Multiple Golden Globe nominee Patrick Swayze rose to worldwide fame after starring in the melodrama called “Dirty Dancing”. Before achieving success on Broadway and subsequently in Hollywood, he started his career as a dancer. He was a versatile actor who appeared in both romantic dramas like “Ghost” and action pictures like “Point Break.” With his fascinating performances, captivating charm and indisputable talent, the Hollywood heartthrob has become a cult figure in the performing community. Learn more about the life of the famous Houston man at houstonski.
Versatile personality
The actor was born in Houston on August 18, 1952, to an engineering draftsman and a choreographer. Until the age of 20, the young man lived in the Houston neighborhood of Oak Forest, where he attended St. Rose of Lima Catholic School, Oak Forest Elementary School, Black Middle School and Waltrip High School.
Since childhood, Swayze had a talent for several activities, including skating, ballet, gymnastics, swimming and acting in school productions. In high school, he played football and hoped to receive a sports scholarship, but a knee injury stopped him from accomplishing it. Furthermore, the young man was interested in martial arts.
Dancing career
After receiving his secondary education, he enrolled in San Jacinto College, where he studied gymnastics. Two years later, he left school to tour with the Disney on Parade ice show as the prince from Snow White. In 1972, Patrick relocated to New York City, where he completed his formal choreographic education at Harkness Ballet and the Joffrey Ballet schools.
He was soon hired as the lead dancer for the Eliot Feld ballet group. However, the success was hindered by an old football injury that required knee surgery. The surgery and subsequent infection forced Swayze to leave the troupe.
Broadway, television and cinematography
In 1976, Swayze shifted his focus to theater acting, making his Broadway debut in the play “Goodtime Charley.” Two years later, he was offered the leading part in the musical “Grease”. Later, Swayze’s talent and skill were noticed by TV- and filmmakers.
The Houston native made his Hollywood debut in 1979. In particular, he played a roller skater in the comedy musical “Skatetown, U.S.A.” (1979). In 1981, Swayze appeared in the television series “M*A*S*H” as a leukemia patient. Following that, he was cast in the crime drama “The Outsiders” (1983), alongside Tom Cruise and Matt Dillon.
Interestingly, while working on “Skatetown, U.S.A.” Swayze was afraid that his career might be limited to teen film roles. Therefore, as a precaution, he and his wife established a carpenter business. The actor knew very little about carpentry but enthusiastically studied it. The business was successful. The company renovated the kitchen of actress Jacqueline Smith and even built an entire house in Coldwater Canyon.
The actor continued to perform in movies, and in 1987, the romantic dance melodrama “Dirty Dancing” propelled him to stardom. The film won an Oscar, a Golden Globe for Best Original Song and a Grammy for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. The premiere of “Dirty Dancing” instantly made Swayze a global celebrity and Hollywood’s new heartthrob. For his performance as a dancing instructor, he was nominated for a Golden Globe.
Inspired by his love with his wife Lisa, he co-wrote the song “She’s Like the Wind” for the film’s soundtrack. The song peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart.
Following the success of “Dirty Dancing”, Swayze received numerous business proposals. For example, the actor was approached about creating a perfume in his honor. He was also offered millions of dollars for dancing videos, posters with his photographs and so on. Swayze, on the other hand, refused it all.
Another success befell Swayze after starring in the romantic drama “Ghost” (1990), which also starred Demi Moore. “Ghost” won two Oscars and earned Swayze a second Golden Globe nomination. Patrick played Sam Wheat, a murdered man who returns as a spirit to communicate with his widow. According to People magazine, director Jerry Zucker stated that Swayze was not his first choice for the lead part. However, when the actor read a key scene from the script in Zucker’s office, everyone in the room burst into tears. The film was a smash sensation, and the passionate story about a ghost attempting to reconcile with his beloved touched viewers all over the world.
In 1991, the actor appeared on the cover of People magazine as the “Sexiest Man Alive.” The same year, he collaborated with Keanu Reeves in the action-adventure picture “Point Break”. In the movie, the actor skydives and surfs. Interestingly, he performed roughly 50 jumps in preparation for filming before being instructed to halt by the insurance company.
Swayze received his third Golden Globe nomination for his performance in the road comedy “To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar” (1995). Other films starring Swayze at the time did not perform well at the box office or with critics. The late-career filmography of the Houston native includes performances in the dramas “Jump!” (2008) and “Powder Blue” (2009). In 2009, he appeared as FBI veteran Charles Barker in a single season of the TV series “The Beast”. Production of the series was suspended due to Swayze’s illness.
Personal life
Swayze met his wife Lisa Niemi in the early 1970s, when he was 19 years old. Lisa was only 15 years old at the time and was attending his mother’s dance studio. The couple married in 1975 and lived together until the actor’s death.
In 1990, Lisa had a miscarriage, after which the couple abandoned the idea of having children. Instead, they poured their hearts and souls into building their own ranch, which was home to dogs, horses and cattle.
In 1997, Swayze broke his right leg while riding a horse on the set of the crime drama “Letters from a Killer”. At the time, the actor understood that his alcohol addiction was interfering with his career, so he went to a rehabilitation clinic.
Illness and death
In early 2008, the actor was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Despite the diagnosis, he continued to work while undergoing chemotherapy. However, the disease was stronger. After more than 20 months of struggle, the actor died at the age of 57.
In 2019, the documentary “I Am Patrick Swayze” was released. The film is based on the memoirs of the actor’s colleagues and also includes resonant information that Swayze was once physically abused by his own mother.
Interesting facts
- Swayze was a skilled rider. He was fond of horse riding and even had several horses.
- In 1997, the actor was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contribution to the entertainment industry.
- The actor possessed a black belt in martial arts. He frequently demonstrated his skills in action-packed films.
- The Houston native was a conservationist. He actively supported environmental projects.
- Swayze was a philanthropist. He donated to a number of causes, including cancer research, animal welfare and art distribution.
- Patrick had a keen interest in aviation. He was a big fan of flying and even had a pilot’s license.
- Ceramics was another of the star’s hobbies. He spent a lot of time at the potter’s wheel, creating unique ceramic items.
- He was an outdoor enthusiast. Patrick liked to go hiking, camping and fishing.
- The Houston man loved to cook. He enjoyed experimenting with different recipes and hosting dinners for friends and family.