Lisa Niemi Net Worth

What is Lisa Niemi's net worth?

Lisa Niemi is an American actress, dancer, director, and producer who has a net worth of $40 million. Lisa Niemi is best known for her decades-long marriage to actor and dancer Patrick Swayze and for her work in both film and theater. Trained as a professional ballet dancer, Niemi transitioned into acting and filmmaking in the 1980s, often collaborating with her husband on creative projects. Beyond her artistic career, she has become widely respected for her strength, advocacy, and openness in discussing grief, love, and caregiving following Swayze's death in 2009. Over the years, she has evolved from performer to writer and public speaker, using her platform to inspire others with her resilience and emotional candor.

Early Life and Education

Lisa Niemi was born Lisa Anne Haapaniemi on May 26, 1956, in Houston, Texas. She was one of six children in a Finnish-American family; her father worked as a Red Cross worker and her mother was a registered nurse. From an early age, Lisa was drawn to the arts, particularly dance. She attended the Houston Ballet Foundation's dance school, where she met Patrick Swayze, the son of the school's owner and choreographer, Patsy Swayze. The two bonded over their shared passion for dance, discipline, and creative expression.

After graduating from high school in 1974, Lisa moved to New York City to pursue a career in ballet. She performed with several dance companies and refined her technique in both classical and modern styles. Patrick soon joined her in New York, and the couple married in 1975, beginning a lifelong personal and professional partnership that would span more than three decades.

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Acting and Directing Career

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Niemi began branching out from dance into acting, appearing in television and film roles. She co-starred with Swayze in the 1987 movie "Steel Dawn" and later wrote, directed, and acted alongside him in the 2003 independent drama "One Last Dance," which was based on a stage play they had developed together years earlier. The film drew from their shared experiences in the world of professional dance and was praised for its authenticity and emotional depth.

Niemi's other screen credits include appearances in "Super Force," "Slam Dance," "Letters from a Killer," and "Beat Angel." In addition to her film work, she directed episodes of Swayze's television series "The Beast" in 2009, earning praise for her thoughtful and confident direction. Her creative endeavors often reflected themes of dedication, partnership, and perseverance—qualities that mirrored her real-life journey.

Life with Patrick Swayze

Lisa and Patrick Swayze shared one of Hollywood's most enduring marriages, remaining together from 1975 until his death in 2009. The couple lived on a ranch in New Mexico, where they bred Arabian horses and enjoyed a life away from the spotlight. They worked together frequently, both on screen and behind the scenes, and supported each other through the highs and lows of show business.

In 2008, Swayze was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Niemi became his primary caregiver and constant companion throughout his 20-month battle with the disease. Their relationship and his courage during that period inspired millions. After his passing, Niemi wrote the memoir "The Time of My Life," co-authored with Swayze, followed by her solo book "Worth Fighting For: Love, Loss, and Moving Forward." Both works became bestsellers and earned critical praise for their honesty and grace.

(Photo by Jean-Paul Aussenard/WireImage)

Real Estate

In 1983, Patrick and Lisa bought a 4.5-acre ranch in Sylmar, California. They eventually raised Arabian horses on the property. In 2015, Lisa sold the ranch for $2.9 million to Getty oil heiress Aileen Getty. The 3,000-square-foot residence sits on a 4.5-acre plot of land, and it features a swimming pool, a horse corral, a hot walker, and a number of additional buildings on the land. In October 2023, Aileen Getty listed the property for sale for $4.5 million. Below is a video tour of the property, which is known as Rancho Bizarro:

Later Life and Advocacy

After Patrick's death, Niemi became an advocate for pancreatic cancer awareness and research, working with organizations such as the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. She has spoken publicly about grief, resilience, and finding purpose after loss, often encouraging others to share their own stories.

In 2014, she married Albert DePrisco, a Boston-based jeweler, in a private ceremony surrounded by friends and family. Today, Lisa Niemi continues to write, speak, and remain active in artistic and charitable causes. Her life story—marked by creativity, love, and perseverance—serves as a moving testament to both personal and artistic strength.

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