Watching VH1 Classics, I saw the video for Toto’s “Rosanna”.
While the song is based on one of the bandmember’s girlfriend, Rosanna Arquette, I was struck by the dancer. Not Arquette, but Cynthia Rhodes. Normally I don’t even notice dancing in a video, but she was an incredible in this.
In the 80’s, she starred in several films, but disappeared by the end of the decade.
Born in Nashville, Rhodes was a dancer at Opryland USA. This led to dancing work in films such as XANADU as well as ONE FROM THE HEART. There were videos for Toto and other bands as well
Her first major role was in FLASHDANCE, as Tina Tech. She had a larger role in the SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER sequel STAYING ALIVE. That Sylvester Stallone directed film did not do as well as the original. 
Next up, a non musical film, the Tom Selleck / Gene Simmons / robot bullet 80’s classic RUNAWAY. I watched this one quite a bit in the 80's, yet haven't seen it since.
In DIRTY DANCING she starred as Patrick Swayze’s dance partner. Today, this is probably seen as her biggest film. It is still regularly shown on TV and I think has been reissued 72 times on DVD.
She also had a music career as well.
In 1987 she joined the band Animotion. They had previoulsy had a hit with the song “Obsession”. She became lead singer for the single “Room to Move”, featured in the film MY STEPMOTHER IS AN ALIEN.
Her last appearance on film was a 1991 Roger Corman produced film, CURSE OF THE CRYSTAL EYE.
So, What Ever Happened To Her?
During the making of STAYING ALIVE, Cynthia met a musician who was working on some of the music for the film.
A few years later, they met again. She agreed to appear in his video.
“Don’t Mean Nothing” by Richard Marx.
In 1989, the two were married.
Today, they have 3 kids and are still together.
Like Lucinda Dickey, I think Cynthia Rhodes can be seen as a dancer who sort of fell into acting. It wasn’t her passion, just something to do. She stayed with it for a few years, until she decided family life meant more to her. And, it has been a successful choice.
Now what ever happened to Richard Marx? Listening to that song again, his first CD was one of the more memorable of the late 80's.
Cynthia Rhodes on DVD
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO: CYNTHIA RHODES
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
6 comments:
I was with you until you got up to "Richard Marx" and "excellent." Cynthia was cute as the dickens though.
MZ- Back in the day, being the true music snob I proudly was, I would have THROWN FOOD AT YOU for the Richard Marx comment...
Thankfully, you can remove the protective Glad Bags as I can view him at least as "campy" now...LOL!!!
I liked Cynthia, too-I'm glad she is happy & well.
For some reason, I have fond memories of "Staying Alive"...
Ok, ok, I may have gone a bit far with "excellent". But as far as late 80's pop music goes, that first album was better than most of the era.
I mean, c'mon. "Should've Known Better" was a great song.
Anyone with me?
Anyone?
Anyone?
MZ, MZ, MZ...you may be on your own with Richard Marxism...LOL!
One thing from your article on Cynthia, though, that I totally forgot about was her stepping into Animotion when Astrid Plane left the group.
Bill Wadhams actually lives here in town & I used to see him having coffee at a place I go in the morning.
Sorry guys big fan of Richard Marx, very talented singer but even more accomplished songwriter.
I loved her singing voice - very sensual. However, I know of only two other songs apart from her Animotion days, which were "Finding Out The Hard Way" and "Never Gonna give You Up" (with Frank Stallone). Would appreciate if anyone who knows other songs of hers to email me at adam_mmmm@yahoo.com. Btw, thank you for very much this posting. Sure brings back mammaries.... ;)
Post a Comment