grey, whom she welcomed with Cabaret star Joel Grey.