logo
Patrick Swayze | Bambi Swayze  | Source: Getty Images | Facebook/lacy.phillips.58
Patrick Swayze | Bambi Swayze | Source: Getty Images | Facebook/lacy.phillips.58

Bambi Swayze Was Adopted and Became a Dancer like Her Mother – All We Know about the Life of Patrick Swayze's Sister

Christell Fatima M. Tudtud
Dec 31, 2022
08:10 A.M.

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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 Swayze holds a copy of Bild Funk Magazine featuring her son Patrick Swayze in 1988. | Source: Getty Images

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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

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.

Advertisement

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

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.

Advertisement

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."

Advertisement
Patrick Swayze and his family at the Hollywood Walk of Fame on August 18, 2007, in California. | Source: Getty Images

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.

Advertisement
Patrick Swayze attends the premiere of "Donnie Darko" at the Egyptian Theatre on October 22, 2001, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

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.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Related posts

Jennifer Aniston Said She Was Never the 'Model Child' Her Mother Hoped For — and Other Stars Who Had Complicated Childhoods

July 30, 2026

The 'Full House' Cast Then and Now: Where D.J., Stephanie, Michelle, and the Rest of the Tanner Family Are Today — Photos

July 03, 2026

'Family Matters' Star Reveals Shocking Behind-the-Scenes Drama That Rocked Beloved '90s Sitcom — Her Photos Then and Now

May 08, 2026

Donald Trump Jr. And Bettina Anderson Are Officially Married – What We Know

May 25, 2026

The Heartbreaking Story of the '90s Music Icon Who Found Fame, Love, and Tragedy Before Her Passing at 30 — In 30+ Photos

May 11, 2026

Hip-hop Health: 3 Rappers Wiz Khalifa Admires For Taking 'Their Physique Serious' and Their Workout Routines

June 12, 2026

Patrick Muldoon's Life: From Love Triangle Drama to His Final Video — 35+ Photos

April 21, 2026

The School's Most Beautiful Girl Invited Me to Prom While Everyone Else Teased Me for My Looks – 20 Years Later, She Didn't Recognize Me, and What I Did Changed Her Life

June 05, 2026

Donald Trump Jr.'s Wedding Celebration Reveals Surprising Family Absence — Photos

May 28, 2026

Donald Trump Reveals the One Thing Melania Can't Stand About Him

May 04, 2026

Madonna, 67, Steps Out in a Mini Dress After Co-Hosting Paris Afterparty with Charli XCX — Photos

June 27, 2026