remembering patrick swayze
New film celebrates beloved Houston heartthrob and movie icon
Pain don't hurt, but the loss of actor Patrick Swayze still stings. The legendary actor — and native Houstonian — delivered iconic performances in movies such as Point Break, Dirty Dancing, Ghost, and, of course Road House.
Ten years after his death from pancreatic cancer, a new documentary will celebrate the actor's life. I Am Patrick Swayze will debut at the San Antonio Film Festival on Friday, August 2, the Paramount Network announced. Directed by Adrian Buitenhuis and produced by filmmaker Derik Murray, the movie will take a look back at Swayze's life and career through a combination of stories, video clips, family photos, and interviews.
Swayze's widow Lisa Niemi and his brother Don Swayze are both interviewed in the film. Many of Swayze's co-stars are featured as well, including Sam Elliott, Jennifer Grey, C. Thomas Howell, Rob Lowe, Kelly Lynch, Demi Moore, and Lori Petty. Other participants include Marshall R. Teague, director Roland Joffe, agent Nicole David, manager Kate Edwards, personal assistant Rosemary Hygate, stuntman Cliff McLaughlin, and bodyguard Frank Whiteley.
"It's not tragic if to die doing what you love," Swayze's bank robber character Bodhi says in Point Break — a fitting sentiment for someone known to have loved his life and work.
After the movie's debut at the festival, Paramount Network will air the documentary on Swayze's birthday, Sunday, August 18, at 8 pm CDT. The film is the latest in the I Am documentary series that also includes profiles of legendary figures such as Steve McQueen, Chris Farley, and Richard Pryor.
