By Megan Riedlinger
8:34am PDT, Aug 13, 2019
"I Am Patrick Swayze" hits television screens on the Paramount Network on Aug. 18, 2019. The documentary will take a look back at Patrick's illustrious career in Hollywood. But before it premieres on what would have been the actor's 67th birthday, Wonderwall.com is reliving some of the more memorable moments in his career through pictures. Keep reading for more…
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Before Patrick Swayze started making his mark in Hollywood, he wed fellow dancer Lisa Niemi. The couple met in 1970 when Lisa was taking dance lessons from Patrick's mother, Patsy Swayze, who worked as a dance teacher and choreographer. At the time, Lisa was just 14 and Patrick was 18 — they'd wed five years later in 1975. They're seen here at a movie premiere in Los Angeles in October 1979.
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After breaking into the business as a dancer and dancing with the touring Disney stage show "Disney on Parade," Patrick Swayze made his film debut in 1979. Not only was it his first movie — it was also his first leading role. He landed the part of lead character Ace in the comedy "Skatetown, U.S.A." Scott Baio, Mark Hamill and Maureen McCormick also starred in the film, which received lukewarm reviews though many praised Patrick's screen presence.
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After "Skatetown, U.S.A," Patrick Swayze landed a role on the TV show "The Renegades." He played Bandit, the leader of the gang. Unfortunately, the show only ran for six episodes in 1982 and 1983.
A movie that really gave Patrick Swayze stronger footing in Hollywood? 1983's "The Outsiders," in which he starred alongside other big names of the era like Tom Cruise, Emilio Estevez, Rob Lowe, Matt Dillon and C. Thomas Howell.
Patrick Swayze proved he had dramatic acting chops when he starred in the wildly popular Civil War miniseries "North and South" in 1985. He played Orry Main in the epic production, which to this day remains the seventh-highest rated TV miniseries ever.
In 1986, Patrick Swayze teamed up once more with his co-star from "The Outsiders," Rob Lowe, for the film "Youngblood." The sports flick saw the actors playing aspiring professional hockey players, and though it didn't do that well at the box office, it became somewhat of a cult film afterward. The flick is known to be one of the best films about hockey.
Patrick Swayze's biggest role to date definitely wasn't meant to make him a household name. The 1987 film "Dirty Dancing" was originally intended to be a small movie though ended up becoming one of the highest grossing flicks of the year — it even picked up an Academy Award and Golden Globe for best original song for "(I've Had) The Time of My Life." Playing dancer Johnny Castle solidified Patrick as a superstar and earned him his first Golden Globe nomination. The movie, which co-starred Jennifer Grey and became a pop culture phenomenon, went on to become the first movie to sell more than a million copies on video.
Patrick Swayze became an in-demand actor after "Dirty Dancing." He followed it up with a handful of films including "Road House" in 1989. Like "Youngblood" before it, the flick gained cult status after it left theaters. It often pops up on cable television and did well in VHS sales. Despite being a fan favorite, it also got Patrick — who played a handsome and tough-yet-tender bouncer — nominated for a Golden Raspberry Award for worst actor.
In 1990, Patrick Swayze hit the big screen for another iconic romance flick, "Ghost." He starred alongside Demi Moore in the fantasy thriller, playing the murdered ex of Demi's character who reappears as a spirit. Though it wasn't expected, the film exploded at the box office, earning $505 million despite only costing $22 million to make. It became the year's highest grossing flick and earned Patrick another Golden Globe nomination, this time for best actor in a musical or comedy.
In 1990, Patrick Swayze hosted "Saturday Night Live," where he took part in a hilariously iconic skit in which he and Chris Farley played competing Chippendales dancers.
It seemed like Patrick Swayze was movie gold in the early '90s as he followed up "Ghost" with "Point Break" in 1991. The action flick, which co-starred Keanu Reeves, saw Patrick playing Bodhi, the leader of a gang of thieving surfers. Though it earned mixed reviews, it did well at the box office, making back nearly quadruple its budget with a $83.5 million worldwide haul.
1996 saw Patrick Swayze playing drag queen Vida Boheme in "To Wong Foo, Thanks For Everything! Julie Newmar." The film topped the box office, although it got mixed reviews from critics.
Patrick Swayze attended the Golden Globe Awards in 1997 alongside wife Lisa Niemi. That year, he was nominated for best actor in a comedy or musical for his work in "To Wong Foo, Thanks For Everything, Julie Newmar."
One of the true signs that you're a part of Hollywood history is receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Patrick Swayze earned his in 1997, with wife Lisa Niemi by his side.
In 2001, Patrick Swayze landed a role in the celebrated Jake Gyllenhaal indie flick "Donnie Darko" playing a motivational speaker with a dark secret.
During his career, Patrick Swayze also spent time on Broadway. He played Billy Flynn in "Chicago" in 2003 and 2004 (he's seen here on opening night). He'd previously graced the Broadway stage in 1975 with a role in "Goodtime Charley."
Seeing double! Patrick Swayze brought brother Don Swayze along to the premiere of "Kill Bill: Volume 2" in Los Angeles in April 2004.
In 2006, Patrick Swayze made his debut on London's West End starring in the musical "Guys and Dolls" alongside Claire Sweeney.
Over the years, Patrick Swayze and wife Lisa Niemi attended many openings of the Hollywood-centric restaurant chain Planet Hollywood. They're seen here at the opening of the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas in November 2007.
Patrick Swayze died in September 2009 from pancreatic cancer that metastasized to his liver. His final role was on the A&E drama "The Beast," in which he played FBI Agent Charles Barker. He's seen here at the show's wrap party in November 2008 — 11 months after his cancer diagnosis.
