The heartwarming photos of the late Patrick Swayze's and Lisa Niemi's loving marriage in 7 photos


Patrick Swayze only had (hungry) eyes for one woman – see his love story with Lisa Niemi in seven photos, from early success to screen stardom


© Getty Images
Daisy Finch
Daisy FinchAudience Writer
1 hour ago
Share this:

Patrick Swayze and Lisa Niemi shared 34 years of marriage, meeting when they were both just teenagers and soon falling for one another. Both talented dancers, utterly in love with each other and unafraid to show it, the couple have plenty of cute couple moments caught on camera.

Keep reading to see the besotted Hollywood sweethearts from their early days of loved-up appearances to their established couple status...

American actor Patrick Swayze shares a laugh with his wife, dancer and actress Lisa Niemi (born Lisa Haapaniemi) at the premiere party for the movie 'Skatetown USA' at Flippers roller rink© Getty Images

In 1979, the couple had been married for four years

1979 - Texan teens

The couple met when they were both still just teens studying at Swayze's mother's dance studio in Texas. The pair dated for a while before getting married in 1975. The intimate ceremony was held in the backyard of her childhood home in Texas, followed by a reception at the Houston dance studio where they first met. 

 In 2007, he reflected on their meeting, telling People: "I knew she was the smartest chick I'd ever met in my life [...] for a long time I didn't feel like I deserved her."

Actor Patrick Swayze and wife Lisa Niemi attend Police-Celebrity Basketball Game on February 26, 1983 at Beverly Hills High School in Beverly Hills, California.© Ron Galella via Getty Images

In 1983, Patrick Swayze starred in 'The Outsiders'

1983 - Rising star

Lisa and Patrick tied the knot on 12 June 1975. During their marriage Patrick became one of Hollywood's biggest stars.

In 1983, he starred as Darrel "Darry" Curtis in iconic '80s flick The Outsiders about two rival teen gangs, working with the likes of Rob Lowe, Matt Dillon and Ralph Macchio.

Patrick Swayze and Lisa Niemi in 1987.© ullstein bild via Getty Images

Patrick starred in 1987 hit 'Dirty Dancing'

1987 - Patrick's major career breakthrough

Patrick reached the height of his fame in 1987, and Lisa Niemi was right through his side throughout it all as her husband's charismatic screen presence and dancing skills held the spotlight firmly at his feet.

Cast as leading man Johnny Castle, Patrick starred opposite Jennifer Grey in Dirty Dancing as the dreamboat dance instructor who reveals a previously hidden world to Jennifer's Frances 'Baby' Houseman.

American dancer, choreographer and actress Lisa Niemi, wearing a black coat, with her husband, American actor, singer and dancer Patrick Swayze, who wears a dark grey suit jacket, attend Sandy Gallin's Christmas Party, held at Gallin's home in Beverly Hills, California, 18th December 1988. © Getty Images

Patrick and Lisa's love didn't alter in the 15 years since exchanging vows

1988 - Global superstar

Fifteen years after saying 'I do', Patrick and Lisa were just as loved up, while the Dirty Dancing star's career continued to flourish.

He landed a leading role in drama Tiger Warsaw and saw his co-written ballad 'She's Like the Wind' reach number 3 on the US Billboard Hot 100. 

Patrick Swayze dancing with his wife Lisa Niemi during the World Music Awards ceremony in Monaco, on 4 May 1994© Sygma via Getty Images

Lisa and Patrick met through a shared love of dance and their real-life chemistry was palpable at the World Music Awards in 1994

1994 - Return to the spotlight

After the loss of his sister, Patrick retreated from the public eye, returning to the spotlight briefly with Lisa at his side on stage.

Patrick hosted the World Music Awards in 1994, and the couple performed a contemporary dance routine to Whitney Houston's 'All The Man That I Need'.

Patrick Swayze and wife Lisa.© WireImage via Getty Images

Patrick and Lisa stepped out in smart-casual style for date night at the theatre in 1999

1999 - Legend status cemented

Patrick and wife Lisa welcomed in the turn of the century together with his star power continuing to shine from the screen.

In 1998, Patrick starred in Letters from a Killer and Black Dog, followed by 2000's Forever Lulu. The couple were clearly enjoying a brief break from film premieres, opting for date night at the theatre for The Merchant of Venice.

Patrick Swayze and wife Lisa.© WireImage via Getty Images

Patrick returned to the world of 'Dirty Dancing' in 2004

2004 - Dirty Dancing sequel

The 2000s brought just as much on-screen success for Swayze as the previous decades, including a notable cameo in Dirty Dancing's 2004 sequel Havana Nights.

The year prior, Patrick and Lisa starred in drama feature One Last Dance, bringing their chemistry and dancing talent to the screen. Patrick sadly passed in 2009 and his wife Lisa has been a prominent advocate for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network ever since.

More US
See more
Conversation

For more information on our conversation section, please read our Community Guidelines. Comments featured and views shared are not endorsed by HELLO!.