The fight for Patrick Swayze’s fortune
On the 12th anniversary of his death, the star’s family is still at war over his will
Patrick Swayze vowed “to leave this Earth knowing I gave something back”. And when he died on September 14, 2009 at age 57 from pancreatic cancer, he not only left a lasting legacy, but a $55 million fortune!
But 12 years on, the Dirty Dancing star’s widow Lisa Niemi and his family are sadly still at odds over his will. Patrick left his entire estate to his wife of 34 years but sources say the Ghost star’s relatives are still reeling after being cut out.
“They loved Patrick and spent time with him towards the end of his life,” says an insider. “They feel they deserve a piece of the pie.”
CHANGING THE WILL
In fact, some family members have even questioned the validity of the actor’s will, which was reportedly changed just seven weeks before his death.
“They are suspicious of the timing and think there are red flags all over the place,” says the source. “They don’t know why Patrick would write a new one.”
According to Lisa’s camp though, the actor had always intended to leave everything to his wife and the only alteration he made to his will was to ensure Lisa, 65, kept financially supporting his mother, Patsy Swayze.
And while Lisa has gushed about her ongoing dedication to Patrick – revealing in 2019, “When you lose someone, you never stop loving them” – Patrick’s family questioned her decision to sell off the star’s properties, including his beloved 1.8-hectare farm Rancho Bizarro on the outskirts of Los Angeles in 2015 for $4 million, soon after inheriting his fortune.
She also reportedly auctioned off some of his movie memorabilia, including his iconic Dirty Dancing motorcycle jacket.
Patrick’s niece Danielle Swayze slammed Lisa online for her actions. “Lisa Niemi has gathered EVERYTHING that ever meant anything to [Patrick] Buddy, and is auctioning them off to the highest bidder rather than giving it back to the rightful owner, the only people who would truly cherish these items, HIS FAMILY!” she wrote. “If it wasn’t for my family, Lisa would have NOTHING!”
But nothing enraged the Swayze family more than when Lisa accused Patrick’s mother Patsy, who died in 2013, of abusing the star during his childhood.
‘If it wasn’t for my family, Lisa would have NOTHING!’
“She could be very violent,” Lisa claimed in 2019 documentary, I Am Patrick Swayze. “Patsy was an example of what happens in families in a cycle of abuse.”
But Patrick’s family have denied these claims. “He was everything to my mother,” says Patrick’s brother Don, 63.
With all the allegations and upset, Patrick’s family reportedly considered legal action to try and win a share of the estate, but insiders say they decided they couldn’t afford a lengthy legal battle.
“She had millions and could afford the best lawyers. Meanwhile, they had diddly squat,” says a family insider.
Lisa remarried five years after Patrick’s death, tying the knot with jeweller Albert Deprisco, 65, and sources say she’d like to wipe her hands clean of the whole drama.
“No one can really blame Lisa after all the things they have publicly accused her of,” a friend tells.
And despite the ugly feud with his family, Lisa looks back fondly at her life with the Hollywood legend. “Every anniversary, every milestone, she’ll light a candle and reflect on happy times. They had so many of them,” adds the insider.