Photo:Everett Collection
It’s heartening to read the clearly sincere tributes to Patrick Swayze, dead at 57 after a balls-out 20-month battle with pancreatic cancer. There aren’t many actors who could suffer aggressive chemotherapy and still film 13 episodes of The Beast, which debuted on A&E in January. Look, The Beast wasn’t much of a show, and it was hard to watch Swayze’s ravaged face in the role of an undercover F.B.I. agent. But he fought his battles on his terms, not at the dictates of a medical diagnosis. I met Swayze only once. He was doing Chicago the Musical on Broadway, singing and dancing as shyster lawyer Billy Flynn. As ever, he was muscular poetry in motion. Backstage, he shook my hand, stared hard, and called me out on my review of Road House, a 1989 B movie in which he played Dalton, the bouncer at a raucous club in rural Missouri called the Double Deuce.
“Didn’t you call it brutal, sexist and stupid," Swayze asked, hitting me with a Dalton squint. “And didn’t you go on TV after that and say you liked it?” To fill in the deafening silence, I said, “Yeah, and I was right both times.” He burst out laughing. The lines around his eyes showing the laugh-at-life guy his wife and family are now so sorrowfully missing.
I don’t want to use this space to tell you that Swayze was the kind of actor who never got the Oscar he deserved. His range had its limits, but when he was cooking, he did what what real movie stars do — bring us along for the ride through the confidence of their presence. I’ll always remember Patrick Swayze in motion. The guy could dirty dance with real heat, but he could tease himself like nobody’s business. Just thinking of him teaming up with Chris Farley as Chippendale dancers on SNL cracks me up.
In tribute, I’d like to call your attention to some of Swayze’s best movie moments. As movie fans, we all have our favorite Swayze scenes. Please share your own. These are the six I’ll remember — showing a man of extraordinary grace in fluid motion.
Look back at Swayze's great roles, in photos.
Dirty Dancing (1987) Everyone recalls Swayze telling Jennifer Gray’s protective dad, “Nobody puts baby in a corner.” But what sticks with me is Swayze leaping off stage and sweeping Baby into a dance he’s already begun on his own.
Road House (1989) Watch Swayze’s Dalton treat sex as choreography. Nothing as old-hat as the missionary position. He goes at it standing up, slammed against a wall and on a slanted roof.
Ghost (1990). The only movie in Swayze’s career to be Oscar nominated as Best Picture (it lost to Kevin Costner’s wolf-dancing epic) features the famous scene of Swayze and costar Demi Moore turning pottery into erotic art. But the key moment for me is when Swayze, as the ghost of a murdered Yuppie, uses a psychic (Whoopi Goldberg) as a conduit to once again dance with his wife. This is romantic screen acting at its swooniest.
Point Break (1991) The Hurt Locker’s Kathryn Bigelow directed this cult favorite with Swayze doing many of his own stunts as Bodhi, a surfer and skydiver who moonlights as a bank robber. I can’t be the only one who watches this campfest with genuine affection whenever it’s on the tube. The image of Swayze on a surfboard is a keeper.
To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar! (1995) The charm of Swayze’s performance as drag queen Vida Bohemme is that he never plays the role for easy jokes. The scene where he teaches Chi-Chi Rodriguez (John Leguizamo) to walk like a woman and not a boy in a dress is an illustration of Swayze’s underappreciated gifts.
Donnie Darko (2001) Richard Kelly’s film casts Swayze as self-help fraud and motivational speaker. And Swayze plays him with such charisma and seductive body language that you react in shock to find this font of positive energy is a secret pedophine with child porn in his basement. It’s easily Swayze’s riskiest performance. Just watch him sell it.
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Lesley Moore | September 21, 2009 12:13 PM
Something good to note - All the positive comments about Swayze. He must have done something right. Its a joy to see that about ANYONE.
Judy Westmoreland | September 20, 2009 7:27 AM
I send out condolences to Patrick's wife and family. He will be dearly missed by them and by us fans. Patrick Swayze was a good at everything he did, acting, dancing, writing and singing songs, and especially being a good loving husband. We can only envy the love he and Lisa shared. I didn't see Patrick's role in the great mini series North and South mentioned. He did a fantastic job in this. I still tear up thinking about never seeing him dance and act to entertain us. Rest in Peace Patrick and I do hope you took the love with you.
