E! True Hollywood Story Season 13 Episode 9 Patrick Swayze

Patrick Swayze was an icon of the 1980s, a Hollywood superstar whose talents as an actor, dancer, and singer made him a beloved figure in movies and on television. In this episode of E! True Hollywood Story, we take an in-depth look at Swayze's life and career, exploring his rise to fame, his struggles with addiction, and his untimely death in 2009.

Born in 1952 in Houston, Texas, Swayze was the son of a dancer and a engineering draftsman. From a young age, he trained in a variety of performing arts, including ballet, jazz, and horseback riding. After studying drama in college, Swayze moved to New York City to pursue an acting career, landing his first major role in the 1979 film "Skatetown, U.S.A."

But it wasn't until the early 1980s that Swayze became a household name, with starring roles in films such as "The Outsiders," "Red Dawn," and "Dirty Dancing." The latter, in which Swayze starred opposite Jennifer Grey, became a cultural phenomenon, cementing his status as a heartthrob and earning him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy.

Throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, Swayze continued to star in a string of successful films, including "Road House," "Ghost," "Point Break," and "To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar." He also made a number of guest appearances on television shows such as "M*A*S*H," "The Renegades," and "The Twilight Zone."

But behind the scenes, Swayze was struggling with addiction, particularly to alcohol. In 1994, he entered rehab for the first time, and later wrote about his experiences in his memoir "The Time of My Life," co-written with his wife, Lisa Niemi. Swayze's battle with addiction would continue throughout his life; he underwent several stints in rehab, and in 2008, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Despite his diagnosis, Swayze continued to work, starring in the TV series "The Beast" and the film "Powder Blue" in 2009, the year of his death. He passed away on September 14, 2009, at the age of 57.

In this episode of E! True Hollywood Story, we speak with Swayze's friends, family, and colleagues, exploring the highs and lows of his life and career. We hear from his brother, Don, who recalls the sacrifices their family made to support Patrick's dreams; his wife, Lisa Niemi, who opens up about their 34-year marriage; and his co-stars, including Jennifer Grey, Sam Elliott, and Keanu Reeves, who reflect on Swayze's magnetic presence on and off screen.

We also delve into Swayze's lasting impact on popular culture, exploring the enduring appeal of films like "Dirty Dancing" and "Ghost," and examining the ways in which Swayze embodied a certain kind of masculinity that has come to define the era in which he rose to fame.

Ultimately, this episode of E! True Hollywood Story is a tribute to a Hollywood legend, a man whose star power inspired generations of fans and whose legacy endures to this day. From his humble roots in Texas to his meteoric rise to fame, Swayze's story is a reminder of the transformative power of art and the enduring appeal of a true movie star.