Best Spiritual Movie received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the motion picture category on August 18, 1997, which was his 45th birthday. His long, distinguished, eclectic movie career included filming approximately thirty-eight movies–including five TV movies. In addition to the movies, he did two TV mini-series. Although it is very difficult to choose which movies I enjoy the most, here are my favorites.
Dirty Dancing (1987)
Director: Emile Ardolino. Stars: Jennifer Grey, Patrick Swayze (Johnny Castle), Cynthia Rhodes.
In the media–interviews including Barbara Walters Special Interview 1988, his 2009 autobiography, The Time of My Life, etc., Patrick Swayze said that he really felt for and identified with the character, Johnny in Dirty Dancing. I think that factor contributed significantly to propel such a real-life, amazing performance. His superb acting along with his sizzling dancing just really is phenomenal. And if that is not enough, his song (co-written with Stacy Widelitz), “She’s Like The Wind” was just gorgeous in the movie and is still famously popular. He was a key collaborator with the writer, choreographers, and other cast members to make this movie that was made on a shoestring budget into a timeless classic. Without Patrick Swayze, I do not think that this movie would have been half as successful. Furthermore, his performance influenced countless men to think that it was OK to be a male and be a dancer.
One Last Dance (2003)
Director: Lisa Niemi. Stars: Patrick Swayze (Travis MacPhearson), Lisa Niemi, George De La Pena.
This movie is a labor of love made by real-life wife and husband, Lisa Niemi and Patrick Swayze. It is based on the 1984 stage production, Without A Word created and starred in by Lisa Niemi. Patrick Swayze, and Nicholas Gunn. Without A Word won six LA Drama Critic Awards and many requests were made for the stage play to be made into a movie. After many, many years of work, One last Dance premiered in Houston at the WorldFest Houston International Film Festival (which I had the thrill of attending). One Last Dance shows the inside world of dancers with the theme that it is never too late to realize your dreams. The dance scenes between Lisa Niemi and Patrick Swayze are absolutely gorgeous and reflect their true-life love for each other. Patrick Swayze performs two songs in the movie that Lisa Niemi and he wrote. George De La Pena and the “company” dancers are extraordinary.