Patrick Swayze

Who Was Patrick Swayze?

Patrick Wayne Swayze, born on August 18, 1952, in Houston, Texas, was a multifaceted talent known for his work as an actor, dancer, and singer. He began his artistic journey in dance, inspired by his mother, Patsy Swayze, who was the director of the Houston Jazz Ballet Company. Despite facing teasing from peers in school for his passion, Swayze’s dedication to dance blossomed early on.

As a young man, he initially focused on athletics, participating in gymnastics, swimming, and football throughout high school. After graduating, he received offers for both athletic and dance scholarships. Ultimately, Swayze chose to pursue athletics and enrolled at San Jacinto College in Houston, where he specialized in gymnastics. His artistic aspirations led him to leave college after two years to tour with the Disney on Parade ice show, performing the role of Snow White’s Prince Charming.

In 1972, Swayze moved to New York City to fully dedicate himself to a dance career. He trained with esteemed institutions such as the Harkness and Joffrey Ballet companies and quickly ascended to the position of principal dancer with the Eliot Feld Ballet Company. However, a significant setback occurred when an old football injury necessitated knee surgery, followed by an infection that forced him to leave the prestigious Feld Company.

Swayze transitioned to acting with notable performances in films such as The Outsiders, which showcased his talent and opened the door to further opportunities. He gained widespread fame for his role in Dirty Dancing, where his charisma and skill captured the hearts of audiences. This was followed by the immense success of Ghost, as well as memorable performances in Point Break and To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar.

Despite his illustrious career, Swayze faced personal challenges, including a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer in 2008. He bravely battled the disease until his untimely passing on September 14, 2009, at the age of 57. Patrick Swayze’s legacy endures through his remarkable contributions to film and dance, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.

Stage, TV & Film Career

Broadway and Early Roles

In 1976, Patrick Swayze shifted his focus to stage acting, making his Broadway debut in Goodtime Charley. He subsequently took on roles in West Side Story, and in 1978, he secured the leading role of Danny Zuko in the musical Grease. Swayze’s high-profile performance in Grease garnered him significant attention, leading to numerous offers in television and film.

Hollywood Breakthrough

Swayze’s stage success opened doors in Hollywood, where he made his film debut as a vigilante roller skater in Skatetown, U.S.A. (1979). He made a notable television appearance in 1981 as a leukemia patient on MASH*, but it was his breakout role in Francis Ford Coppola’s The Outsiders (1983), alongside notable actors Tom Cruise, Matt Dillon, and Emilio Estevez, that truly marked his entrance into the film industry. Swayze continued to build his filmography with appearances in Red Dawn (1984), Grandview, U.S.A. (1984), and the miniseries North and South (1985) and its 1986 sequel.

Rise to Stardom: Dirty Dancing

The release of Dirty Dancing (1987) catapulted Swayze to instant fame, establishing him as one of Hollywood’s leading heartthrobs. In this surprise hit, Swayze portrayed the misunderstood dance instructor Johnny Castle, a role that earned him a Golden Globe nomination. The film also provided Swayze the opportunity to pursue a singing career; inspired by his relationship with his wife, Lisa, he co-wrote the song “She’s Like the Wind” with Stacy Widelitz. The song resonated with audiences, reaching No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the Adult Contemporary chart.

Later Success: Road House and Ghost

In 1989, Swayze starred in the action features Road House and Next of Kin, both of which enjoyed moderate success. His career experienced a resurgence with the lead role in Jerry Zucker’s romantic drama Ghost (1990), co-starring Demi Moore and Whoopi Goldberg. The film grossed over $200 million and earned Swayze a second Golden Globe nomination, solidifying his status in Hollywood.

Continued Work: Point Break and City of Joy

In 1991, Swayze graced the cover of People magazine as “The Sexiest Man Alive” and starred alongside Keanu Reeves in the action-adventure Point Break. The following year, he showcased his dramatic range by playing an American doctor in India in City of Joy. While both films had moderate success, Swayze’s career momentum seemed to slow in the subsequent years.

Diverse Roles: To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar

In 1995, Swayze collaborated with Wesley Snipes and John Leguizamo in the comedy To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar, where he portrayed Vida Boheme, a role that earned him a third Golden Globe nomination in 1996. However, his follow-up projects, Black Dog (1998) and Letters from a Killer (1998), received lukewarm receptions from critics, marking a challenging period in his career.

Wakin’ Up In Reno and Donnie Darko

Patrick Swayze’s illustrious career included significant roles in the romantic comedies Forever Lulu (2000), alongside Melanie Griffith, and Wakin’ Up In Reno (2002), featuring Natasha Richardson and Charlize Theron. In 2001, he garnered acclaim for his portrayal of a television personality with a hidden agenda in the cult classic Donnie Darko. Additionally, Swayze appeared in the indie film 11:14 (2003) while returning to his roots in One Last Dance (2003) and Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights (2004).

The Beast

In the later stages of his career, Swayze took on roles in the dramas Jump! (2008) and Powder Blue (2009). That same year, he starred in the A&E series The Beast, portraying Charles Barker, a seasoned FBI agent with a rebellious streak, in a performance that showcased his enduring talent.

Illness and Death

In early 2008, Swayze faced a significant personal challenge when he was diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer. Despite his illness, he continued to work, undergoing chemotherapy treatments during breaks from filming The Beast. Swayze passed away on September 14, 2009, after a courageous 20-month battle with his illness.

Personal Life and Marriage

Swayze’s personal life was marked by his deep bond with his wife, Lisa Niemi. They met when she was a 15-year-old student at his mother’s dance studio in the early 1970s and were married in 1975. Following a miscarriage in 1990, the couple chose to forgo parenthood, instead dedicating their time and affection to their ranch, where they raised dogs, horses, and cattle. Swayze once remarked, “We’re a team,” emphasizing the importance of friendship and continual love in their relationship.

In 1997, Swayze suffered a broken right leg in a horse-riding accident while filming Letters From a Killer. Around this time, he recognized that he had a serious drinking problem, leading him to seek treatment at a rehabilitation clinic.

Documentary: I Am Patrick Swayze

On what would have been his 67th birthday, August 18, 2019, the documentary I Am Patrick Swayze premiered on the Paramount Network. The film featured heartfelt tributes from his Dirty Dancing co-star Jennifer Grey and director Jerry Zucker of Ghost. It also revealed Swayze’s difficult childhood, including experiences of physical abuse at the hands of his strict mother, shedding light on the challenges he faced throughout his life.