Patrick Wayne Swayze (/ˈsweɪzi/; August 18, 1952 – September 14, 2009) was an American actor, dancer, singer, and songwriter who was recognized for playing distinctive lead roles, particularly romantic, tough and comedic characters. He was also known for his media image and looks; People magazine named Swayze the "Sexiest Man Alive" in 1991.
Swayze received three nominations for the Golden Globe Award for Best Lead Actor in a Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical; this was for his roles in the romance film Dirty Dancing (1987), the thriller film Ghost (1990) and the road comedy film To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar (1995). He was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1997.
Swayze wrote and recorded the popular song "She's Like the Wind" and was posthumously awarded the Rolex Dance Award in 2012. In 2009, Swayze died of cancer at the age of 57.