Patrick Swayze To Start Work On New TV Drama

By Access HollywoodJune 7, 2008, 6:38 pm PDT

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Patrick Swayze will start work this summer on a new drama series for A&E.

Reports from Swayze, whose battle with pancreatic cancer was revealed earlier this year, and from his doctors were behind a decision by A&E and Sony Pictures Television, who are producing the show, to green light the production, the NY Times reported.

[ Access Archives: Patrick Swayze Talks 'Dirty Dancing' (1997) - Play it Now ]

"I can't wait to get to work on this," Swayze told the paper in an e-mail.

The drugs and experimental treatment Swayze has been undergoing have made going ahead with the project, where Swayze will play an FBI agent with a colorful past, possible according to Bob DeBitto, A&E's executive vice president and general manager.

[ Patrick Swayze Filmography - Check Out the Photos ]

"Obviously we've had candid conversations with him and his doctors, and we have a fairly high degree of expectation that Patrick will be good to work a full production schedule," DeBitto told the paper.

A&E were one day away from announcing "The Beast" in their primetime line up in March when Swayze gave them the news about his cancer diagnosis. The actor told producers and studio heads however, that he was determined to be fit enough to take on "The Beast" at a later date.

[ All Access: Patrick Swayze - TV ]

"He was very passionate about the role," Sony studio executive Jamie. Erlicht said. "He called us personally after he got the news and he told us: 'Guys, I have some horrible news. But if you can be patient and stand by me, I'm going to come back and do the show.' "

"He said: 'I'm in great condition. I'm a cowboy. I'm a dancer. I'll beat this,'" Sony executive Zack Van Amburg added.

[ Access Express: May 28, 2008 - Play it Now ]

The show will be shot in Chicago.

Swayze's doctors are in California, but will monitor him closely, with the aide of Chicago doctors, the Times reported.

[ Patrick Swayze - Check Out the Photos ]

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comments 1-10 of 1544  | newest | < newer | older > | oldest
  • you8fish
    I 'm very thrilled that your recovery is very positive, and that your come back is looking good for all of your fans and all those who support you and your family. We are looking forward to your programs on A&E channel It's like your movie "Ghost" You'll always be there in life. Alaskan Natives never forget our love ones and your one of them, be
    report abuseposted August 3, 2008, 1:33 am PDT
  • Tazmomma
    Hey Patrick, If U can, I'd like 2 know what made U go 2 the Doctors? Did U have some sign of cancer? or do U get check ups regularly? I know God WILL heal U just BELIEVE. God says by his stipes we ARE healed. If U do that U will B cancer free the rest of your life. I know my best friend was healed 1o yrs ago of cancer. God is still N the healing busness.
    report abuseposted June 11, 2008, 12:59 am PDT
  • Robert R
    "Now...I'm...at...the end of my life...and I owe all to smoking cigarettes...yes I swear it's true...and my next act will be dying for you!!! Still Laughing over this garbage...HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH
    report abuseposted June 10, 2008, 1:34 pm PDT
  • Poppy
    Patrick is one good-looking man. I saw him in Dirty Dancing and was swept away. I wish the best always for him.
    report abuseposted June 10, 2008, 7:29 am PDT
  • lelha5
    Get in there and do what you do best!!! We will all be watching!!!! God Bless you and Lisa.
    report abuseposted June 9, 2008, 5:16 pm PDT
  • Kun J
    The news about him is everywhere!! Even on the top sugar dating site ~~&&&***^^^UKSugarmommy~~##%^&*&^^CO m, there many famous rich stars seeking sugarbabies.
    report abuseposted June 9, 2008, 4:11 pm PDT
  • khickman49
    Patrick, all I can say is God Bless You, I pray that you are able to beat this cancer,, I feel that if anyone can, it will be you. You have done so much goood and have brought people so much joy... Please know that you are loved, and prayed for. You have brought so much joy. God loves you.....keep fighting...
    report abuseposted June 9, 2008, 3:41 pm PDT
  • iknowitall
    Reality bites.If someone knows the facts and chooses to ignore them,then they are spending there last days in pretend land.
    report abuseposted June 9, 2008, 3:15 pm PDT
  • JOJO
    way to go swayze,but give up the killer smokes.
    report abuseposted June 9, 2008, 2:59 pm PDT
  • DiamondGirl
    His positive outlook is awesome!! I hope the new show it a major success for him too....he deserves it!!
    report abuseposted June 9, 2008, 2:50 pm PDT
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