Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Patrick Swayze

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Patrick Swayze made an impact.

Patrick Swayze (1952-2009) was a versatile American actor, singer, songwriter, and dancer. He achieved fame through a range of roles, displaying romantic, tough, and comedic sides in popular films and cult classics. Swayze's notable works include "Dirty Dancing," "Road House," and "Ghost." He earned three Golden Globe nominations and was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1997, solidifying his place in entertainment history.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

1975: Broadway's Goodtime Charley

In 1975, Patrick Swayze appeared on Broadway in the production of "Goodtime Charley".

1979: Film Debut

In 1979, Patrick Swayze made his film debut as Ace in "Skatetown, U.S.A."

1981: MAS*H Appearance

In 1981, Patrick Swayze appeared in the M*A*S*H episode "Blood Brothers" as Private Sturgis, who is terminally ill with leukemia.

1983: The Outsiders Film

In 1983, Patrick Swayze appeared in "The Outsiders" as the older brother of C. Thomas Howell and Rob Lowe and also played a Marine Corps trainer in "Uncommon Valor".

1983: The Renegades TV series

In 1983, Patrick Swayze had a brief stint on the short-lived TV series "The Renegades", playing a gang leader named Bandit.

1984: Red Dawn Release

In 1984, Patrick Swayze appeared in the action film "Red Dawn".

1984: "She's Like the Wind" Co-written

In 1984, Patrick Swayze co-wrote the song "She's Like the Wind" with Stacy Widelitz for the film "Grandview, U.S.A.".

1985: North and South TV Miniseries

In 1985, Patrick Swayze achieved major dramatic success in the television miniseries "North and South", set during the American Civil War.

1986: Youngblood Release

In 1986, Patrick Swayze reunited with Rob Lowe in the film "Youngblood".

1987: Dirty Dancing Breakthrough

In 1987, Patrick Swayze had his breakthrough role in the romantic drama film "Dirty Dancing", earning a Golden Globe nomination.

1987: "She's Like the Wind" release

In 1987, Swayze wrote the song "She's Like the Wind" for Dirty Dancing.

1989: Road House

In 1989, Patrick Swayze starred in the action film "Road House".

1990: Ghost Golden Globe Nomination

In 1990, Patrick Swayze received a Golden Globe nomination for his role in the supernatural romance film "Ghost".

1990: Ghost Release and Success

In 1990, Patrick Swayze starred in "Ghost" as Sam Wheat, alongside Demi Moore and Whoopi Goldberg. The film became the highest-grossing film of the year, earning Swayze another Golden Globe nomination.

1991: Point Break

In 1991, Patrick Swayze rose to further prominence in the action film "Point Break".

1995: To Wong Foo

In 1995, Patrick Swayze appeared in the movie "To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar", starring as one of three drag queens stranded in a small town.

1998: Letters from a Killer Aired

In 1998, "Letters from a Killer", the movie Patrick Swayze was injured filming, aired.

2000: Co-starred in Forever Lulu

In 2000, Patrick Swayze co-starred in "Forever Lulu", with Melanie Griffith.

2001: Donnie Darko Release

In 2001, Patrick Swayze appeared in the film "Donnie Darko", playing a motivational speaker who is revealed to be a closeted pedophile.

2003: One Last Dance Release

In 2003, Patrick Swayze co-produced and starred in the fictional dance film "One Last Dance" with his wife Lisa Niemi, revolving around a dance production choreographed by Alonzo King. Swayze and Niemi also composed some of the music.

2004: King Solomon's Mines and Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights

In 2004, Patrick Swayze played Allan Quatermain in "King Solomon's Mines" and had a cameo in the Dirty Dancing prequel "Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights".

July 27, 2006: West End Debut

On July 27, 2006, Patrick Swayze made his debut in London's West End in the musical "Guys and Dolls" as Nathan Detroit.

November 25, 2006: End of Guys and Dolls Run

On November 25, 2006, Patrick Swayze concluded his role as Nathan Detroit in the musical "Guys and Dolls" in London's West End.

2007: Christmas in Wonderland

In 2007, Patrick Swayze starred in the film "Christmas in Wonderland".

September 2008: Stand Up to Cancer Appearance

In September 2008, Patrick Swayze appeared on Stand Up to Cancer to appeal for donations, expressing his hope for a cure and identifying himself as an individual living with cancer.

January 15, 2009: The Beast Premieres

On January 15, 2009, "The Beast", starring Patrick Swayze as FBI agent Charles Barker, premiered on A&E. Swayze filmed the show while undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer.