Vickie Lynn Swayze: The heartbreaking story of Patrick Swayze’s sister
The story of Vickie Lynn Swayze, Patrick Swayze's older sister, is tragic and raises awareness of the severity of depression and the finality of death. Though a talented actress, dancer, and singer, Vickie battled personal afflictions that ultimately led to a sad and unexpected end.
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People close to Vickie Lynn Swayze described her as personable, and her younger brother and closest friend, Patrick, adored her. Her death was not in vain as it helped her brother make meaning of his life. He quit his alcohol addiction and reevaluated his acting career.
Profile summary
Full name | Vickie Lynn Swayze |
Gender | Female |
Date of birth | 8 June 1949 |
Date of death | 2 December 1994 |
Age at time of death | 45 years old |
Zodiac sign | Gemini |
Place of birth | Houston, Harris, Texas, United States |
Place of rest | Simi Valley, California |
Nationality | American |
Ethnicity | White |
Religion | Christian |
Sexuality | Straight |
Hair colour | Blonde |
Eye colour | Brown |
Parents | Jesse Wayne Swayze III and Patsy Swayze |
Siblings | Patrick, Don, Sean, and adopted sister Bambi |
Marital status | Married (at the time of death) |
Partner | Arthur Peden |
Children | 2 |
Education | St. Rose of Lima Catholic School |
Profession | Singer, actress, dancer |
Who was Vickie Lynn Swayze?
Vickie Swayze was born on 8 June 1949 to Jesse Wayne Swayze III and Patsy. She was the first of five children, including an adopted sister. Her mother was a well-known ballerina and dance educator who taught her children the art of dancing.
Narrating how their mother impacted his life during an interview documented by Huff Post, Patrick, Vickie's brother, said:
That's the other side of me: the intensity, the passion, the drive, the belief in communicating something through the arts. It's all those qualities of my mother's that have really led me down all these tangential paths in my life. My parents were an amazing couple.
Personal life
Vickie Lynn Swayze married Arthur R. Peden on 21 April 1974. According to The Swayze Truth, she was the mother of two children, Dylan and Daniel.
Her condition caused her family a lot of stress. She would often vanish for long periods, leaving people unsure of her whereabouts. These disappearances were connected to her struggles with depression and other mental health problems.
Did Patrick Swayze have a sister?
Vickie Lynn was Patrick Swayze's sister, and they had a special bond. Even though Patrick was three years younger than her, he looked up to her beyond her artistic abilities.
Lynn cared for her younger siblings while their mother was away managing her dance studio. This was one of the important qualities that Patrick admired about her.
As Patrick began to experience fame and success in his career in the entertainment industry, he supported her financially and emotionally when her mental health began to deteriorate.
What happened to Patrick Swayze's sister Vickie?
Vickie struggled with depression and was subsequently diagnosed with bipolar disorder. The strains of being born into a high-achieving family, combined with personal disappointments, made her mental health suffer.
What was Vickie Swayze's cause of death?
Vickie Lynn Swayze passed away from overusing painkillers on 2 December 1994. It happened in Van Nuys, Los Angeles, California. She was 45 years old.
What happened to actor Patrick Swayze?
According to Daily Mail, Vickie Lynn's death marked a turning point for him. The actor confronted his struggles with substance abuse and decided to pursue a better life.
His sister's demise also led to him disliking Hollywood's blockbuster mentality. As published on his IMDb page, he said:
My big regret is the physical damage I've done to my body. I can do almost anything physically and I used to believe I was invincible, breaking bones over and over, playing football, doing gymnastics, diving, ballet, doing my own stunts, kickboxing, staging fights... It all seems a little stupid to me now.
Patrick began rejecting lucrative deals that promoted superficial acting to focus on character-driven roles. This career change impacted more than just his earnings and access to the spotlight. He retired to New Mexico and California, where he raised horses in his ranches.
What did Patrick Swayze die from?
As BBC documented, Patrick Swayze was diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer in 2008. Despite several treatments, including chemotherapy, the celebrity actor passed on aged 57 years on 14 September 2009.
Frequently asked questions
Vickie's story is intertwined with that of her famous brother, Patrick. Below is more information about the duo.
- How old was Patrick Swayze's sister when she passed on? She was 45 years old when she passed on 2 December 1994.
- Who are Vickie Swayze's children? She gave birth to Dylan and Daniel.
- How many sisters did Patrick Swayze have? He had two sisters, Vickie and Bambi.
- How old was Swayze when he passed on? He was 57 years old when he passed away on 14 September 2009.
- Who is the mother of Patrick Swayze's love child? Contrary to most reports, Patrick does not have a secret child, as published by The New York Times.
Vickie Lynn Swayze's life and death were bittersweet experiences for Patrick. The bond they shared impacted his life and career, and until his death, he held her close to his heart.
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Source: Briefly News