Patrick Swayze Dies After Cancer Complications

Fans Had The Time Of Their Lives Watching His Iconic Movies & Sexy Dance Moves

Johnny Castle. Sam Wheat. Fighter.

Patrick Swayze, the dancer-turned-actor whose good looks and hot bod made him a popular lead in both romances and action films in the late 1980s and early '90s, died on Monday at the age of 57 after a public two-year battle with advanced cancer.

Swayze was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in early 2008. At the time, Swayze guessed he had two more years to live.

Despite the gloom and doom of initial tabloid reports, Swayze went on to star (working 12-hour days while still undergoing chemotherapy) in the A&E cop drama "The Beast" as a world-weary undercover FBI agent.

Swayze was one of several young stars-to-be introduced to moviegoers in Francis Ford Coppola's 1983 movie The Outsiders. But he achieved super stardom and heartthrob status with his leading role as a resort dance instructor who sweeps Jennifer Grey off her feet in 1987's Dirty Dancing. The indie film became an enormous hit and spawned a popular soundtrack that featured a song sung by Swayze, She's Like the Wind.

Said Grey in a statement: Patrick was a rare and beautiful combination of raw masculinity and amazing grace. Gorgeous and strong, he was a real cowboy with a tender heart. He was fearless and insisted on always doing his own stunts, so it was not surprising to me that the war he waged on his cancer was so courageous and dignified. When I think of him, I think of being in his arms when we were kids, dancing, practicing the lift in the freezing lake, having a blast doing this tiny little movie we thought no one would ever see."

He cemented his status as a romantic icon with his lead role in 1990's smash Ghost, as a ghost who tries to protect girlfriend ("You in danger, girl!") Demi Moore from his killer. Patrick you are loved by so many and your light will forever shine in all of our lives. In the words of Sam to Molly, It's amazing Molly. The love inside, you take it with you.' I will miss you," said Moore.

At the same time, he became a two-fisted action star in movies like Road House and Point Break. And who can forget his notable turn as a feathered-haired Chippendale dancer who flosses his crotch with a sleeveless dress shirt on Saturday Night Live in the early 1990s or his equally well-coiffed gender bending part in To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar?

Early this year, Swayze told ABC's Barbara Walters that he hoped to live long enough until they find a cure, but he was not going to chase [the idea of] staying alive.I'll be here, or I won't.

By Paige Muller

Paige Muller, Gossip & Hollywood Hijinx
		About the author:
		Paige Muller is a gossip gal with an appreciation – some would say obsession – for Hollywood hijinx, celebrity style and the latest fashion trends. From who hooked up, who's knocked up and "WTF are they wearing?", Paige offers all the dish, with a side of snark. When not pondering Jennifer Aniston's perplexing post-breakup PR strategy, Paige is a published writer and communications professional who has worked with brands like Dove, L'Oreal, More magazine, Gap and WE: Woman's Entertainment.
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