Patrick Swayze was a multifaceted American entertainer celebrated for his acting, dancing, and singing talents. He was renowned for his portrayals of diverse characters, often embodying romantic, rugged, and humorous traits. Beyond his on-screen persona, Swayze garnered recognition for his striking appearance, earning him the title of "Sexiest Man Alive" by People magazine in 1991.
1970: Meeting Lisa Niemi
Patrick Swayze met his future wife, Lisa Niemi, in 1970 when he was 18 years old, and she was 14. Niemi was a student in Swayze's mother's dance class.
1972: Move to New York City for Dance
In 1972, Patrick Swayze moved to New York City to continue his dance training at prestigious schools like the Harkness Ballet and Joffrey Ballet schools.
June 12, 1975: Marriage to Lisa Niemi
Patrick Swayze married Lisa Niemi on June 12, 1975. The couple had met in 1970 and remained married until Swayze's death.
1975: Broadway Debut in "Goodtime Charley"
Patrick Swayze appeared in the Broadway production of "Goodtime Charley" in 1975.
1979: Film Debut in Skatetown, U.S.A.
Patrick Swayze made his film debut in 1979, playing the character Ace in the movie "Skatetown, U.S.A."
1981: Appearance in M*A*S*H*
Patrick Swayze appeared as Private Sturgis in the "Blood Brothers" episode of the TV series M*A*S*H* in 1981.
1983: The Outsiders and Uncommon Valor Release
Patrick Swayze appeared in two films in 1983: "The Outsiders" as the older brother and "Uncommon Valor" as a Marine Corps trainer.
1983: Role in The Renegades
Swayze had a brief stint in the TV series "The Renegades" in 1983, playing the role of gang leader Bandit.
1984: She's Like the Wind for Grandview, U.S.A.
Patrick Swayze originally co-wrote the song "She's Like the Wind" with Stacy Widelitz for the 1984 film "Grandview, U.S.A."
1985: Success with North and South
Patrick Swayze's first significant dramatic success came in 1985 with the television miniseries "North and South", set during the American Civil War.
1986: Youngblood Release
Swayze reunited with Rob Lowe for the film "Youngblood", released in 1986.
1987: "She's Like the Wind" Release
Patrick Swayze's song "She's Like the Wind" was released in 1987. Swayze stated in a 2008 interview that the song was inspired by Lisa Niemi.
1987: Golden Globe Nomination for Dirty Dancing
Patrick Swayze received his first Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Lead Actor in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical for his role as Johnny Castle in "Dirty Dancing" in 1987.
1987: Breakthrough with Dirty Dancing
Patrick Swayze achieved international stardom in 1987 with his role as dance instructor Johnny Castle in the romantic drama "Dirty Dancing".
1989: Road House with Sam Elliott
Following the success of "Dirty Dancing", Swayze starred in the action film "Road House" alongside Sam Elliott, Ben Gazzara, and Kelly Lynch in 1989.
1989: Swayze Discusses Spirituality
In 1989, Patrick Swayze publicly discussed his interest in spirituality and various belief systems, including Soka Gakkai Buddhism, EST training, therapy, and transcendental meditation.
1989: Road House Release
Patrick Swayze starred in the action movie "Road House" in 1989.
1990: Ghost as Sam Wheat
Patrick Swayze played the role of Sam Wheat in the 1990 supernatural romantic thriller "Ghost" alongside Demi Moore, Whoopi Goldberg, and Tony Goldwyn.
1990: Golden Globe Nomination for Ghost
Patrick Swayze's performance in the movie "Ghost" in 1990 earned him another Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Lead Actor in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical.
1991: Ghost Becomes Highest Grossing Film
"Ghost" became the highest-grossing movie of 1991 and topped the charts as the most rented videocassette.
1991: People Magazine's Sexiest Man Alive
In 1991, Patrick Swayze was named "Sexiest Man Alive" by People magazine.
1991: Point Break Release
Swayze starred alongside Keanu Reeves in the action film "Point Break", released in 1991.
1995: Golden Globe Nomination for To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar
Patrick Swayze received a Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Lead Actor in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical for his role in "To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar" in 1995.
1995: To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar Release
Patrick Swayze starred alongside Wesley Snipes and John Leguizamo in the movie "To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar", which was released in 1995.
1996: Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
In 1996, Patrick Swayze's contributions to the film industry were celebrated when he was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The star is located at 7018 Hollywood Blvd.
May 1997: On-Set Injury
Swayze sustained serious injuries in May 1997 while filming "Letters from a Killer", falling from a horse and breaking both legs and injuring his shoulder.
