Bambi Swayze Was Adopted and Became a Dancer like Her Mother – All We Know about the Life of Patrick Swayze's Sister
Bambi Swayze is the adopted child of the late Swayze couple, whose children mostly have all gone on to become famous Hollywood stars. Many people continue to wonder what she is doing now in the present day.
Since her late parents, Patsy and Jesse Swayze, took her in as a child and adopted her into their family, Bambi Swayze's life has dramatically changed. She grew up learning to act and dance.
Not much is known about Bambi's life, except that she still dances. She had a brief acting career and appeared in a few films, including one with her brother, Patrick Swayze.
Bambi Was an Orphan from Korea
Bambi was an orphan from Korea whose real name was Song Bo Ra, which means "beautiful velvet." In the past, Patsy's family supported Bambi's needs through the Children's Christian Fund. Bambi stated in the "Patrick Swayze: One Last Dance" autobiography:
"The Swayzes practically saved my life."
According to the organization that found her, Bambi was only a year old when she was abandoned in a park in Korea. They also noted that she was partially deaf and "perhaps not overly intelligent."
Patsy Swayze holds a copy of Bild Funk Magazine featuring her son Patrick Swayze in 1988. | Source: Getty Images
Patsy and her husband, Jesse, supported her despite the group informing them of Bambi's condition. In exchange for the couple's generosity, the group provided updates by sending pictures of Bambi.
Jesse decided to adopt Bambi after noticing her sad and frail appearance. Patsy agreed with his choice. The couple finally adopted Bambi after a challenging adoption process.
Bambi arrived at the U.S. airport, terrified of her new surroundings. She appeared underweight, with rice bowl hair and a scar on her side. Jesse, Patsy, and Patsy's students from her dance studio greeted her there.
She couldn't say anything in English. Pasty and Jesse's children—Vicky, Patrick, Sean, and Don—welcomed Bambi into their Houston, Texas, home. Her adoptive mother enrolled Bambi in her dance class.
Patsy's family continued to refer to her by her Korean name until she decided to go by her new name, "Bambi." She got her name from a children's book that Patsy used to read to her before bed.
Bambi warmed up to her new family; she grew up intelligent and a high-achiever at school. She wasn't deaf, as the religious group had thought, but she did have an ear infection.
Bambi Swayze Admired Her Brother Patrick
Bambi had a close relationship with Patrick for many years. When they were younger, her adoptive brother would call her "princess," and she would call him "Prince Charming."
She was also in awe of Patrick's dancing prowess, which she described as "strong and manly." She also admired the actor's beautiful marriage to his wife, Lisa Niemi, and his pleasant personality.
Patrick Swayze and Lisa Niemi at the 15th Annual American Music Awards on January 25, 1988, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
According to Bambi, her famous brother was kind, considerate, and protective of her, especially when she first began dating boys. She said he was the type of brother that every girl wishes for.
Before she tied the knot with her husband, Bambi recalled how Patrick stepped up like a protective parent to her.
Patrick Swayze attends Stand Up To Cancer at The Kodak Theatre on September 5, 2008, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Bambi Swayze Became a Professional Dancer and Acted in Movies
Bambi began her dance training when she was a young child with the help of her adoptive mother. She is now an excellent professional dancer who teaches dance lessons to children.
According to her LinkedIn profile, she is a ballet dancer who knows how to do other types of dance and choreography. On her page, she listed several skills, such as teaching yoga and bookkeeping.
Before fully dedicating herself to dancing, Bambi had a brief acting career. She starred alongside Patrick in the film "One Last Dance" where she starred as Melinda.
In addition to sharing the screen with her brother, Bambi continued appearing in more films such as "The Other Side," "Lethal Ninja," and "In Search of Dr. Seuss."
Patrick Swayze and his family at the Hollywood Walk of Fame on August 18, 2007, in California. | Source: Getty Images
Bambi Swayze's Brother Approved of Her Husband
While not much is known about her current love life, Bambi was once married to Don. Before she tied the knot with her husband, Bambi recalled how Patrick stepped up like a protective parent to her.
When Bambi revealed to Patrick that she had fallen in love with Don and wanted to marry him, Patrick started a conversation with her, saying that she would not marry him without his approval.
Patrick Swayze attends the premiere of "Donnie Darko" at the Egyptian Theatre on October 22, 2001, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Fortunately, Don earned Patrick's approval, and the couple finally exchanged wedding vows afterward. It's unclear when and where Bambi and her husband's wedding ceremony occurred.
Bambi also mentioned that her late brother had assured her he would be there whenever she needed help. Sadly, Patrick Swayze lost his courageous battle with cancer in 2009 at age 57.