Cheryl Burke Talks 'Dancing's' Tribute To Patrick Swayze: 'I Almost Broke Into Tears'

Access Hollywood - September 24, 2009 10:02 AM PDT
Story photo: Cheryl Burke Talks 'Dancing's' Tribute To Patrick Swayze: 'I Almost Broke Into Tears'Cheryl Burke and Tony Dovolani recreate the Johnny and Baby 'Dirty Dancing' number as part of a 'Dancing With the Stars' tribute to Patrick Swayze, Sept. 23, 2009 ABCAccess Hollywood

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- "Dancing With the Stars" paid an emotional tribute to late actor Patrick Swayze on Wednesday night and even the professionals who recreated some of the late actor's most memorable performances were moved.

"It was an honor to be able to pay tribute to Patrick Swayze," professional Cheryl Burke told Access Hollywood's "DWTS" guest correspondent La Toya Jackson following last night's elimination show, which saw Ashley Hamilton and Macy Gray's departure.

VIEW THE PHOTOS: 'Dancing With The Stars' Season 9: Week 1 Highlights

Cheryl danced the Baby part from "Dirty Dancing" with fellow pro Tony Dovolani doing Patrick Swayze's Johnny moves. Their performance to "(I've Had) The Time Of My Life" from the film left more than just the audience choked up.

"It actually... I almost broke into tears towards the end," she revealed of her emotions during the number. "I had to hold it in 'cause I had to do this big lift at the end and I was literally, I think like when I came down... my eyes started to water. It just really touched my heart."

VIEW THE PHOTOS: A Look Back: Remembering Patrick Swayze

Patrick was an early supporter of "Dancing With the Stars" and although her path never crossed with the actor's, Cheryl said he left a big impression.

"Patrick Swayze, I never met him, but you know, he was such a great man and such a great influence," she said.

And Cheryl's partner, Tom DeLay, who made it through to dance another week, was floored by Cheryl's "Dirty Dancing" tribute.

VIEW THE PHOTOS: Hot Shots Of 'Dancing' Superstar Cheryl Burke

"It was spectacular," he said. "She's good at every time she dances and she's so precious, but when she did that jump and that lift it was just, it was, it was brought tears to everybody's eyes."

Patrick, who was 57, died on September 14 after a long battle with cancer.

Related Content from AccessHollywood.com:
PLAY IT NOW: 'Dancing' Recap: Ashley Hamilton & Macy Gray Get The Boot (September 23, 2009)
PLAY IT NOW: 'Dancing With The Stars:' It's Ladies Night (September 23, 2009)

MORE ACCESS ON THESE TOPICS: Dancing With the Stars - Cheryl Burke - Patrick Swayze - Reality TV - TV

comments

comments

  • trooper
    When I was watching the tribute too Patrick Swayze on Dancing with the stars. I had too hold my tears back because Patrick was not only a good dancer and actor. Patrick was a true icon. R.I.P. Patrick
    report abuseposted September 26, 2009 1:42 PM PDT
  • E C
    It was a nice tribute, but i must say, Patrick's version of the Time of my Life last dance in Dirty Dancing cannot be topped, even by the DWTS pros.
    report abuseposted September 25, 2009 9:21 AM PDT
  • Pandora
    Nice job Cheryl and Tony. It was a lovely tribute to Patrick. The movie is a classic and he'll never be gone while people continue to watch that movie. Thank you for your performance, the pro dancers are wonderful to watch, but this night was very special.
    report abuseposted September 24, 2009 10:42 AM PDT
  • Lindsay
    It was a wonderful tribute! Very touching! And the professional dancers did a fantastic job!
    report abuseposted September 24, 2009 10:08 AM PDT

Post A Comment

sign in to post a comment.

sign in

Help us to improve! - Send Your Suggestions