It’s hard to imagine a world without Patrick Swayze. Since his untimely passing from pancreatic cancer in 2009, fans have kept his memory alive. Now, on the ninth anniversary of his passing, friends and loved ones are sharing stories about the man who brought us unforgettable moments in films like Dirty Dancing. These memories paint a vivid picture of the man behind the iconic roles, revealing a side of Patrick that’s both hilarious and deeply human.
Patrick Swayze: The Man Who Lived Life to the Fullest
One of Patrick’s closest friends and former bodyguard, Frank Whiteley, has opened up about the actor’s zest for life. He shared a hilarious story about a road trip where Patrick, or "Buddy" as Frank affectionately called him, decided to spice things up. While cruising down a California highway at 65 mph, Frank noticed something odd—Patrick had vanished from the car. “I looked in the rearview mirror to see if he crawled over the seat,” Frank recounted to Closer. “He wasn’t in the vehicle. I look out and see a shadow on the ground and people [watching] in awe. He was standing on top of the Suburban with his arms out, doing the Titanic pose! He’s yelling at me to keep it at the same speed.” It’s a moment that perfectly captures Patrick’s larger-than-life personality.
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A Man of Many Talents
Patrick wasn’t just a great actor; he was also an incredible athlete and artist. Stacy Widelitz, who co-wrote the iconic Dirty Dancing love song “She’s Like the Wind” with Patrick, shared his admiration for Patrick’s natural athleticism. “He was probably the greatest natural athlete I ever saw,” Stacy told Closer. “Anything physical he wanted to do, he just excelled at.” Journalist Alex Simon added that Patrick had “the soul of an artist.” These qualities made him not just a star but a truly remarkable human being.
But Patrick’s heart was most deeply tied to his wife, Lisa. Frank Whiteley spoke about their enduring love. “Buddy loved that woman more than life itself,” Frank said. “They fought like married people do, but he loved her with his dying breath.” Yet, one of the deepest sorrows in Patrick’s life was the inability to have children with Lisa. Frank revealed that this heartbreak affected Patrick deeply. “It broke his heart,” Frank confessed. “He wanted to be a dad more than anything. He had skills, knowledge, kindness, and love—everything a child would want.”
