John Leguizamo Recalls How He Squashed Beef With Patrick Swayze Before His Death

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Some tales soften over time; others find their fitting conclusions. As the beloved film “To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar” celebrates its 30th anniversary, John Leguizamo recalls the long-standing tension with his co-star Patrick Swayze and how they ultimately resolved it before Swayze’s passing in 2009. In this reflection, Leguizamo shares the particular details surrounding the reconciliation process.

According to John Leguizamo, he and Patrick Swayze didn’t have an opportunity for a face-to-face reconciliation to mend their relationship. However, as Swayze shared with PEOPLE, they managed to resolve their issues through some assistance from others, effectively closing the loop on their past differences.

While geographically we were miles apart, hailing from New York City and the West Coast respectively, our communication never faltered. We corresponded via letters and publicists, maintaining a level of decorum that was befitting our situation. Although it would have been ideal to resolve matters face-to-face, we eventually managed to reconcile. Despite the physical distance, our bond remained strong.

The strife between the two “Wong Foo” actors wasn’t hidden or unknown. According to the veteran of “Moulin Rouge!”, their working styles contrasted significantly in 1995. He, being more improvisational, often butted heads with Swayze’s preference for sticking closely to the script. At times, this difference seeped from their professional relationship into their personal interactions. Later, Leguizamo acknowledged that he harbors grudges and even jokingly admits it.

At times, I might not come across as the most composed individual around, perhaps. I can’t quite put my finger on why that is. Occasionally, I find myself harboring resentments… But I’m committed to ongoing therapy sessions and hope that one day, I will address and resolve these issues effectively.

Reflecting on his life after thirty years, John Leguizamo now feels at ease acknowledging that maturity has never been one of his top traits. What truly shines today is the elegance displayed in the final chapter. Instead of a glitzy reunion image, we are treated to a rather Hollywood-esque reconciliation scene.

The portrayal of the film has become more appreciative over time, given its status as one of the initial blockbusters to highlight drag culture and the LGBTQ+ community. Characters like Patrick Swayze’s Vida Boheme, Leguizamo’s Chi-Chi Rodriguez, and Wesley Snipes’ Noxeema Jackson breathed life into a conventional road comedy, turning it into a poignant and culturally influential film that continues to resonate with new viewers every few years.

As a die-hard cinema enthusiast, I’ve always been open about my enduring love for the “Wong Foo” family, especially since my time spent on the set of Mario Bros. One member I hold in particularly high regard is the extraordinary Blythe Danner, whom I consider one of the greats. My bond with Wesley Snipes also remains strong, and I can’t help but praise him for his exceptional performance in Wong Foo. To this day, I am incredibly grateful for these relationships, which I reflect upon with nostalgia. This heartfelt appreciation serves as a fitting counterpoint to the more challenging headlines of yesteryears.

If you’re yearning to watch the movie once again, which I can understand given its greatness, as it’s among the top ’90s movies, the charming film titled To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar, is now available for both purchase and rental with your Amazon Prime Video subscription.

In terms of John Leguizamo’s career, his recent work, the crime drama titled “Smoke,” was scheduled to air on television in 2025, and all its episodes can now be streamed with a subscription to Apple TV+.

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2025-09-13 21:41