Niemi Feared Drink Would Kill Swayze

4 months ago 01st Nov 06:30

Patrick Swayze's widow Lisa Niemi feared his alcohol abuse would kill himyears before his tragic death from pancreatic cancer.

The couple hit a bump in their 34-year marriage back in 2003, when the Ghost actor's drinking spun out of control.

They separated for a year, and Niemi reveals she left home because she couldn't bear to watch her husband kill himself.

Niemi adds, We got back together and it was still tough

During an appearance on Oprah Winfrey's talk show on Friday (30Oct09), Niemi said, "He was imploding pretty badly... It was very difficult. I didn't think he would live through it, frankly. "I didn't want to be there to watch him die.

Not like that". The pair reconciled and Swayze beat his alcohol addiction. Niemi adds, "We got back together and it was still tough.

We luckily had a moment where we walked through the door with a willingness to love each other".

Lisa Niemi has also revealled she is willing the actor to return to her in spirit form.

Lisa Niemi admits she's finding it hard to detach from the late Ghost actor, nearly two months after he lost his battle with pancreatic cancer - and would love him to visit her from beyond the grave.

During an appearance on Oprah Winfrey's talk show on Friday (30Oct09), she said, "I used to be so afraid of spirits and ghosts. Now I'm like 'show yourself'."

But she admits she still feels Swayze's presence and hasn't yet come to terms with the fact he has gone, adding, "I feel him there. I don't really feel like he's left. I can honestly feel every contour of his hand in mine. I hope it's not my imagination."

The actor lost his battle with cancer in September (09) at the age of 57.