Patrick Swayze Films: Swayze Film Legacy--Dirty Dancing, Ghost

With the passing of actor Patrick Swayze, many film fans are looking back on his film and television career. Patrick Swayze made dozens of films during his career, such as Dirty Dancing, Ghost, and Road House.

A native of Houston and a classicly trained dancer, Patrick Swayze first appeared on the big screen in the early 80s. He appeared in the classic The Outsiders alongside Tom Cruise, Ralph Macchio, C. Thomas Howell, Emilio Estevez. He later appeared in relatively forgettable films such as Grandview, USA, Red Dawn, and Youngblood. 

Swayze's big break came in the 1987 hit Dirty Dancing. Swayze played dance instructor Johnny Castle. The film allowed Swayze to show off his dancing ability and made him an international star. 

Swayze also made Road House, a cult film in which Swayze played an undersized bouncer at a rough and tumble bar.

Her next big film was Ghost with Demi Moore and Whoopi Goldberg. The 1990 film was a massive hit and considered one of the most successful romantic films of its era.

While Swayze's career waned in the 90s, he made something of a comeback in the 21st century. He appeared in films like Donnie Darko as well as the TV series The Beast.