Vicky Lynn Swayze was famous because of her family name, but like other family members, she was also a talented dancer and actress. Unfortunately, she suffered from mental health issues and was found dead at 45.
Vicky Lynn Swayze was the older sister of the famous actor, dancer, and singer Patrick Swayze. Even though she was three years older than him, they had a very close relationship.
The actor loved his sister, she adored him, looked up to him, admired his dancing skills, and her brother was there for her when she was in a terrible place.
Patrick Swayze at the premiere of “One Last Dance” on August 23, 2005, in New York | Source: Getty Images
Patrick had always ensured Vicky had the best things in life. He took care of her medical bills, living expenses, and more. Her death was a big blow to him. He said:
“It was hard not to feel responsible, that I could have done something to prevent it.”
Patrick Swayze on the set of “North and South” on November 3, 1985 | Source: Getty Images
Vicky Lynn Is Patrick Swayze’s Older Sister
Vicky was born in Houston on June 8, 1949. She was the first child of the engineering draftsman Jesse Wayne Swayze and Patricia “Patsy” Yvonne Helen Swayze, née Karnes, a dancer, choreographer, and dance instructor.
Her parents met in 1944 and fell in love almost immediately. Vicky’s mother was a student of the Incarnate Word Academy of Houston, while her father was enlisted in the navy. They wasted no time in getting married as Jesse was posted overseas.
Photo of Patrick Swayze circa 1990 | Source: Getty Images
She had four siblings, three biological brothers, Patrick, Don, and Sean, and an adopted sister, Bambi. Vicky lived in Texas for a long time. In 1980, when she was 31, she was still living at her parent’s house with her brothers.
From an early age, Vicky and her brother Patrick Swayze were involved in dance, as their mother gave them no choice but to be successful dancers.
They would learn dancing from her at the studio she had opened called the Swayze Dance Studio. She never asked if they wanted to do that but expected them to become the best dancers they could be.
Portrait of Patsy Swayze with a picture of Patrick Swayze circa 1988 | Source: Getty Images
Vicky Lynn Swayze Had Been Married Twice
Vicky became a triple threat: a dancer, singer, and talented actress. She was constantly pressured to be the best because of her family name, as both her parents were accomplished.
She was married twice and had children, but both marriages were unsuccessful, as she broke up with both partners. Unfortunately, there is very little information about her personal life.
Patrick Swayze on the set of “Grandview, U.S.A.” on August 3, 1984, in Pontiac | Source: Getty Images
Vicky’s Mental Health
As an adult, Vicky began suffering from depression and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Her family suffered the effects of her mental health issues.
Despite being married and having a family, she would occasionally disappear from the lives of her loved ones, and they never knew what to expect.
Patrick Swayze on the set of “North and South” on November 3, 1985 | Source: Getty Images
However, they did their best to support her emotionally and financially and got her the best doctors they could find to make her life easier.
At some point, the doctors prescribed different medications for Vicky, but she hated taking them, so her family found a doctor to help wean her off them, and she started feeling better.
Photo of Patrick Swayze circa 1987 in New York | Source: Getty Images
Vicky Lynn Passed Away at the Age of 45
Unfortunately, even though Vicky seemed better with her new doctor, she committed suicide years later, leaving her family in a more vulnerable state.
She died in Los Angeles on December 2, 1994, and her family held a funeral service for her in Simi Valley on December 7, 1994. They buried her at the Assumption Catholic Cemetery next to her father.
It was difficult for Patrick because he had also lost his father and manager. His sister’s death was another loss he struggled with, and he started to feel like there was a curse on his life.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text “help” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741, or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
