PATRICK SWAYZE….
Courtesy of Concrete Contractors Atlanta :
By now most of the world knows that actor Patrick Swayze died Monday, at the mere age of 57. The celebrity had been battling pancreatic cancer rather publicly for a couple of years, and if “pure determination” was a cure, he would have been healed. Unfortunately, life is not that way.
Patrick Swayze was a complicated man who tried to be simple, diametrically opposite of most of his Hollywood counterparts. He began performing as a talented and well-schooled dancer. This love of dance came honestly from his choreographer mother. Young Patrick was secure enough in his manhood and masculinity not to be too much bothered by the stereotypical notions associated with male dancers. Much like Gene Kelly, he simply did not care. Chances are that if someone called him a sissy, they would not do it twice.
Dance eventually led Swayze into acting. At first he was cast as the young ruffian type in films such as “The Outsiders,” or “Red Dawn.” These roles simpy served to demonstrate two things: His acting abilities, and sexual appeal to women. Then came that one movie: “Dirty Dancing.”
Though the film “Dirty Dancing” itself was controversial, supporting abortion and taking a dim view of Christian morality, Swayze emerged as a superstar, a world-wide icon. He possessed that special and unique overall package of looks, speaking tone, sincerity, chemistry, wide-ranging talent, and believability. This actor-dancer, nor his partners, would ever be pigeon-holed into a corner again. Furthermore, we found out he could sing! “She’s Like The Wind” climbed the pop music charts. Great voice. Wonderful feeling.
Next along the path came films like “Point Break,” and “Ghost.” However, just prior to the latter “chick-flic,” Swayze also made the ulimate “man-movie” called “Road House.” I’m uncertain if ever a casting agent did a better job than in this film, particularly with respect to the tough, yet thoughtful, Swayze we were blessed to see in that one. The character-interaction with Sam Elliot was not bad either.
Patrick Swayze did not ask to be a public icon, nor did he relish the idea of being an example to others. He was well-aware of his own faults and limitations. Still, in his personal life, he attempted to be as positive an influence as possible, nonetheless.
Swayze was a lifelong smoker, and did not try to hide this fact. What he did do was make it a point never to publicly smoke cigarettes around children or others which he could negatively influence. Unlike many public figures, particularly pop music stars and other ‘cool” actors, he wasn’t interested in garnering an image at the expense of leading others down the wrong path. Enough said, bless him.
Patrick Swayze was a devoted family man, and stayed with one last woman for an awfully long time. That says something in and of itself. I don’t think he’d mind us all recalling him in much the same manner as his lead character in “Point Break.”
Life was his adventure which he tried to get the most out of, right up until the very end. He will be missed.
Farewell, Bodhi… farewell.
The End ~ Jimmy Hall/ HJImmy577@aol.com
