15 seconds ago 2009-11-22T16:50:17-08:00
Patrick Swayze attends the world premiere of 'Rocky Balboa' at Grauman's Chinese Theater, Los Angeles, December 13, 2006Getty ImagesAccess Hollywood
LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- After a long battle with cancer, actor Patrick Swayze has died, Access Hollywood has learned.
Swayze was 57.
VIEW THE PHOTOS: A Look Back: Remembering Patrick Swayze
A publicist for the actor confirmed the news to Access Hollywood on Monday.
"Patrick Swayze passed away peacefully today with family at his side after facing the challenges of his illness for the last 20 months," Swayze's publicist said in a statement to Access.
VIEW THE PHOTOS: Sudden Endings: Stars Who Died Too Soon
The actor was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer in January 2008 and underwent chemotherapy, but went on with his work, taking on a grueling schedule to play FBI agent Charles Barker in A&E drama "The Beast" - the series was canceled in June 2009.
In July 2009, the actor's rep issued a statement to Access Hollywood dispelling a tabloid report that the "Dirty Dancing" star had suffered a heart attack.
"He's well," the rep said at the time. "He's continuing his treatment and doing very well, actually. Contrary to reports, he did not suffer a heart attack and has even gained a little weight."
VIEW THE PHOTOS: Patrick Swayze Filmography
A year before his death, Swayze participated in the "Stand Up To Cancer" telecast in September 2008, telling audiences, "I dream that the word 'cure' will no longer be followed by the words, 'It's impossible.'"
In January 2009, despite waging a brave battle against the disease, he told Barbara Walters in an ABC interview that he had "a lot of fear."
"It tests everything I believe in," he said. "I like to believe that I've got a lot of guardian warriors sittin' on my shoulder."
And in February, Atria Books announced that Patrick would be penning a memoir with the help of wife Lisa Niemi, detailing everything from his early days to his "brave fight" against cancer. It is unknown if the book has been finished.
In March, he responded to rumors that his health was failing with the news that he had started a new chemotherapy and called himself "one of the lucky ones" who was responding to the treatment.
Swayze was born on August 18, 1952, in Houston, Texas, and was best known for his leading roles in film hits, such as "Dirty Dancing" and "Ghost," for which he was nominated for a Golden Globe.
The actor trained as a dancer at the Harkness Ballet and Joffrey Ballet schools before entering the worlds of Broadway, television and film, an experience that served him well in his breakthrough role as a dance instructor in "Dirty Dancing," where he co-starred alongside Jennifer Grey.
His biggest hit was 1990's "Ghost," with Demi Moore and Whoopi Goldberg, which earned over $200 million at the box office.
In 1991, he scored another hit with action film "Point Break" and was named People magazine's "Sexiest Man Alive."
His final role came in 2009 in the straight-to-DVD film "Powder Blue," in which he played an aging rock star alongside Jessica Biel, Forest Whitaker and his younger brother, Don Swayze.
Related Content from AccessHollywood.com:
PLAY IT NOW: Remembering Patrick Swayze (1952 - 2009)
PLAY IT NOW: Access Archives: Patrick Swayze Talks Black Dog (1998)
MORE ACCESS ON THESE TOPICS: Patrick Swayze - Deaths - Movies - TV - Celebrities
comments
-
moni huq- dhakaEverything here is more thrilling, i love to visit such places, i love beauty and emotional attraction of sex, this is vital part of earth, love you and all those who love you. Moni Huq dhaka +88 01714001584report abuseposted October 15, 2009 7:47 AM PDT
-
moni huq- dhakaEverything here is more thrilling, i love to visit such places, i love beauty and emotional attraction of sex, this is vital part of earth, love you and all those who love you. Moni Huq dhaka +88 01714001584report abuseposted October 15, 2009 7:47 AM PDT
-
moni huq- dhakaEverything here is more thrilling, i love to visit such places, i love beauty and emotional attraction of sex, this is vital part of earth, love you and all those who love you. Moni Huq dhaka +88 01714001584report abuseposted October 15, 2009 7:47 AM PDT
-
__A_YAHOO_USER__LOL,$99,Designer Luxury Handbags,search " Nice Luxury Bags " on google All products are 30%-70% off,only $99,get a luxury handbag as Louis Vuitton,Chanel,Gucci.etc.report abuseposted October 4, 2009 7:57 AM PDT
-
fgjyhkLOL.... search " ec4bag " on google to get the same designer bags with Karolina and Jessica. " ec4bag " is just for fashion ladies, wow! only $99-$199 Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci, Fendi, Coach, Miu Miu, Dior, Hermes, Chloe, Dolce & Gabbana, Valentino...report abuseposted October 3, 2009 6:31 PM PDT
-
GoldieRIP Patrick you are with the angels now take your wings and soar watch over your wife and family they hold you close to their hearts. god bless your family and may he hold them in his hands and help them heal in time.report abuseposted September 26, 2009 8:22 PM PDT
-
Etheli will miss patrick the movies i like best are dirty dancing and grost i will pray for his family and his wife i wonder does he have any kidsreport abuseposted September 24, 2009 9:17 PM PDT
-
that's so sad!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :(report abuseposted September 17, 2009 2:16 PM PDT
-
Brizzieit is so sad cause dirty dancing and ghost wer my favorite movies my prayers go out to his familyreport abuseposted September 17, 2009 6:51 AM PDT
-
KeoshaGOD BLESS THE WIFE AND KIDS AND THE REST OF THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND GIVE THEM THE STRENGTH TO GO ON. R.I.P PATRICKreport abuseposted September 17, 2009 5:27 AM PDT
Post A Comment
- GALLERY: On The Scene: Miley Cyrus Tour Bush Crash (Nov. 20, 2009)
- VIDEO: On The Scene: Miley Cyrus Tour Bus Crash (November 20, 2009)
- GALLERY: Big Hair! Wild Fashions! Oprah Winfrey Over The Years
- GALLERY: 'New Moon' Tour Takes The World By Storm
- VIDEO: Robert, Taylor & Kristen Hit The New York 'New Moon' Premiere (Part I)
RELATED ARTICLES
- International Emmys to honor David Frost
November 22, 2009 6:03 AM PST - Demi Moore On W Cover Controversy: 'I Don't Have Any Hips!'
November 19, 2009 4:43 PM PST - TV Guide Network to Air Dirty Dancing Marathon on Christmas
November 19, 2009 10:20 AM PST - Winfrey Interview with Palin Earns Show's Best Ratings in Two Years
November 18, 2009 5:30 PM PST - Sarah Palin: Katie Couric "Hadn't Done Her Homework" for Interview
November 17, 2009 6:30 AM PST
RELATED PHOTOS
RELATED VIDEOS
- the 411 (04:17)
- Regis Philbin in drag! Hoda Kotb is Yoda! (02:29)
- 'The View's' Vampire Frenzy (02:17)
- Stars celebrate Grace Kelly's style (01:51)
- Barbara And Sherri Let Loose On Jon And Kate Gosselin Drama (01:09)
Updates
Today
-
-
21 seconds ago 2009-11-22T16:50:11-08:00
-
26 seconds ago 2009-11-22T16:50:06-08:00
-
55 seconds ago 2009-11-22T16:49:37-08:00
-
1 minute ago 2009-11-22T16:49:15-08:00
-
1 minute ago 2009-11-22T16:48:58-08:00
comments