Sean Swayze, the younger brother of late Hollywood star Patrick Swayze, has died at 63, adding another moment of grief to a family closely linked to film and performance. His death was confirmed by his son, Jesse Swayze, who said Sean passed away in Los Angeles on December 15.
According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office, the cause of death was “an acute upper gastrointestinal bleed and severe metabolic acidosis” related to cirrhosis of the liver. Sean is survived by his children Cassie, Kyle, and Jesse, who shared the news publicly in the days following his passing.
Tributes from loved ones highlighted Sean’s warmth and personality. His cousin Rachel Leon shared a recent photo of him in a Dirty Dancing–themed shirt, writing that she was “heartbroken” by his death. She added that Sean “was always fun and full of life,” noting the image was taken while promoting a Dirty Dancing–inspired event.
While he never reached the same fame as his brother, Sean worked steadily as a character actor and crew member. His credits included Letters from a Killer, and friends often described him as approachable and genuine, someone proud of the Swayze name but comfortable living outside the spotlight.
Sean’s death comes more than 16 years after Patrick Swayze died in 2009 at 57. Patrick, remembered for Dirty Dancing, Ghost, and Road House, left a lasting cultural legacy. Though Sean lived more quietly, he remained closely connected to his family and that legacy. He was 63.