Patrick Swayze skyrocketed to fame in 1987 when he starred as Johnny Castle in the hit movie Dirty Dancing. Not only did the role earn him a Golden Globe nomination, it also cemented his status as a Hollywood heartthrob. Patrick went on to star in a series of notable films before his tragic death in 2009 at the age of 57.
The actor didn't just leave behind an impressive legacy with his acting, but he also had quite the sum that was inherited by his wife, Lisa Niemi. HELLO! is taking a closer look at Patrick's eye-watering net worth and how the inheritance divided his family following his passing.
© Getty ImagesPatrick Swayze's net worth
In 2008, the actor was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, At the time of his death in 2009, Patrick boasted a net worth of $40 million. One of his major successes came from his role as Sam Wheat in the 1990 supernatural romance movie Ghost. Jerry Zucker's film earned over $500 million worldwide and was a huge commercial hit.
Patrick also starred in the likes of Road House, Point Break, To Wong Foo, and Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar.
The star suffered from alcoholism in the 90s and, following a stint in rehab, took a break from the entertainment industry to focus on raising his horses in California. It has been reported that his net worth would have been considerably higher if he had not taken a hiatus from acting.
© Getty ImagesAside from his acting career, Patrick boasted an impressive real estate portfolio. In 1983, he acquired a 4.5-acre ranch in Sylmar, California. The property was sold for $2.9 million in 2015. Patrick's wife, Lisa, listed the ranch for sale in October 2023 for $4.5 million.
Family feud
© Getty ImagesPatrick signed his will just a few months prior to his death, and his fortune was left entirely to his wife of 34 years, Lisa. However, the inheritance caused controversy among the rest of his family, with his mother Patsy and brothers Sean and Don attempting to gain a sum of his earnings.
It was alleged that Lisa had cut off Patrick's family, who were against the sale of his California estate. In the 2019 documentary I Am Patrick Swayze, Lisa alleged that her late husband's mother had been physically abusive towards him during his childhood.
