Editor's Note: This is the uncut version of the interview that ran in the April 3, 2003, issue of 34th Street. Patrick Swayze: aging 80's heartthrob or sexual dynamo? From The Outsiders to SNL, Dirty Dancing to Hollywood Squares, this hard-bodied cowboy can do it all, and so much more. He is appearing on stage with his wife at The Annenberg Center on April 7th and 8th. One Last Dance also has a screening at the Prince Theater on the 7th and 8th.
Tell us about your appearance in the latest Ja Rule music video.
I did it because it makes a statement out there because I'm moving into the rap world as a song writer. I wrote two major songs out of our dance movie One Last Dance.
You produced and starred in this movie and your wife directed it?
We wrote it as a play over ten years ago. It won six drama critics awards and people wouldn't leave us alone about it... People who have seen it are saying that there has never been dance seen on film like this, and it breaks the form and makes it exciting and accessible and sensual all at the same time.
Are you a double threat?
A triple threat. I have been doing music and musicals since I was born. There is a lot I want to accomplish as a filmmaker, as a musician, songwriter and singer and on a dance level. I've also got what I call my "Braveheart," a love story about a man and a horse set in the Arabian Desert.
Do you play the man?
No, I play the horse. But a major dance movie right now is a wonderful concept because I'm probably in better shape right now than when I was 19 years old.
Where do you see yourself 20 years from now?
I feel lucky to be alive at this point in my life because do a lot of things that I'm very skilled at that other people would call crazy. That's how I got the nickname Crazy Swayze. The rappers call me Craze-Dawg.
In To Wong Foo, did you find acting in drag to be liberating?
Well I thought it was going to be a fun time playing a big old queen but it turned out to be the most emotional experience I've ever had. I want to be an actor and I want to see how good I can get at this, to see if I can change peoples' lives over the course of my life. That's how I decided to become the king of the independent world. I'm really banging the shit out of it. I'm in the best shape of my life.
You've worked with Meatloaf, Chris Farley and Ja Rule. With which of these men do you feel you have the best on screen synergy?
It's hard to say. Ja Rule and I are talking about doing music together and developing a show together as well as talking about doing movies together.
What kind of show?
Ja Rule has a very special kind of energy. He's got this precocious kind of sweetness about him yet intensity about him and I just felt a real connection to him and what he's trying to say through this video. We as "stars" are role models and need to take it seriously. And the rap world needs to take it seriously and that's the reason that I'm moving into the rap world because I've got a concept musically that I think is going to revolutionize the rap industry.
And you're the guy to do it, too.
I might need to shave my head and get some tattoos.
Would you consider being cryogenically frozen so future generations could meet you?
Shit, just so my career could last longer.
I was thinking more so future generations of women could admire your stunning features and tight ass.
In a Hanz and Franz accent, "Patrick Swayze with his firm uplifted buttocks."
Do you have any funny stories from the set of Dirty Dancing?
Well, in a love scene your greatest fear is your "cake rising," so to speak. People don't realize that your biggest concern is if it doesn't, because people will say, "That boy can act or dance, but he's hung like a field mouse."
Do you wear a cup [for love scenes]?
The problem is if you wear a cup and anything does happen it's really difficult to move because it hurts. One does not stay in thy cup.
Given that, boxers or briefs?
It varies. If I want that fresh feeling, I like wearing pantyhose and a mini skirt. If I have to be athletic in any way, I'll wear briefs.
Are there any surprises in store for the audience when you come to Philadelphia?
The mayor is giving me the key to the city. The governor is giving me the key to the state and proclaiming it Patrick Swayze Day. My question is: what do you do on Patrick Swayze Day?
I guess we'll find out then.
I think it must have something to do with a wild man martial artist wearing pantyhose and high heels. It's a macho thing to wear pantyhose... All I have to say is wake up and smell the muscles.
Are you wearing tights right now?
Absolutely not. I'm in this lovely little teddy and camisole.
That makes three of us. Is Kurt Russell your twin brother?
If not, he should be.
You've had a lot of leading ladies. Who is your favorite?
Oh God, all of them! I'm a romantic fool to a fault. I think I was born in another time and reincarnated in this one. And if you freeze me up, I'll still be a renaissance dude.
I guess that's proof that you should be cryogenically frozen after all.
At least portions of the anatomy.
Do you have a life lesson for our readers?
I think the biggest thing is never give up on your dreams. Be realistic, but never give up that little bird inside, that innocence. I think [cynicism] is a curse.
As a 5-foot-6, 135-pound weakling, what can I do to become you?
Why would you want to? You're perfect, unique, and wonderful and special as yourself.
If you die and I eat your heart do I become you and gain your chiseled abs and rustic soul?
You can if you're willing to do the work that goes along with it.
