Patrick Swayze was an American actor, dancer, and singer who was best known for his roles in films such as “Dirty Dancing,” “Ghost,” and “Point Break.” He was also known for his intense screen presence, good looks, and versatile acting ability.
Patrick Swayze Biography
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Patrick Swayze was born on August 18, 1952, in Houston, Texas, to Patsy and Jesse Wayne Swayze. His mother was a choreographer, dance instructor, and dancer, while his father was an engineering draftsman. Swayze grew up with four siblings and was raised in a devoutly Christian family.
As a child, Swayze showed a talent for dance and began taking formal lessons at a young age. He later trained in ballet, jazz, and modern dance and became a skilled dancer. Swayze also played football in high school and was offered a college scholarship, but he ultimately chose to pursue a career in dance and acting.
Patrick Swayze Career
Patrick Swayze’s career journey began with his love of dance, which led him to move to New York City to pursue his dreams of becoming a professional dancer. He landed his first major role in the Broadway production of “Grease” in 1978 and went on to perform in a number of other Broadway shows, including “Goodtime Charley” and “Chicago.”
In 1983, Swayze landed his first major film role in “The Outsiders,” directed by Francis Ford Coppola. He went on to star in a number of other successful films over the years, including “Red Dawn,” “Dirty Dancing,” “Road House,” “Ghost,” and “Point Break.” Swayze was known for his rugged good looks, intense screen presence, and versatile acting ability.
In addition to his work on screen, Swayze was also a talented dancer and singer. He performed on Broadway and in a number of dance films, including “Dirty Dancing” and “One Last Dance.” He also released his own music album, “Patrick Swayze: She’s Like the Wind,” in 1987. Swayze’s career spanned over three decades.
Patrick Swayze Movies
Patrick Swayze appeared in a number of movies throughout his career, including:
“The Outsiders” (1983), “Red Dawn” (1984), “Uncommon Valor” (1984), “North and South” (1985, TV miniseries), “Youngblood” (1986), “Dirty Dancing” (1987),”Tiger Warsaw” (1988), “Road House” (1989), “Next of Kin” (1989), “Ghost” (1990), “Point Break” (1991), “City of Joy” (1992), “Father Hood” (1993), “Three Wishes” (1995), “To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar” (1995), “Black Dog” (1998), “Forever Lulu” (2000), “Donnie Darko” (2001), “Green Dragon” (2001), “One Last Dance” (2003), “Keeping Mum” (2005), “Powder Blue” (2009), “The Beast” (2009)
Patrick Swayze Awards
Swayze’s contributions to the entertainment industry were recognized with several awards and honors during his career. Swayze was nominated for three Golden Globe Awards throughout his career. He won the award for Best Actor in a Television Drama Series for his performance in “North and South” in 1986.
He won two People’s Choice Awards during his career. He won the Favorite Male Performer in a New TV Program award in 1986 for his role in “North and South,” and the Favorite Actor in a Dramatic Motion Picture award in 1991 for “Ghost.”
Swayze won the American Comedy Awards for Funniest Actor in a Motion Picture award in 1991 for his role in “Ghost.”
In 1997, Swayze was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 2003, he was inducted into the Texas Film Hall of Fame.
In 1998, Swayze was nominated for an Emmy Award for his guest role on “Saturday Night Live.” Swayze was also named one of People Magazine’s “Sexiest Men Alive” in 1991 and was listed as one of the “50 Most Beautiful People in the World” by People Magazine in 1991 and 1992.
Patrick Swayze Wife and Son
Patrick Swayze was married to Lisa Niemi, a dancer and choreographer, from 1975 until his death in 2009. They met when they were both teenagers and were married for 34 years. Niemi also appeared with Swayze in several of his films, including “Road House” and “One Last Dance.”
Swayze was known for being deeply devoted to his wife and they had a strong and loving relationship. In his autobiography, Swayze wrote that he and Niemi had their share of ups and downs, but that they always found a way to work through their problems and stay committed to each other.
Swayze was also rumored to have had relationships with several of his co-stars, including Jennifer Grey from “Dirty Dancing” and Demi Moore from “Ghost,” but these rumors were never confirmed. Swayze always maintained that he was deeply in love with his wife and that she was the only woman for him.
In addition to his acting, dance, and music career, Swayze co-wrote a novel called “The Time of My Life” with his wife, Lisa Niemi. The book was a memoir of their life together, and it was published in 2009. He was also a licensed pilot.
Swayze was also actively involved in several charities throughout his life, including the Patrick Swayze Pancreas Cancer Research Fund, which was established after his death.
Patrick Swayze Cause of Death / Legacy
In early 2008, Swayze was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, which had already spread to other parts of his body. He continued to work on various projects while undergoing treatment, including the TV series “The Beast.”
Unfortunately, Swayze’s condition worsened, and he passed away on September 14, 2009, at the age of 57. His death was a great loss to the entertainment industry and his many fans around the world. He was widely mourned, and many of his co-stars and friends spoke out about their admiration for his talent and his courage in facing his illness. Swayze’s wife, Lisa Niemi, also paid tribute to him, describing him as “an extraordinary man who lived life to the fullest.”
Despite his relatively short life, Swayze left behind a lasting legacy in Hollywood. He was a talented actor and dancer who starred in many iconic films, and his work has continued to inspire and entertain audiences for decades. Also, the Patrick Swayze Pancreas Cancer Research Fund was established in his honor to raise awareness and funds for pancreatic cancer research.
Patrick Swayze Net Worth
As of his passing in 2009, Patrick Swayze’s net worth was estimated to be around $40 million.