Kerri | September 19, 2009 9:23 AM
RIP Patrick Swayze. I am still saddened and shocked at your passing. You put up a long and brave fight which shows what type of person you were. I have loved you since I first saw Dirty Dancing when I was 11 or 12. You played in many other great movies and you will always be remembered. God Bless you and your family and let you all be at peace.
Elizabeth Wagner-Alaska | September 19, 2009 7:29 AM
I loved Patrick's eyes and body as he looked great on screen and in real life. He was so good on screen as he was off. My family and friends wll miss you Patrick so much. We have watched a lot of your movies and thought you were sooo good. Lisa! All of Alaska sends there best wishes and love to you. Keep your chin up as Patrick would want it that way. Lisa your are in our hearts. May God bless you all, and keep you and the faimly safe Best Wishes.
JU | September 16, 2009 10:40 AM
Patrick Swayze was a great actor and a great person.He always put on a great performance.Patrick Swayze WILL be missed.
Denys B. | September 16, 2009 7:58 AM
He was an original, on and reportedly off the screen. That's something that can never be taken away from this strong, talented and humble man.
Huge fan | September 16, 2009 6:02 AM
Yeah don't forget City of Joy (like some of you have mentioned) and Black Dog. Two grat movies. His chemistry with Randi Travis and Meatloaf in Black Dog took you on the roller coaster truck ride of your life...We will miss you, Patrick -RIP - and my heart goes out to his family. Love from New Zealand!!!
John | September 16, 2009 3:42 AM
R.I.P. Patrick Swayze
You'll always be an Outsider to me.
Lalit Rao | September 16, 2009 2:33 AM
Patrick Swayze was a big celebrity in India too as he had acted with one of India's greatest actors Om Puri in "City of Joy" directed by Roland Joffe.
sandirev | September 16, 2009 1:26 AM
RIP Patrick Swayze - You fought a good fight and sadly you have succumbed to this illness. I lost my aunt Margaret to the same awful disease - we went through a very difficult time and my heart goes out to Lisa and your whole family.
Your memory will live on in the movies you starred in. My favourites are "Dirty Dancing" and "Ghost".
Go rest high on the mountain - your work on earth is done. You will be sadly missed by all.
sandirev | September 16, 2009 1:21 AM
RIP Patrick Swayze - You fought a good fight but sadly you lost your battle. I lost my aunt Margaret to the same awful disease - we went through a very difficult time and my heart goes out to Lisa and your whole family.
Your memory will live on in the movies you starred in. My favourites are "Dirty Dancing" and "Ghost".
Go rest high on the mountain - your work on earth is done. You will be sadly missed by all.
Nelson | September 16, 2009 12:43 AM
Everyone has forgotten how he tempered the boys in The Outsiders. Gonna miss Darry. He was the big brother I never had.
Goodbye Patrick...You are truly an angel now.
RM | September 15, 2009 11:14 PM
One of my favorite movie scenes of all time is Bodhi going out to ride that final wave in Point Break.
D. Connors | September 15, 2009 6:47 PM
Patrick Swayze was truly talented and a wonderful person and I send my deepest and heartfelt condolences to Patrick Swayze's wife Lisa and any relatives. "Keep God in your Love" and the bible says this " the conscious are aware of dying and the dead are conscious of nothing.." (Ecclesiastes 9:5 Holy Scriptures NWT). Patrick is truly at peace and is with GOD.May Jehovah God give you strength to endure your loss.
matthew jones | September 15, 2009 6:42 PM
one of the last real men in hollywood and film,will be sadly missed
jimmie smith juniour | September 15, 2009 6:38 PM
ghost was one of the best films in human history rest in peace to one of the worlds best now classic film actor.
Gigi | September 15, 2009 6:36 PM
My heart goes out to the Swayze family There are not enough words to express this tremendous lost that the world is suffering. When I was about 11 years of age I remember falling in love with Patrick in Dirty Dancing especially when he said "Nobody Puts Baby In A Corner" I also loved him in Ghost My boyfriends favorite movie is Road House he personally is a bouncer and my boyfriend looks up to Patrick for the role that he played I just personally bought it for him for Valentines Day But Patrick you will be missed dearly Now you can dance in heaven! RIP Patrick you will live on in all of the hearts of your fans and loved ones! You are trully missed and was a blessing having you in my life as an actor Rest In Peace Angel!
