Date of death and basic facts
Patrick Swayze died on September 14, 2009. He was born on August 18, 1952, and passed away at age 57. Swayze was an American actor and dancer best known for leading roles in film and television, including the iconic drama Dirty Dancing (1987) and the long-running series Step by Step.
Cause of death and illness timeline
Swayze was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in early 2008. He underwent chemotherapy and pursued experimental treatments while continuing to work. Doctors initially gave him a prognosis of about one year; he lived more than 18 months beyond that estimate. His cancer progressed despite aggressive care, and he succumbed to complications from the disease in the final months of his life.
Key timeline
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| August 18, 1952 | Born | Birth year used to contextualize age at death |
| 2008 (early) | Diagnosed with pancreatic cancer | Illness onset and treatment planning |
| September 14, 2009 | Died | Verified date of death at age 57 |
Medical context and prognosis
Pancreatic cancer is one of the more aggressive forms of cancer and is often diagnosed at a later stage. Swayze’s case gained public attention because he continued working and publicly sharing his journey. While outcomes vary, his experience drew attention to the importance of clinical trials and supportive care alongside standard treatments.
Career highlights and legacy
Before his illness, Swayze built a multifaceted career in acting, dance, and music. He starred in box office hits such as Road House (1989) and Youngblood (1986), and demonstrated range in dramatic television with North and South. His performance in Dirty Dancing remains a cultural touchstone. After his diagnosis, he participated in cancer awareness efforts and continued to appear in projects until his health declined.
Clarifying common misunderstandings
- He died in 2009, not in the 1990s or 2010s.
- The immediate cause was cancer complications, not an accident.
- His treatment choices were personal; facts about his care are drawn from public statements and medical reports.
Net worth and financial context at death
At the time of his passing, estimates of Swayze’s net worth commonly ranged between $16 million and $30 million, reflecting earned income from films, television, endorsements, and choreography. These figures are approximate and vary by source; they are provided here for context on his professional standing when he died.
Enduring influence
Even after his death, Swayze’s work remains popular through streaming, syndication, and retrospective coverage. Fans and scholars continue to reference his dedication to craft, his physical performance style, and his candidness about his health journey. The ongoing discussion of when Patrick Swayze died is tied to a broader appreciation of his contributions to entertainment and the personal courage he showed during his illness.