Patrick Wayne Swayze, (born 18 August 1952), is a dancer, actor and singer, memorable for his roles in the films Dirty Dancing (1987), Ghost (1990) and Donnie Darko (2001). He also famous for the North and South miniseries.
The son of choreographer Patsy Swayze, he was born in Houston, Texas, United States. He formally trained at the Harkness and Joffrey Ballet Schools in New York City. His first professional appearance was as a dancer for Disney on Parade, then in the Broadway production of Grease, before his debut film role as Ace in Skatetown, U.S.A. (1979).
Patrick Swayze has received Golden Globe Award nominations for his roles in Dirty Dancing, Ghost and To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar (1995). A sequel to Dirty Dancing, called Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights (2004), had him reprising the role of Johnny Castle.
He is married to actress Lisa Niemi.
Patrick Swayze has also bred Arabian horses. His best-known horse was the late Tammen, a chestnut Arabian stallion.