Frank | September 15, 2009 6:35 PM
Red Dawn was my favorite R.I.P. Mr. Swayze
cheryl | September 15, 2009 6:32 PM
i carnt belive he has gone i loved dirty dancing that was an amazing film he is a legend and no one will ever forget him and ghost that film made me cry over and over agen everytym i watched it R.I.P Patrick Swayze gone but never fogotten a true angel was taken love yhooo
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
angela mcgowan | September 15, 2009 6:27 PM
i am very sad but never forotten best wishes to his wife and his family he was the best
louise | September 15, 2009 6:27 PM
A true gentleman, only took film roles he liked, was not in it for the money, Dirty Dancing and Hungry Eyes will always make me shiver, RIP
M | September 15, 2009 6:26 PM
All I can say is Swayze was a brilliant actor, father and husband. Do not let his memory fade. He lived with a pure heart and died fighting with that pure heart. he is one actor and famous person who deserves to be remembered if not for his works of film at least for the true down to earth wonderful man he was and always will be. Do not let other deaths overshadow who this great man was and is! RIP and your family is always in our prayers in our home! Oh it is all about Dirty dancing and Ghost!
Alley Cat | September 15, 2009 6:26 PM
I always wanted to be Baby.
RIP Patrick Swayze
PoundPuppy | September 15, 2009 6:23 PM
Good article. Wonderful man. My best to his family. He will be sorely missed.
Mary Royalty | September 15, 2009 6:23 PM
I loved all Parick's movies. I really don't have a favorite, but he was such a great inspiration. No matter what he played in, what he did or what he was going through, he would always find a way to inspire us. My thoughts are with his beautiful wife, lisa and all his family and friends. I intend to make sure his legacy goes on forever. We have lost a great man and I hope everyone who knew him, weather through his movies or in person, learned something from him.
Carlos F. Delgado, Col.,USMC,Ret | September 15, 2009 6:21 PM
Ms. Swayze,
Of the five bravest men I have ever known, your husband falls in that list. We met 18 years ago at a Children's Need benefit. May God keep his blessings with you and your faith intact, as you will see him again.
I am truly sorry for your loss.
phila girl | September 15, 2009 6:19 PM
god bless you and yours at this time will allways have you in my heart xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox
ROSE | September 15, 2009 6:18 PM
GOD HAS CALLED ONE OF HIS ANGELS HOME
Tami | September 15, 2009 6:14 PM
What a great actor and an inspiration to us all in his battle with cancer. My prayers are with his family and friends. Anyone could see how much love he and his wife had for each other. R.I.P. Patrick. You will be sorely missed as a wonderful person and actor.
Suzanne | September 15, 2009 6:13 PM
Thank you for all the entertainment you gave us. Very special human being. May you rest in peace.
Sarah McCurry | September 15, 2009 6:13 PM
I am so sad to hear that patrick has has left us all! He will sadly be missed by loads of friends, family and many co-workers we loved him so much xxxxx
Dorrian | September 15, 2009 6:08 PM
I think everyone will remember Patrick Swayze in their own way; as a character, a dancer, or as the multi-talented artist he was.
I don't think you could ever call Patrick Swayze "mediocre"; there will never be another Hollywood star like him!
Patrick Swayze made EVERYONES "A-list". There's not a lot of Hollywood stars you can say that about. RIP Patrick. You've earned it.
Sammi | September 15, 2009 6:08 PM
I haven't seen many of Patrick's movies but the couple i have seen, heve been extremely well done. My favourite is of course Dirty Dancing. i watched the movie so many times and i still love the emotions that you can see sparking on screen.
RIP PATRICK SWAYZE
we all loved this great man, and we will miss him greatly.
From all of us here in south australia!
Lisa | September 15, 2009 6:08 PM
You was one brave man what u had to go through.I feel for you and your family I have been through it with my own husband.No more pain, rest in peace.God bless.
elle | September 15, 2009 6:08 PM
another legend lost. r.i.p. swayze
the jarvis family | September 15, 2009 6:06 PM
u was so talented at everything u did u will be greatly missed by all...
rest in peace patrick
forever in our hearts x x x
horselady | September 15, 2009 6:04 PM
I feel so bad for his wife being left alone now. They represented what many hollywood actors don't have a real marriage that is devoted and honest. They had wonderful Arabian horses and he gave away a free breeding to his arabian stallion to a charity stallion service auction. He was at the Arabian Nationals I believe and they had signed posters and autographs with his gorgeous chest next to his horse. Its sad all this money that is being raised for cancer but is it really doing people any good out there. My dad just diagnosed with prostate cancer. all I can say is get checked early.
Karen | September 15, 2009 6:01 PM
He was the first man I had a teenage crush on. I was 15 when Dirty Dancing came out. 20 when Ghost came out and 21 when Point Break was released. How I wished I was the female lead in all those films. Rest in Peace and may all his family take comfort in how loved he was.