1997: Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
In recognition of his contributions to the film industry, Patrick Swayze was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1997.
1998: Letters from a Killer Release
Despite the on-set injury delaying filming, "Letters from a Killer" aired in 1998.
June 1, 2000: Emergency Plane Landing
On June 1, 2000, Patrick Swayze experienced a pressurization problem while piloting his Cessna 414. He made an emergency landing, and the plane's wing struck a light pole. Though Swayze was unharmed, the incident sparked controversy due to initial reports of alcohol being present at the site.
2000: Return to Acting with Forever Lulu
After a period of recovery from his injuries, Swayze returned to acting in 2000, co-starring with Melanie Griffith in the film "Forever Lulu".
2001: Donnie Darko Appearance
Patrick Swayze appeared in the psychological thriller "Donnie Darko" in 2001.
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. The film also features a dance production choreographed by Alonzo King.
2004: King Solomon's Mines and Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights
In 2004, Patrick Swayze starred as Allan Quatermain in "King Solomon's Mines" and made a cameo appearance as a dance instructor in "Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights".
July 27, 2006: Guys and Dolls 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
Patrick Swayze's run in "Guys and Dolls" in London's West End ended on November 25, 2006.
December 27, 2006: Second Plane Incident
On December 27, 2006, Patrick Swayze and his wife, Lisa Niemi, experienced engine failure while flying their Cessna 414. Niemi, who was piloting, successfully landed the plane.
June 2007: Purchase of New Plane
After a second incident involving their Cessna 414, Patrick Swayze and Lisa Niemi purchased a Beechcraft Super King Air in June 2007.
December 2007: Health Issues Arise
In late December 2007, Patrick Swayze began experiencing stomach discomfort.
2007: "Christmas in Wonderland" Release
Patrick Swayze starred in the film "Christmas in Wonderland", released in 2007.
January 2008: Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis
In January 2008, Patrick Swayze was diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer. He began chemotherapy and experimental treatment at Stanford University Medical Center.
March 5, 2008: Positive Response to Treatment
On March 5, 2008, a Reuters report shared that Swayze's doctor stated that he was responding well to cancer treatment, despite tabloid rumors about his declining health.
May 2008: Public Appearances Amidst Treatment
In May 2008, tabloids reported that Patrick Swayze underwent surgery related to his cancer. Despite these rumors and ongoing treatment, Swayze made a public appearance at a Los Angeles Lakers basketball game.
June 2008: Swayze Remains Optimistic
In June 2008, Patrick Swayze publicly stated that his cancer treatments seemed to be working, and he felt he was winning the battle against the disease.
September 2008: Stand Up to Cancer Appearance
Patrick Swayze made an appearance at the "Stand Up to Cancer" telecast in September 2008, appealing for donations and delivering a message of hope.
December 2, 2008: Addressing Tabloid Rumors
Patrick Swayze publicly denied tabloid reports claiming that his cancer had spread to his liver on December 2, 2008.
January 9, 2009: Hospitalization for Pneumonia
On January 9, 2009, Patrick Swayze was hospitalized due to pneumonia, a complication arising from his ongoing chemotherapy treatment for cancer.
January 2009: Interview with Barbara Walters
In an interview with Barbara Walters in January 2009, Patrick Swayze acknowledged having a small mass in his liver but maintained an optimistic outlook on his health and treatment. He also discussed his use of Chinese herbs as a complementary treatment, while also expressing his opposition to unsubstantiated claims made by some proponents of alternative therapies.
January 15, 2009: "The Beast" Premieres
"The Beast", starring Patrick Swayze as FBI agent Charles Barker, premiered on January 15, 2009. Swayze continued working on the show during his cancer treatment.
April 19, 2009: Cancer Metastasis to Liver
On April 19, 2009, doctors revealed to Patrick Swayze that his cancer had spread to his liver.
September 14, 2009: Death of Patrick Swayze
Patrick Swayze died on September 14, 2009, at the age of 57 after battling pancreatic cancer.
2009: Dirty Dancing Success
By 2009, "Dirty Dancing" had earned over $214 million worldwide and sold one million copies on video, becoming a massive success.
2009: "Powder Blue" Release
In 2009, Patrick Swayze starred in the film "Powder Blue" alongside his younger brother, Don. This marked their first film together.
2009: Death from Pancreatic Cancer
Patrick Swayze died in 2009 at the age of 57 due to pancreatic cancer.
2012: Posthumous Rolex Dance Award
In 2012, Patrick Swayze was posthumously awarded the Rolex Dance Award for his contributions to the world of dance.