Fans of Patrick Swayze are undoubtedly saddened by the passing of talented actor Patrick Swayze, who battled pancreatic cancer for almost 2 years. Star of such classics as Dirty Dancing, Roadhouse and Ghost, Swayze was diagnosed with this deadly form of cancer in March of 2008.

The son of a choreographer, Patrick Swayze was voted People magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive in 1991, a distinction that his fans wholeheartedly agreed with. Although he started out as a classically-trained dancer, injuries forced him to consider acting as a career. It was a lucky stroke of fortune for those of us who admired his acting skills.

In Dirty Dancing, Swayze caused a sensation in his role as a misunderstood dance instructor from the wrong side of the tracks who falls in love with a young women considered to be way out of his league. The movie was a hit and catapulted Swayze to fame, alongside his co-star Jennifer Grey.

Ghost, alongside co-star Demi Moore and also starring Whoopi Goldberg, was another role which showcased Swayze’s talent as a romantic lead. In the movie, Swayze plays the role of a young man who is murdered by a friend, who must find a way (enter Whoopi Goldberg as a reluctant psychic) to warn his wife, played by Demi Moore, that her life is also in danger. The movie earned him a Golden Globe nomination.

Other stellar roles of the actor included Red Dawn, To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar, in which he played a drag queen to great effect, The Outsiders, Youngblood, and Grandview USA. He also starred in the musicals Chicago and Guys and Dolls, roles that reminded fans of his dancing and musical background.

Despite his diagnosis of pancreatic cancer in 2008, Swayze continued to work on an A&E series titled The Beast, in which he played an FBI agent. He continued to work long days, going for chemotherapy treatments on his days off. Co-workers were said to be amazed by his strength, courage and stamina, leading many to believe that he would beat the illness.

Swayze was married since 1975 to his wife Lisa Niemi, who was also a dancer. They met when Niemi was taking lessons from Swayze’s mother when Niemi as just 15 years old. Theirs was a true Hollywood romance. They had no children.

Related Links:

Patrick Swayze's Illness Builds Awareness of Pancreatic Cancer from Health Guru

Patrick Swayze Fan Club

Patrick Swayze from the Internet Movie Database