Marilyn -From Canada | September 15, 2009 5:59 PM
He will be sadly missed by many. He was a true star and I'm sure he made his mother proud by - taking part of dirty dancing. Loved that movie and loved Ghost even more!Patrick seems to have made his piece with God. He knew that his end would come sooner rather than later. My husband a few years back had a smoke with Patrick when he was visiting Toronto & he will never forget that day!
RIP ~!
Anonymous | September 15, 2009 5:57 PM
Patrick Swayze was my hero ever since going to the flicks with my work mates and watching Dirty Dancing when just out, even my young boys as then were brought up on his dance moves - they loved him. My heart goes out to Lisa and family - he was everything - loving husband and true friend to his fans RIP little shining star we will miss you
jenny | September 15, 2009 5:55 PM
My mum was diagnosed with pancratic cancer to, she lost her battle in febuary, she prayed for patrick while she was fighting her battle, my mum was 81yrs and i am the same age as patrick we both loved him very much,he is free from pain now just like my poor mum. The acting world has lost a big star but he will never be forgoten.Heaven will be dancing tonight.xx
LILY | September 15, 2009 5:55 PM
AMAZING ACTOR..NOT ONLY BEAUTIFUL TO WATCH BUT FITTED EVERY ROLE PERFECTLY. I WILL CONTINUE TO WATCH HIS FILMS WITH MUCH LOVE. DIRTY DANCING IS THE ONLY FILM I HAVE MANAGED TO WATCH OVER 50 TIMES AND FALL IN LOVE ALL OVER AGAIN.. EVERYTIME! YOU WILL BE MISSED PATRICK..GOD BLESS YOU X
Francois Barnard | September 15, 2009 5:54 PM
He will be greatly missed all around the world,i just wish that he won some kind of award for his great work.My prayers go out to his family and friends,RIP from all of you're South-African fans,you will be missed.
GET YOUR Colonoscopy!! | September 15, 2009 5:54 PM
My fav is Ghost, of course, since even before my husband died.
No mention of Red Dawn, my husband's favorite, another cult classic. My husband died in earlier this year, also of cancer (after 3 year battle with colon cancer, the most preventable cancer). He had watched Patrick Swayze's progress carefully since they were almost the same age.
**** GET YOUR COLONOSCOPY IF YOU ARE OVER AGE 40!! IF YOUR INSURANCE WON'T PAY FOR IT, THEN TELL YOUR DOC YOU HAVE RECTAL BLEEDING (that's why my doctor said to do!!)
Janey | September 15, 2009 5:53 PM
My nana died from pancreatic cancer in 2004. Yeah she was much much older but doesn't hurt any less.
From finding out she lived 3 months!!
I'm sorry for all of Patricks family.
RIP Patrick
Kris I am so sory about you mum
xxx
None | September 15, 2009 5:51 PM
Just take it easy my man.
emma | September 15, 2009 5:50 PM
never mind all his movies, what about the historical epic series North and South where he starts off as a young man at military school and tranforms the character into a middle-aged man who lives through the horrors of the American Civil War. He showed exceptional strength and depth in his acting to take the character through 30 years of history. Watch it if you haven't already!
alana fellows | September 15, 2009 5:49 PM
i`m so sadden to hear the news today the only thing i can think of is to say is it`s our loss and gods gain to a fantastic man and a brilliant actor god bless you patrick where ever u are xx
Sweetcaraline | September 15, 2009 5:47 PM
I haven't really felt this bad since Jim Henson. It's amazing how much movies/actors/singers contribute to certain times in your life.
Jackie L | September 15, 2009 5:46 PM
The guy was a legend. He was brilliant in the Orange phone comercial - not afraid to laugh at himself. A sad loss.
Anonymous | September 15, 2009 5:43 PM
Being a dancer meant there was emotion coming out of every goregeous sinew of his. The look he gives Baby at the end of Dirty Dancing is uniqely erotic yet vulnerable. We owe it all to you, Patrick! Rest in peace and keep dancing
Kris | September 15, 2009 5:17 PM
Thanks Jennifer I appreciate that. My mom was only 52 and made it about 8 months after initial diagnosis.
It was nice that Patrick was able to beat the odds and live well over a year after his diagnosis. The average is around 3-6 months for stage IV pancreatic cancer.
Mike Klander | September 15, 2009 5:02 PM
Very nice article. Nice stories that were shared. RIP Patrick Swayze.
