Patrick Swayze Memorial — Honoring a Life Well Lived
August 18, 1952 – September 14, 2009 | Age 57 | Actor, Dancer, and Singer-Songwriter
Patrick Swayze captivated audiences with his combination of raw athleticism, vulnerability, and charisma. His roles in Dirty Dancing and Ghost made him one of the biggest movie stars of the late 1980s and 1990s, and his refusal to be confined to one genre — from action in Point Break to drama in Ghost — showed exceptional range.
Honor Your Own Loved One
Create a permanent digital memorial page — upload photos, videos, and stories that last forever. Add a QR memorial plaque to their headstone so anyone who visits can scan and remember them.
Create a Memorial →Life and Legacy of Patrick Swayze
Patrick Swayze's courage in continuing to work during his cancer treatment became an inspiration for many facing terminal diagnoses. His wife, Lisa Niemi Swayze, wrote a memoir about their relationship and his illness, The Time of My Life. The Patrick Swayze Foundation supports pancreatic cancer research. 'She's Like the Wind,' which he wrote and recorded for Dirty Dancing, remains a beloved ballad. He is remembered not only for his performances but for his grace and dignity in the face of death.
Major Achievements and Honors
- People magazine 'Sexiest Man Alive' (1991)
- Dirty Dancing (1987) — one of the most profitable dance films ever made
- Ghost (1990) — one of the highest-grossing films of the year
- Saturn Award for Best Actor — Ghost (1991)
- Trained at the Harkness Ballet and the Joffrey Ballet
- Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor — To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar (1996)
- Continued working and filming while undergoing cancer treatment (The Beast, 2009)
Born: August 18, 1952 | Died: September 14, 2009
Patrick Swayze was born on August 18, 1952 and passed away on September 14, 2009 at the age of 57. The cause of death was pancreatic cancer following a 20-month battle. Patrick Swayze was a American actor, dancer, and singer-songwriter whose work left an indelible mark on the world.
Remembering Patrick Swayze
Memorials for Patrick Swayze have taken many forms around the world. Fans gather each year on the anniversary of their passing to share memories, play music, view tributes, and celebrate the life that was lived. Public tributes, charity initiatives, and artistic tributes continue to spread their message far beyond their lifetime.
If Patrick Swayze inspired you, consider creating a similar lasting tribute for someone important in your own life. A digital memorial page preserves photos, videos, and stories permanently — and a QR memorial plaque connects the physical headstone to that living digital archive.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Patrick Swayze die?
Patrick Swayze died on September 14, 2009 at the age of 57. The cause of death was pancreatic cancer following a 20-month battle.
What was Patrick Swayze known for?
Patrick Swayze captivated audiences with his combination of raw athleticism, vulnerability, and charisma. His roles in Dirty Dancing and Ghost made him one of the biggest movie stars of the late 1980s and 1990s, and his refusal to be confined to one genre — from action in Point Break to drama in Ghost — showed exceptional range.
What is Patrick Swayze’s legacy?
Patrick Swayze's courage in continuing to work during his cancer treatment became an inspiration for many facing terminal diagnoses. His wife, Lisa Niemi Swayze, wrote a memoir about their relationship and his illness, The Time of My Life. The Patrick Swayze Foundation supports pancreatic cancer research. 'She's Like the Wind,' which he wrote and recorded for Dirty Dancing, remains a beloved ballad. He is remembered not only for his performances but for his grace and dignity in the face of death.
How can I create a memorial page for my loved one?
You can create a free permanent digital memorial at Scan2Remember. Upload unlimited photos, videos, and life stories. For a physical memorial, a QR memorial plaque ($49.90 with free lifetime hosting) attaches to any headstone and lets cemetery visitors scan a QR code to view the full memorial page from their smartphone.
This memorial tribute was created by Scan2Remember to honor the life and legacy of Patrick Swayze. We believe every life deserves to be remembered. If you’d like to create a lasting memorial for someone you love, visit our digital memorial page builder or learn about our QR memorial plaques.