Patrick Swayze Dies at 57

Patrick Swayze passed away today after a year and a half long battle with pancreatic cancer. Swayze, best known for starring in the blockbuster films "Dirty Dancing" and "Ghost," died at his L.A. home with his wife, Lisa Niemi, at his side. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer early in 2008 and went on to film a final television series, the police drama "The Beast," while undergoing chemotherapy. A publicist for Swayze confirmed the death of the actor, the Associated Press reported today.

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Patrick Wayne Swayze (pronounced /ˈsweɪziː/; August 18, 1952 – September 14, 2009) was an American actor, dancer and singer-songwriter. He was best-known for his roles as romantic leading men in the films Dirty Dancing and Ghost and as Orry Main in the North and South television miniseries. He was listed by People magazine as its "Sexiest Man Alive" in 1991.

Diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer in January 2008, Swayze told Barbara Walters a year later that he was "kicking it". However, he died from the disease on September 14, 2009. His last role was the lead in an A&E TV series, The Beast, which premiered on January 15, 2009. However, due to a prolonged decline in health, Swayze was unable to promote the series, and on June 15, 2009, Entertainment Tonight reported that the show had been canceled.