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Patrick Swayze

Patrick Wayne Swayze, born on August 18, 1952, was a stellar actor who amazed millions with his acting and dancing skills. In 1979, he had his first film appearance as Ace in the comedy musical “Skatetown U.S.A.” In 1997, he acted in the drama “Dirty Dancing,” which helped cement his celebrity status in Hollywood. He was given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame that same year. Swayze was an award-winning actor and a two-time Golden Globe Nominee. We will help you celebrate this outstanding actor and dancer right here!

Fast Facts

Full Name:

Patrick Wayne Swayze

Nickname:

Buddy

Birth date:

August 18, 1952

Death date:

September 14, 2009 (age 57)

Height:

5' 10"

Net Worth:

$40 million

Background

Patrick Wayne Swayze, son of Patsy and Jesse Swayze, was born on August 18, 1952, in Texas. He lived in Houston, where he attended high school at Waltrip High School and got a degree from San Jacinto College Central. While in school, Swayze pursued his love for ballet but soon set it aside when Swayze got into high school to pursue athletics like swimming, football, and gymnastics. He also delved into martial arts and practiced skills like Wushu, Aikido, and Taekwondo. After graduation, he was offered some dance and athletic scholarships. He chose to study gymnastics at San Jacinto College. After two years, he toured as Snow White’s Prince Charming with the Disney on Ice Parade show. He relocated to New York City to perfect his dance skills at Harkness Ballet and Joffrey Ballet Schools and was given a job as a principal dancer for Eliot Feld Ballet Company. Soon after, his knee injury from high school affected his career, and he had to quit.

Swayze began his acting career in 1976 by making his Broadway debut in “Goodtime Charley.” In 1979 he made his first on-screen debut as Ace in an American comedy musical film, “Skatetown U.S.A.” In 1981 he made acted in “Return of the Rebel” and “Blood Brothers” whereas, in 1983, he played the role of a gang leader called “Bandit” in the American action crime drama “The Renegades.” Swayze’s celebrity status became well established in 1983 when he acted in the coming-of-age drama film “The Outsiders.” He became Hollywood’s heartthrob in 1987 when he acted in the romantic drama “Dirty Dancing.” He acted in the highest-grossing film of 1990, “Ghost,” where he starred as Sam Wheat. Swayze’s role in the movie earned him a Golden Globe nomination.

Swayze was named “The Sexiest Man Alive” by “People Magazine” in 1991. In 1997, he was given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 2003, he co-produced and starred in the dance film “One Last Dance” along with his wife, Lisa Niemi.

Swayze lived an extraordinary life as he won awards during his career and was a two-time Golden Globe Nominee. He was married to actress Lisa Niemi, but they had no children. He claimed Niemi inspired his 1987 song, “She’s Like the Wind.” Sadly, in January 2009, he was admitted to hospital due to complications with Pneumonia and was also diagnosed with cancer. In April of that same year, the doctors informed him his cancer had spread to his liver. At 57, he died with his family by his side on September 14, 2009. Swayze was cremated, and his ashes were distributed over his New Mexico Ranch.

Career timeline

1991
Sexiest Man Alive

Swayze was named “Sexiest Man Alive” by “People Magazine.”

1997
Hollywood Walk of Fame

Swayze was given a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame.

2007
Swayze is Diagnosed with Cancer

He was diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer and passed away two years later.

2019
“I Am Patrick Swayze Premieres”

Years after his passing, a personality documentary was done about his life.

Why We Love Patrick Swayze

  1. He was the Sexiest Man Alive

    In 1991, he was named the “Sexiest Man Alive” by “People Magazine.” We can only imagine what an honor that must’ve been.

  2. Swayze loved animals

    After several attempts to have children, he and Lisa resolved to invest their time in dogs, cattle, and horses. We love animals as much as Swayze did!

  3. He renewed his vows with Lisa

    When he realized he was about to die soon, Swayze renewed his vows with his wife Lisa, at a private ceremony at their New Mexico Ranch. He rode on his most beloved horse in their fairytale-themed wedding. An intentional man!

5 Surprising Facts

  1. 60 cigarettes in 24 hours

    Swayze smoked 60 cigarettes in a day which got him admitted to a hospital.

  2. He once owned a carpentry business

    Swayze opened a business named Nepotism Inc. even though he had little knowledge about carpentry.

  3. He used to be a dancer

    Before acting, Swayze was a well-accomplished dancer who trained at Joffrey Ballet school.

  4. He desired to be in Olympics

    While he was young, he trained with coaches to join the U.S gymnastics team, but it seemed as though acting was his career path. .

  5. His name is in over 300 songs

    After his appearance in “Ghost” became noticed, hip-hop artists began to use his name in their songs.

Patrick Swayze FAQs

What were Patrick Swayze’s last words?

His last words were, “I love you,” to his wife, Lisa Niemi.

How did Patrick Swayze meet his wife?

They met when he was 14 at the Houston Ballet Dance Company.

Who is Patrick Swayze’s brother?

Don and Sean Kyle Swayze are his brothers.

Patrick Swayze’s birthday dates

Year Date Day
2025 August 18 Monday
2026 August 18 Tuesday
2027 August 18 Wednesday
2028 August 18 Friday
2029 August 18 Saturday
August
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
 
 

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