Patrick Swayze is a three time Golden Globe nominated actor who is best known for his leading man roles in Ghost and Dirty Dancing. His handsome looks, talent and charm have earned him the status of a pop culture icon.
Swayze was nominated for a Golden Globe for his performance as a dance instructor, Johnny Castle, in the 1987 film Dirty Dancing opposite Jennifer Gray. In Dirty Dancing, Swayze was recognized for his talent as a singer/songwriter. His hit single, She’s Like the Wind, quickly rose to number three on the pop charts and was soon number one in many countries. Swayze also contributed to the Next of Kin soundtrack with Brothers, a song he co-wrote and performed with Larry Gatlin in 1989.
In 1990, Swayze appeared was the romantic lead opposite Demi Moore in Ghost, which was one of the top grossing films of the year.
Swayze also earned a Golden Globe nomination for his charming 1996 performance as Vida Boheme alongside Wesley Snipes and John Leguizamo in the universal Pictures hit To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar.
Patrick Swayze Films
Swayze’s impressive body of work includes:
- Dirty Dancing
- Ghost
- To Wan Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar
- JUMP
- Keeping Mum
- ICON
- One Last Dance
- Donnie Darko
- Three Wishes
- Black Dog,
- Loving Lulu
- Waking up in Reno
- The Green Dragon
- The Outsiders
- Uncommon Valor
- Grandview USA
- Red Dawn: Youngblood
- Steel Dawn; Road House
- Next of Kin
- North and South
- North and South; Book II
Patrick Swayze
Patrick Swayze grew up in Houston, Texas and was offered both athletic and dance scholarships when he graduated from high school. His father encouraged his athletic side. Swayze excelled in football, gymnastics, diving and track. Swayze also started acting while in high school. His first dancing instructor was his mother.
Swayze attended San Jacinto College before touring with Disney on Parade. After a year on the road, he moved to New York to study with the Harkness Ballet Company and then the Joffrey Ballet. Swayze landed a dancing role on Broadway in Goodtime Charlie, which was followed by the lead in the Broadway production of Grease. Critic’s support from Grease encouraged his move to Hollywood to pursue a film career.