Patrick
Swayze – Full Biography
Full
Name: Patrick Wayne Swayze
Birth
Date: August 18, 1952
Birth
Place: Houston, Texas, United States
Died:
September 14, 2009 (aged 57)
Occupation: Actor,
Dancer, Singer, Songwriter
Nationality: American
Height: 5 feet
10 inches (1.78 meters)
Education
Patrick Swayze
received his early education at St. Rose
of Lima Catholic School and later attended Waltrip High School in Houston, Texas. From a young age, Swayze
demonstrated a strong passion for the arts. He trained extensively in ballet, acting, and martial arts. He
studied classical ballet at prestigious institutions such as the Harkness Ballet and the Joffrey Ballet School in New York City.
His education in dance and performance laid the foundation for his future in
Hollywood, particularly in physically demanding roles that showcased his
athleticism and grace.
Family
Patrick Swayze was
born into a creative and supportive family. Mother, Patsy Swayze, was a renowned dance instructor and choreographer,
and she was instrumental in encouraging his interest in dance. His father, Jesse Wayne Swayze. Patrick was the
second of five children. Among his siblings, Don Swayze followed in his footsteps and became an actor.
In 1975, Patrick
married Lisa Niemi, a fellow dancer
he met at his mother’s dance school. Their marriage lasted 34 years, until his
passing in 2009. Although the couple had no children, their relationship was
known for its deep bond and mutual support. Lisa was with him through the highs
of his career and the challenges of his illness.
Career
Patrick Swayze
began his career as a dancer and stage
actor, eventually moving to film and television. He appeared in stage
productions like Grease before landing his first film role in Skatetown, U.S.A.
(1979). His early breakthrough came with The Outsiders (1983), where he starred
alongside other rising actors of the era.
His
career-defining in 1987 with the film Dirty Dancing, where he played Johnny Castle, a charismatic dance
instructor. The film became a cultural classic, and Swayze’s performance,
combined with his own choreography and singing, made him a household name.
He followed up
with blockbusters like:
Road House (1989)
Ghost (1990), co-starring Demi Moore
Point Break (1991), alongside Keanu Reeves
To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie
Newmar (1995)
Also appeared in Donnie Darko (2001) and
the TV series The Beast (2009), which he filmed while battling cancer.
Swayze was known
for portraying both tough, rugged
characters and emotionally sensitive roles, making him one of the most
versatile and beloved actors of his time.
Net Worth
At the time of his
death in 2009, Patrick Swayze’s net
worth was estimated at $40 million.
His income came from decades of work in film,
television, music, and stage performances, as well as royalties from his
hit films and the song “She’s Like the Wind,” which he co-wrote and performed.
