Multi-talented Patrick Swayze
An Acting Career Complimented By Dancing, Singing and Song Writing
Learning to dance from an early age, Patrick Swayze developed a versatile acting career.
Patrick Swayze is the fantastic dancer who acted the male, lead role in the movie "Dirty Dancing."
This video, I Had The Time Of My Life is a nostalgic example of the charismatic charm of the talented actor. He was also an accomplished songwriter and singer. "She’s Like the Wind," (featured on UTube) shows him singing the song he co-wrote with Stacy Widelitz.
How did this talented man, chosen by People Magazine as one of the "50 Most Beautiful People in the World" (1991) learn so many different aspects of the movie screen craft so well?
Background
Patrick was born in Houston, Texas to Jess Wayne Swayze, in 1952. His mother, Patsy, was a ballet school owner and a choreographer. It is tempting to assume that he not only received early dance lessons, but also grew up amidst the atmosphere of dance and of the stage. This great start was developed; when he went on to undertake formal dance training at the Harkness Ballet and Joffrey Ballet Schools in New York City.
Fame and Success
Swayze's first professional appearance was as a dancer for Disney on Parade and from this point on his filmography, listed on Starpulse.com, records his steady track record of accomplishment within his chosen profession. In 1987 he broke through into stardom. He was cast as a dance instructor in the film Dirty Dancing. His dancing experience from childhood became his stalwart. In the hit film, he starred with Jennifer Grey, who had also co-starred in Red Dawn, one of his earlier movies. Dirty Dancing achieved massive international success. It was the first film to sell one million copies on video, eventually earning over $US 300 million
A Bumpy Road
Talent, fame, money and opportunity came Patrick’s way, but as well, he has had his share of hard times. Swayze is a recovering alcoholic who testifies that he has a higher power, and that he has ‘faith in faith.’ (Patrick Swayze Biography by Ed Stephan. Imdb.com). he says, "I have a great deal of faith; if you believe something strongly enough, it becomes true for you.”
This year, 2008, the talented dancer was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Many of the current reports about his prognosis claim that it is not necessarily a disease, which will kill him. Although he is known to have smoked – it is hoped that his otherwise healthy lifestyle and impressive physique will see him able to rehabilitate yet again.
One can only admire a man so talented and accomplished, and hope that his recovery is speedy.
