Patrick Swayze Bio (November 2024)

Patrick Swayze was an American singer-songwriter, actor, and dancer, known for his unique leading roles, which are incredibly humorous, harsh, and romantic. In addition to being well-known for his media appearances, People magazine named Swayze the “Sexiest Man Alive” in 1991.

The hit song She’s Like the Wind was co-written and recorded by Swayze, for which he received the 2012 Rolex Dance Award. He also received three nominations for the Golden Globe Award for best Lead Actor for his roles in Dirty Dancing, Ghost, and To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar.

Sadly, Swayze passed away on 14 September 2009 after battling pancreatic cancer. 

A Quick Info About Patrick Swayze

Early Life, Family and Education

On 18 August 1952, Patrick Wayne Swayze was born in Houston, Texas to dancer, choreographer, and educator Patsy Swayze and engineering draftsman Jesse Wayne Swayze. Swayze has two younger brothers, Don Swayze and Sean Kyle Swayze, an adopted younger sister named Bambi Swayze, and an elder sister, Vickie Lynn Swayze. 

The Englishman John Swasey of Bridport, Dorset, was Swayze’s paternal grandfather. During the Puritan exodus to New England between 1620 and 1640, Swasey embarked on the Recovery and landed in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. After marrying Essex native Katherine Kinge, he had seven children. Samuel, a judge and their grandson, were among the first to use the Swayze spelling.

Educational Background

Before turning twenty, Swayze went to St. Rose of Lima Catholic School, Waltrip High School, San Jacinto College Central, Black Middle School, and Oak Forest Elementary School in Houston. 

During this period, he explored a variety of creative and physical endeavours, including performing in school plays, classical ballet, and ice skating. Swayze played football in high school, hoping to earn a college football scholarship, but a knee injury halted his career. 

At the same time, he was training in martial arts, including Aikido, Taekwondo, and Wushu, which helped him deal with his “self-deprecating rage.” He relocated to New York City in 1972 to finish training as a professional dancer at the Joffrey Ballet and Harkness Ballet schools.

Patrick Swayze’s Height, Weight and Body Stats

Career

• 1979:- Swayze made his film debut as Ace in Skatedown, U.S.A.
• 1983:- Rose to fame with his role as Darrel “Darry” Curtis in Francis Ford Coppola’s adaptation of S.E Hinton’s novel The Outsiders. 
• 1984:- Featured in Red Dawn, a cold war action action film directed by John Milius.
• 1985:- Achieved international fame with his role as as dance instructor Johnny Castle in the hit film Dirty Dancing.
• 1989:- After the popularity of Dirty Dancing, Swayze portrayed in the action thriller Road House, demonstrating him as a versatile actor.
• 1990:- Swayze starred opposite Demi Moore and Whoopi Goldberg in the romantic fantasy thriller Ghost, giving another memorable performance. He received praise from critics and was nominated for a second Golden Globe nomination for his performance.
• 1995:- Recieved another Golden Globe nomination for his performance in To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar.
• 2000:- In the early 2000s, Swayze kept up his film and television career, appearing in films and television programs such as the cult classic Donnie Darko (2001) and the supernatural drama series The Beast (2009).
• 2009:- His last notable role was in Powder Blue released in 2009. Same year, Swayze died of pancreatic cancer.

Patrick Swayze’s Net Worth

When he passed away in 2009, Swayze’s estimated net worth was recorded $40 million.

Was Patrick Swayze Married?

Yes, Swayze was married to an American writer and dancer Lisa Niemi. They both used to study dance at his mother’s dance studio when they first met. At their first meeting, Swayze was eighteen and Niemi was fifteen. The pair married on 12 June 1975, and stayed together until Swayze passed away in 2009. 

Lisa Niemi has appeared in movies including One Last Dance and Steel Dawn. Throughout his life and work, Patrick Swayze consistently found encouragement from her.

Children

Married in 1975, Lisa Niemi and Swayze had a 34-year marriage that ended with his death. Lisa had experienced one miscarriage, but they did not have any children.

Patrick Swayze’s Cause of Death

On 14 September 2009, Swayze passed away after a 20-month battle with pancreatic cancer. His body was buried in New Mexico ranch.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When and Where was Patrick Swayze Born?

Swayze was born on 18 August 1952, in Houston, Texas.

2. When did Patrick Swayze Die?

On 14 September 2009, Swayze died of pancreatic cancer.

3. What were Patrick Swayze’s Most Famous Movies?

Swayze was known for his roles in Dirty Dancing, Road House and Donnie Darko.

4. Who is Patrick Swayze’s Wife?

Swayze was married to an American writer and dancer, Lisa Niemi.

5. Did Patrick Swayze Win Any Awards for his Acting?

Yes, Swayze was nominated for several awards throughout his career, including two Golden Globe nominations for Dirty Dancing and Ghost.

6. Is There a Documentary or Biography about Patrick Swayze?

Yes, biographies and documentaries have been written about Swayze. One such film, “I Am Patrick Swayze,” debuted in 2019 and offers a close-up view of the man’s life, work, and legacy.