Texas-born,
Patrick Swayze was first inspired to start dancing by his choreographer mother, Patsy. It was when she was giving dance lessons to
Lisa Niemi, that he met the woman who was to become his wife. The two wed in 1975 and were married for 34 years before
his passing yesterday.
The
Dirty Dancing star is fondly remembered by his co-star,
Jennifer Grey. The actress, who talks about their their experiences working on set. "When I think of him, I think of being in his arms when we were kids, dancing, practicing the lift in the freezing lake, having a blast doing this tiny little movie we thought no one would ever see," Grey tells
People.
She describes him as a "real cowboy with a tender night." Choreographer for the film,
Kenny Ortega, says of the late 57-year-old actor, "He was one of the most creative, enjoyable and alive people I knew. He did as much for dancing as any man of our generation."
Gallery Info: Pictures of the late
Patrick Swayze.
Click any thumbnail launch the gallery and view all 34 photos: