Patrick Swayze - Biography

In a nutshell

Patrick Swayze was born in Houston, Texas in 1952. His mother, Patsy, was a dancer and choreographer and so already he was off to a flying start.

His early career started when he worked as a dancer in Disney parades. We're not quite sure if he had to get into one of the character costumes but, if he did, we're sure they haven't danced quite like it since! The role of Danny in Broadway musical Grease came along but it wasn't until his role as Johnny in 1987's Dirty Dancing that Patrick really became a huge star.

Although we like the film, you just can't beat listening to She's Like The Wind ? the song Patrick sings on the soundtrack ? to really unwind. Go on, have a go now. Take a listen. Lovely stuff.

Patrick lived a happy life and married his wife, Lisa, in June 1975. They didn't have any children together.

Jesse, Patrick's father, died of a heart attack in 1982 and it was around this point that he began to drink heavily. His sister, Vicky, committed suicide in 1994 and, in order to seek treatment, Patrick stood back from the limelight and spent more time with his family at his homes.

In 2008 Patrick was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and started receiving treatment. He was a fighter, and always wanted to ensure the media didn't report on gossip that he'd died, he had a few weeks to live, and all of the other types of rumours that seem to persist when a star becomes ill.

One of Patrick's last roles was in a short-lived drama, The Beast, which was cancelled early as Patrick was in no fit state to promote it.

On September 14th 2009, Patrick Swayze sadly passed away. He had his family at his side and was cremated, with his ashes being scattered over his ranch in Texas.

We'll miss Patrick ? the star who captured the imagination of girls all over the world when he appeared in Dirty Dancing. Let's hope he's having fun right now.

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