Patrick Swayze RIP
By now you’ve probably read the news that Patrick Swayze has died.
Swayze was an actor and dancer who became famous for the surprise blockbuster film “Dirty Dancing.” But I liked him best in “Ghost,” which didn’t even feature his formidable terpsichorean skills, although it made good use of his athleticism, not to mention his sexy torso. “Ghost” was always a tearjerker, although a clever, funny, and fast-paced action-packed one. Now it is even more of a weeper than before, because of the real-life fact that Swayze himself—like his character in the movie, Sam Wheat—has died too young.
Swayze’s bio lets us know where some of his supreme physicality, that mix of artsy grace and macho brawn, might have come from: his father was a champion rodeo star and his mother a prominent ballet teacher. Isn’t that the very combination of elements Patrick Swayze personified? I learned for the first time when reading his history that he’d also been a multi-sport star as a young man, participating at a high level in gymnastics, swimming, football, and ice skating as well as dance. In fact, his first professional performing role was in a “Disney on Ice” show.
Swayze’s body and the amazing things he could do with it were responsible for a good part his fame, but they were certainly not the only reasons. He had a nice-guy demeanor that could also turn sharp if needed, and he was a credible actor too, although he had his share of clunkers. Swayze also had that greatly prized but highly unusual (especially for a Hollywood hunk) asset: a long and seemingly happy marriage to his sweetheart from their teenage years.
I could post the corny but almost unbearably poignant (and now even more poignant) clip from the end of “Ghost,” where Swayze’s character says goodbye to his beloved girlfriend and is met by beings of light and then escorted to heaven (you can watch it here, if you’d like). Instead I’ll feature one of the funny parts from the film, where he tries to reach out to previously-fake “spiritual adviser” Whoopi Goldberg, much to her surprise and consternation:
Watching parts of the film now, I can’t help but be struck once again by the timelessness (and timeliness) of its deeper message: our very human desire for love to be eternal. RIP, Patrick Swayze.
Ewww superstition, hated Ghost.
As an ex-surfer I loved “Point Break” the best and “Road House” was the absolute cheeze.
Swayze was an old-school high-testosterone masculine actor. A vanishing breed.
What a class act. I didn’t watch all that many of his movies, but there was always something especially likable about him in every role. I think maybe that came from the part of him that wasn’t acting.
OlderandWheezier: I’d have to agree.
There was always a moral center to the roles Swayze chose to play.
of course they have already started filming a remake of his early work red dawn… oh what a weird world we got
I saw Red Dawn and was not happy. The idea of being conquered overshadowed following the movie.
However, there is a certain demographic which likes it and considers it one of their faves–if not Swaze’s best.
But from time to time, you hear a reference. Some military op is named after something from the movie and only the in-group notices.
Wolverines, man!
At the risk of sounding totally gay, I’ll say it. Swayze was a hot looking dude.
And I liked him for it. He was the kind of winner, I liked to cheer on – because he struck me as the kind of guy that would take the time to cheer on guys, like me, that weren’t as talented or good looking.
Maybe I’m projecting, I never knew the guy. But, that’s how Swayze struck me and I’ve never heard anything to contradict it.
R.I.P. Patrick. You broke alot of hearts, to be sure. But, I suspect the world was a signficantly better place just because you were in it.
I recall a news report that a little girl, who was autistic, would only engage the movie “Dirty Dancing”.
Go figure.
But Swayze heard about it and visited her. Like to think it helped, but I don’t know.
Didn’t have to do it.
Let’s not forget Swayze in Coppola’s “The Outsiders.”
I netflixed that six months ago and was astonished at the firepower of young new stars: Swayze, Cruise, Dillon, Lowe, Estevez, and Macchio. Part of Coppola’s genius was clearly picking relative unknowns.
Anyway, Swayze plays the tormented oldest brother trying to raise his siblings alone. Again, a moral role.
I’d forgotten about Red Dawn! Man. I saw that in the theater (I am old, obviously) and remember my early-college self coming out of it in a horrified daze. I like happy endings.
I liked Red Dawn.
Did I think it was a probable scenario – no.
Were there political issues in the movie – of course.
Anyone who has ever purchased a firearm and filled out a certain document can probably spot the reference I’m talking about in the movie, and the potential for misuse of that document that was being subtly highlighted.
Was it an enjoyable movie that left no doubt as to who were the good guys (that would be the USA, for those of far left leanings, btw)?
ABSOLUTELY!
The wife was more enamored of Dirty Dancing and Ghost.
All in all, he seemed like a good guy and versatile actor who made enjoyable movies – and unfortunately we don’t see those kinds of actors coming up through the ranks these days…..sad.
Though he did die too young, he at least was able to have a complete and well-lived life. His accomplishments speak great volumes to the man that he was and to the fight he put up when diagnosed with cancer. The saddest part is that people learn at such a late stage that they have the cancer. But even then, they strongly fight the disease long after their prognosis. My great aunt just died of Pancreatic cancer, and her sister died of it several years ago. It is such a painful thing to watch, knowing that they are suffering and even with the care of a nurse, it is just knowing that their days are numbered that makes it so hard. Prayers go out to his family.
I gotta go with “Red Dawn.” Wolverines!