Patrick Swayze - Actor Profile

Patrick Swayze

Acting
Freshness: Mar 07, 2026
50Total Films
8.0 Highest Rated
Born: Aug 18, 1952
Birth Place: Houston, Texas, USA

About Patrick Swayze

Patrick Wayne Swayze (August 18, 1952 – September 14, 2009) was an American actor, dancer and singer-songwriter. Known for his romantic, tough, and comedic roles in blockbusters and cult films, Swayze was nominated for three Golden Globes and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1997. Swayze received recognition for acting in the drama film The Outsiders (1983), the action film Red Dawn (1984), and the miniseries North and South (1985–1986). His breakthrough came with the romantic drama film Dirty Dancing (1987), receiving a Golden Globe nomination. He rose to further prominence in the action films Road House (1989) and Point Break (1991), and received two more Golden Globe nominations for his roles in the supernatural romance film Ghost (1990) and the road comedy film To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar (1995). He also had a major role in the cult thriller Donnie Darko (2001). Outside of acting, Swayze co-wrote and recorded the song "She's Like the Wind" with Stacy Widelitz for the Dirty Dancing soundtrack album, which peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100. He was also recognized for his public image and looks, and was named "Sexiest Man Alive" by People magazine in 1991. On September 14, 2009, Swayze died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 57. Description above from the Wikipedia article Patrick Swayze, licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Patrick Swayze reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Drama

The majority of Patrick Swayze's filmography leans towards the Drama genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.

The "Box Office" Signature

With a 36% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Patrick Swayze remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in The Found Footage Festival Volume 2: Live in Minneapolis, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Patrick Swayze Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Patrick Swayze's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Patrick Swayze.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2024 How to Rob a Bank Bodhi (archive footage) Hit Similar →
2019 I Am Patrick Swayze Self (archive footage) Hit Similar →
2012 Final Cut: Ladies and Gentlemen (archive footage) Super Hit Similar →
2009 Powder Blue Velvet Larry Average Similar →
2008 Jump Richard Pressburger Flop Similar →
2007 Christmas in Wonderland Wayne Saunders Average Similar →
2007 The Found Footage Festival Volume 2: Live in Minneapolis Self (Archive footage) Super Hit Similar →
2006 The Fox and the Hound 2 Cash (voice) Average Similar →
2005 Keeping Mum Lance Hit Similar →
2005 Icon Jason Monk Average Similar →
2004 11:14 Frank Hit Similar →
2004 George and the Dragon Garth Average Similar →
2004 Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights Dance Class Instructor Average Similar →
2003 Abby Singer Patrick Swayze (uncredited) Average Similar →
2003 Saturday Night Live: The Best of Chris Farley Adrian (archive footage) (uncredited) Hit Similar →
2003 Overnight Self Average Similar →
2003 One Last Dance Travis MacPhearson Average Similar →
2002 Waking Up in Reno Roy Kirkendall Flop Similar →
2001 Green Dragon Gunnery Sergeant Jim Lance Average Similar →
2001 Ghost: Remembering the Magic Self Average Similar →
2001 Donnie Darko Jim Cunningham Super Hit Similar →
2000 Forever Lulu Ben Clifton Flop Similar →
1998 Letters from a Killer Race Darnell Flop Similar →
1998 Black Dog Jack Crews Average Similar →
1998 Saturday Night Live: A Tribute to Chris Farley Self Flop Similar →
1995 Three Wishes Jack McCloud Average Similar →
1995 To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar Vida Boheme Hit Similar →
1995 The First 100 Years: A Celebration of American Movies Self Super Hit Similar →
1995 Tall Tale: The Unbelievable Adventure Pecos Bill Average Similar →
1993 Father Hood Jack Charles Average Similar →
1992 The Player Patrick Swayze (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1992 City of Joy Max Lowe Hit Similar →
1991 Point Break Bodhi / Mask President Hit Similar →
1990 Ghost Sam Wheat Hit Similar →
1989 Next of Kin Truman Gates Average Similar →
1989 Road House James Dalton Hit Similar →
1988 Tiger Warsaw Chuck 'Tiger' Warsaw Flop Similar →
1988 Roy Orbison and Friends: A Black and White Night Self - Audience Member Super Hit Similar →
1988 Swayze Dancing Himself Average Similar →
1987 Steel Dawn Nomad Flop Similar →
1987 Dirty Dancing Johnny Castle Hit Similar →
1986 Youngblood Derek Sutton Average Similar →
1984 Red Dawn Jed Average Similar →
1984 Grandview, U.S.A. Ernie 'Slam' Webster Average Similar →
1983 Uncommon Valor Kevin Scott Average Similar →
1983 The Outsiders Darrel Curtis Hit Similar →
1982 The Renegades Bandit Average Similar →
1981 Return of the Rebels K.C. Barnes Average Similar →
1980 The Comeback Kid Chuck Average Similar →
1979 Skatetown, U.S.A. Ace Flop Similar →

Patrick Swayze - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Patrick Swayze?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Patrick Swayze is "The Found Footage Festival Volume 2: Live in Minneapolis" with a rating of 8.0/10.

How many movies has Patrick Swayze acted in?

Patrick Swayze has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Patrick Swayze?

Other notable films include "Donnie Darko", "The First 100 Years: A Celebration of American Movies", and "Roy Orbison and Friends: A Black and White Night".