Patrick Swayze was an American actor, dancer, and singer known for playing distinctive lead roles, particularly romantic, tough, and comedic characters. His mother as dancer, choreographer, and dance instructor was a huge influence on the direction his career would take.

Growing up in Houston, Texas, Patrick Swayze pursued multiple artistic and athletic skills, such as ice skating, classical ballet, acting in school plays, football, and martial arts. His first career choice was football, but that ended with a knee injury. Dance was his alternate choice, and in 1972 he moved to New York to complete his formal dance training 

It was acting that finally cemented his career path. His movies include “The Outsiders,”“Youngblood,” and “North and South.”

One of his most memorable performances came in 1987 in a low-budget movie, planned for only a one-week release before going to video, called “Dirty Dancing.” Swayze played a resort dance instructor. The story enabled Swayze to play the romantic lead as well as showcase his professional dance training. In addition to acting and dancing, Swayze co-composed and sang one of the songs on the soundtrack for Dirty Dancing, “She’s Like the Wind.” The song became a Top-10 hit. The movie was a sensational success and is credited for skyrocketing his career.

Then came the movie “Ghost,” where the iconic scene with Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore at the pottery wheel, catapulted his career to the next level.

As his career continued to flourish, tragedy struck, and he was diagnosed with cancer. In the end he died too soon.

Once named the sexiest man alive, Patrick Swayze is now forever In Heaven with the Stars.