Lisa Niemi

Lisa Niemi Swayze (born May 26, 1956) is an American writer, dancer, choreographer, actress, and director. She is best known as the widow of actor and dancer Patrick Swayze. Born Lisa Anne Haapaniemi in Houston, Texas, Niemi was inspired by her parents' professions as a Red Cross worker and a registered nurse. She graduated from the Houston Ballet Dance Company in 1974 and pursued a dance career with her husband in New York City during the 1970s. Niemi wrote, directed, and starred in the 2003 film One Last Dance, which was based on a successful play they had written earlier. She continues to be involved in the entertainment industry.