Patrick Swayze

Patrick Wayne Swayze was born in Houston, Texas, in 1952, the son of choreographer Patsy Swayze, in whose studio he trained from childhood. A gifted athlete and classically trained dancer, he performed with ballet companies in New York and starred as Danny Zuko in Grease on Broadway before a knee injury turned his focus fully toward acting. In 1975 he married dancer Lisa Niemi, his partner for thirty-four years.

After The Outsiders and the miniseries North and South, he became a star as Johnny Castle in Dirty Dancing in 1987, a role that united his dancing and acting and gave the world a beloved final lift; he also co-wrote and sang its hit "She's Like the Wind." Ghost in 1990 and Point Break in 1991 confirmed his range, earning him three Golden Globe nominations across his career.

Diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in early 2008, he continued working, starring in the television series The Beast while undergoing treatment, and spoke about his illness with characteristic candour and courage. He died on 14 September 2009, at fifty-seven. His legacy is joy in motion: a performer who made strength gentle, dance cinematic, and an entire generation believe in the time of their lives.