Actor Patrick Swayze Dies at 57

Posted September 15, 2009, 4:37 am in Entertainment

Patrick Swayze

Actor and dancer Patrick Swayze died Monday after a 15-month battle with advanced pancreatic cancer. His performance as dance instructor Johnny Castle in the 1987 cult classic "Dirty Dancing" made him a star, winning the hearts of a generation of viewers with his dancing and the unforgettable delivery of the line, "Nobody puts Baby in a corner."

Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey in Dirty Dancing

He followed that success three years later with 1990's "Ghost," in which he played Manhattan financier Sam Wheat, who is murdered by a co-worker. Wheat spends the rest of the film trying to communicate with his girlfriend, played by Demi Moore.

Swayze's career began on stage. His first major role was that of Danny Zuko in the original Broadway production of "Grease." He made the move into film, and in 1983 appeared in Francis Ford Coppola's "The Outsiders."

As news of Swayze's death spread, thousands of fans shared their sadness and memories on Twitter, making the actor the most popular topic on the social networking site.

Demi Moore wrote, "Patrick you are loved by so many and your light will forever shine in all of our lives." She followed with a quote from the movie, writing: "And in the words of Sam to Molly. 'It's amazing Molly. The love inside, you take it with you.' I love and will miss you Patrick."

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Dave Knechel
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Posted 3:30pm September 15th, 2009
He and I were the same age and all my girlfriends (not that I had an awful lot or anything) were really into him and I had to take them to his movies, but I'll tell you what, he was someone I liked as an actor and a person and I never once had a jealous side when it came to him. I've got to say, Patrick Swayze was one of the good guys and he earned my respect a long time ago.
Vannie
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Posted 2:02pm September 15th, 2009

The news of Patrick Swayze's death was not unexpected, but death is always a shock, even when it is expected. He was one of the actor's that I loved, but was never sure why. All I know is that there was something special about him. I look at pictures of him after he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and think the strength shown in his face answers the why for me.

I saw the original Grease on Broadway many years ago, but do not remember him standing out, still I am glad to know that I did see him. A few years back I took a course on how to throw clay using a potter's wheel, I laughed out loud when the image of Patrick and Demi popped into my head.

He seemed like a nice man, and good person. He will be missed.
Jackie Carlin
GB Staff
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Posted 8:42am September 15th, 2009
I must admit that Patrick Swayze was my first "man crush." Before he danced onto the screen as Johnny Castle in "Dirty Dancing," my crushes tended to be teen stars like Ralph Macchio in "Karate Kid" and the New Kids on the Block. But when I first saw Johnny dance at that after-hours party in DD, I realized, wow, that's a man!

A lifelong dancer himself, I bet Patrick was thrilled to finally see the American public embrace the beauty and excitement of professional dancing.

I'm just so sad that we've lost another bright star to the ravaging effects of cancer. Is it just me or does it seem like way too many people are dying way too young? We've got to join together and stand up to cancer! Our family makes regular donations to the American Cancer Society and other cancer fundraising groups and I encourage you to find one and help us eradicate this horrible disease once and for all!