Net Worth Ranker
What Is Patrick Swayze’s Net Worth?
At the time of his death in September 2009, Patrick Swayze had accumulated a net worth of $40 million. This substantial net worth reflected his successful career as an actor, dancer, singer, and songwriter, spanning several decades. His most prominent roles in films like “Dirty Dancing,” “Ghost,” and “Point Break” contributed significantly to his financial success. He also earned money from his Broadway performances and music career.
Patrick Swayze’s Early Career and Rise to Fame
Patrick Wayne Swayze was born on August 18, 1952, in Houston, Texas. Growing up in the Oak Forest neighborhood, he was the son of Patsy Yvonne Helen, a dance choreographer and instructor, and Jesse Wayne Swayze, an engineering draftsman. His upbringing fostered his artistic talents, as he immersed himself in dance, ice skating, athletics, and martial arts. Swayze initially aspired to a football scholarship, but a knee injury rerouted his path towards the performing arts. In 1972, at the age of 20, Swayze moved to New York City to pursue formal dance training at the Harness Ballet School and the Joffrey Ballet School.
Swayze began his entertainment career as a dancer with the Disney Theatrical Group in “Disney on Parade.” Subsequently, he secured a Broadway role as Danny Zuko in “Grease.” His film debut followed with “Skatetown, U.S.A.” Before his breakthrough role, Swayze also had a minor role in an episode of “M*A*S*H*”. A number of TV roles followed before Swayze appeared in “The Outsiders,” a notable 80s film. His career progressed over the next few years with shows like “Red Dawn” and films such as “Youngblood,” but he didn’t achieve his breakthrough until 1987 with “Dirty Dancing.”
The low-budget film, “Dirty Dancing,” co-starring Jennifer Grey, was initially intended for a limited release. However, it became a smash hit, grossing over $214 million worldwide on a budget of approximately $6 million. In addition to his starring role, Swayze contributed to the soundtrack with the song “She’s Like the Wind,” which peaked at number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The success of “Dirty Dancing” significantly boosted Swayze’s profile and earning potential.
Notable Film Roles and Earnings
Following the success of “Dirty Dancing,” Swayze secured roles in several high-profile films that further enhanced his financial standing. In 1990, he starred in “Ghost,” which became a massive box office success, grossing over $505 million worldwide. His salary for “Ghost” was reportedly $4 million, a significant increase from his earlier roles. In 1991, Swayze starred in “Point Break,” another commercially successful film. For “Point Break,” Swayze earned around $5 million.
In the 2000s, Swayze continued to appear in films, including a memorable role in the cult classic “Donnie Darko” (2001), which grossed over $7.5 million worldwide. His salary for this role was lower compared to his ’90s films, as it was a smaller, independent production. Throughout the decade, Swayze also participated in films like “Waking Up in Reno” (2002) and “One Last Dance” (2003). In addition to his film work, Swayze continued to perform on stage, including a London production of “Guys and Dolls.” Swayze starred in the film “Keeping Mum” (2005) starring alongside Rowan Atkinson, Kristin Scott Thomas, and Maggie Smith.
Patrick Swayze’s Real Estate Holdings
In 1983, Patrick Swayze purchased a 4.5-acre ranch in Sylmar, California, where he raised Arabian horses. In 2015, Swayze’s estate sold the ranch for $2.9 million to Getty oil heiress Aileen Getty. The 3,000-square-foot residence features a swimming pool, a horse corral, a hot walker, and several additional buildings. Aileen Getty listed the property for sale in October 2023 for $4.5 million. This real estate investment contributed to Swayze’s overall net worth.
Personal Life and Challenges
Patrick Swayze married Lisa Niemi in 1975, and they remained together until his death. They first met in 1970 when Lisa was 14 years old, and Swayze was 18. Swayze struggled with alcoholism in the ’90s, eventually seeking recovery through rehab. Following treatment, he took a break from the entertainment industry to focus on raising horses on his ranches in California and New Mexico. Swayze was also a licensed pilot. In one incident, Swayze made an emergency landing while flying a plane with his dogs. The plane struck a light pole during the landing. While Swayze was unharmed, some witnesses claimed he appeared intoxicated. However, no criminal charges were filed. The incident was attributed to carbon monoxide poisoning from the plane’s engine and excessive cigarette smoking, as the alcohol was stored in an inaccessible compartment during the flight.
Health Issues and Final Years
In 2007, Swayze began experiencing stomach pains. He was diagnosed with late-stage pancreatic cancer three weeks later. He immediately sought treatment at Stanford University Medical Center, undergoing chemotherapy and experimental anti-cancer drugs. In 2008, reports indicated that Swayze was responding positively to treatments. He continued his acting career, underwent surgery on the cancerous part of his stomach, and made several public appearances. Later, the cancer reappeared in his liver. Initially, Swayze denied reports of the spread but eventually acknowledged a “tiny” cancerous growth in his liver. By 2009, his condition worsened, and he was hospitalized with pneumonia—a complication of his chemotherapy treatments. Swayze continued to smoke cigarettes during his cancer treatment, having smoked up to three packs a day earlier in his life.
On September 14, 2009, Patrick Swayze passed away, 20 months after his initial cancer diagnosis. His publicist confirmed that the official cause of death was pancreatic cancer. His dedication to his craft and continuous work ethic, even in the face of severe illness, exemplified his character. His estate, including earnings from his past work, real estate, and other assets, was valued at $40 million at the time of his death.