Diana | September 15, 2009 4:55 PM
I remember when he was in The Outsiders, in what ... 1982, 1983? He didn't have a huge part, but that was definitely the first role of his that caught my attention. I was like 28 when that came out and I read the book a few years back before the movie, when my younger sister told me about it. Swayze was much better looking than I'd ever imagined Darry to be. Otherwise, my favorite roles of him are in Dirty Dancing and Ghost. He was an amazing actor, dancer, and just an all around great guy. I'm so deeply saddened by his death, and can only imagine how is family and friends must be feeling right now. RIP Patrick Swayze.
jennifer | September 15, 2009 4:50 PM
Very Sorry Kriss about your mother.. god bless your family. There wont be another one like patrick.. every role he played seemed like it was made for him. he had a lovely wife.. His body is just a shell, but he is with all of us in spirit.. he is probably teaching my brother how to surf up in heaven. ...Sleep peacefully Patrick.. We all will watch over your family here on earth. GOd Bless
Kris | September 15, 2009 4:33 PM
Very sad to lose such a great actor and human being. 'Point Break' will always be not only my favorite Swayze film, but one of my favorites of all time.
My mom passed away from pancreatic cancer just over a year ago, so I know exactly what his family went through and how they're feeling. RIP Patrick
Michele | September 15, 2009 2:28 PM
No no no! It was Demi Moore dancing with the psychic, who she needed to imagine was her husband. Anyway, that was a great movie and a great scene. RIP Patrick Swayze.
johnny castle | September 15, 2009 1:51 PM
patrik swayze was a one of a kind original. he was a super hunk, he could dance like an angel, and he could make fun of himself. what some people might say he lacked in acting skills he made for with pure presence and energy. his dirty dancing is movie magic. it makes every girl(and some boys) watching want to be taken in his arms to do the cha cha too. theres a reason why some films are cult classics- whether they're embarassing or cheesy, they bring out something pure and memorable for all of us. thats why dirty dancing will always be a classic, and thats why i will always watch it when its on tv. i love you patrick swayze! RIP
Greg | September 15, 2009 1:47 PM
As Gunnery Sergeant Jim Lance in Green Dragon. He was terrific in that role and it's a film I would urge you to seek out.
GIN | September 15, 2009 1:21 PM
YOU ARE RIGHT EVERY MOVIE HE DID WAS GOOD. YOU WANT TO BE IN THE MOVIE WITH HIM. BUT WHAT I LIKE BEST WAS HIS LOVE FOR HIS WIFE, LOVE OF LIFE AND LOVE OF HIS PROFESSION. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE WITH NO PAIN.
Jennifer | September 15, 2009 1:19 PM
Loved all he did.. what he stood up for... what he brought out in all his characters.. love his family values, his honesty.. his dedication. he is a hero to all of us.. God bless his family, friends and fans all over the world.. he will be deeply missed.. glad i go to shake his hand. autograph dirty dancing cover.. may you rest in peace patrick. love you.
D. Lane | September 15, 2009 1:09 PM
As hockey player Derek Sutton in Youngblood... As Johnny Castle in Dirty Dancing... As Bohdi in Point Break... As Dalton in Roadhouse... As Dairy in The Outsiders... As Jed in Red Dawn... These (and so many more) are the roles/movies that I can watch time and time again and be completely seduced by how cool and charming Patrick Swayze is (was). He will be missed but not forgotten...remembered through his life and films that made you either want to sleep with him or be him... Truly an Icon.
Utah | September 15, 2009 1:05 PM
Love the Swazye forever.
Point Break is the best.
Flora | September 15, 2009 1:02 PM
I confess to watching Dirty Dancing some 48 times in a row when I was in middle school. I go onto to confess that I owned the sound track to the movie and actually loved his song...."She's Like The Wind" It was a ritual I will never forget. The man was absolutley fantasic to watch. He's the first movie star I ever fell in love with. Years later I still get a litle giddy when it comes on the TV.
kyle | September 15, 2009 12:59 PM
point break is my fave swayze movie. having him come up over the bank counter after having been shot by an undercover agent, just to blow that agent away is pretty intense. great movie, great role!
Bronson | September 15, 2009 12:45 PM
The Outsiders. I wanted him as my big brother, watching my back. Great roll for him
TankCat | September 15, 2009 12:39 PM
I'm glad that you mentioned his Donnie Darko performance. He did a great job in that role. It was easily his best in my opinion.