Swayze, Patrick (1952-2009), was an American actor and dancer. Swayze received little critical praise during his career. However, he became popular with motion-picture audiences for his good looks, earnest charm, and strong, graceful moves.
Swayze’s first major motion-picture role was in the roller disco movie Skatetown, U.S.A. (1979). Roller disco is a type of disco dancing in which the dancers perform on roller skates. Swayze delivered more serious performances in the movies The Outsiders (1983), based on the novel of the same name by S. E. Hinton , and the Soviet invasion thriller Red Dawn (1984); and in the television miniseries North and South (1985), set during the American Civil War (1861-1865). Swayze’s big break came in 1987, when he appeared as the dance instructor Johnny Castle in the film Dirty Dancing. The film showed off both Swayze’s dancing skills and his appeal as a romantic lead. He played the spirit of a dead man watching over his widow in the supernatural romance film Ghost (1990).
Swayze resisted being typecast (repeatedly given similar parts) by accepting a variety of roles. His notable action movie performances include those of the tough but gentle bouncer (night club security worker) Dalton in Road House (1989) and the mysterious surfer Bodhi in Point Break (1991). His most critically praised performance was probably his sensitive portrayal of the drag queen (cross-dressing performer) Vida in Too Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar (1995). In his last role, Swayze played a leading part on the television crime drama series “The Beast” (2009).
Patrick Wayne Swayze was born on Aug. 8, 1952, in Houston , Texas . His mother was a dance teacher, and he attended her studio from a young age. After high school, Swayze enrolled in Houston’s San Jacinto College, but he left to pursue his performing career. He studied ballet with the Joffrey and Harkness ballet companies in New York City . Swayze also acted on stage, notably as one of many substitute actors to play the lead role of Danny Zuko in the original Broadway production of Grease (1972-1980). He wrote the memoir Time of My Life (2009, with Lisa Niemi, his wife). Swayze died of pancreatic cancer on Sept. 14, 2009.
