Patrick Swayze (August 18, 1952 - September 14, 2009) was born in Houston, Texas. He moved tNew York City where he attended the Harness Ballet and Joffrey ballet school. He indicated that he began to drink heavily when his father died in 1982 and that he had, at various times, been involved with Scientology, transcendental meditation, and EST training. When his sister Vicky committed suicide in 1994, his drinking worsened and he went into treatment for alcoholism. He married Lisa Niemi in 1975 and remained married to her until his death. He died of pancreatic cancer.
Recommended Resources
Patrick Swayze's widow Lisa Niemi Swayze's web site offers her biography and her book about her life with Patrick, as well as "The Purple Page," which explains pancreatic cancer and features videos of her, Patrick, and others.
http://www.lisaniemiswayze.com/
Official Patrick Swayze International Fan Club
Focuses on the life and career of Patrick Swayze with sections dedicated to his life's story, his body of work, and his photographs as well as press releases, and his obituary. Also shares information about Lisa Niemi Swayze.
http://www.patrickswayze.net/
Outlines Patrick Swayze's childhood, adulthood, and career as well as featuring a section on his health and one about Dirty Dancing.
http://patrickswayze.org/
