‘Dirty Dancing’ star Patrick Swayze’s widow Lisa Niemi remembers him on his birthday. This is what she said

Ahead of the 'Dirty Dancing' movie’s 35th anniversary this Sunday, Patrick Swayze's widow Lisa Niemi has talked about her late husband’s legacy in a video interview. She did the interview in honour of her late husband Patrick on his birthday, which was on Thursday. The interview was also published on that very day.

Swayze died of pancreatic cancer in 2007 at the age of 57. In the iconic “Dirty Dancing” film, he starred as Johnny Castel, a hunky dance instructor. Alongside there was Jennifer Grey, who played the role of Frances 'Baby' Houseman.

In the video interview with 'Entertainment Tonight', she revealed how she misses the deceased actor’s 'little things' like 'his laugh', and 'the sound of his voice'. She said that she feels like he’s with her every day.


Niemi also reflected on Swayze’s choice of not signing onto a sequel of 'Dirty Dancing' though the original was a success.

She said that her husband Patrick wasn’t going to do a sequel “just for the money”, unless “it[the sequel] was absolutely perfect”.

Jon Feltheimer, the CEO of Lionsgate Studios, confirmed in 2020 that a new version of the 1987 film will be created where Grey, 62, will star as well as executively produce it.

In an interview, Grey revealed how deeply she is committed in creating a movie that can satisfy fans’ desires while making sure that the original ‘Dirty Dancing’ remains intact and safe. Jennifer Grey also added that the new movie must “stand on its own” and contain “the heart of the original”.

In the video interview with ET, Niemi stated that she hopes that the sequel stands on its own and is “the absolute best”.

The film “Dirty Dancing” grossed $218 million at the box office globally and it was regarded as a cultural phenomenon. And for the song “[I’ve Had] The Time of My Life” the film also won an Oscar in the best original song category.