After the sad news that Patrick Swayze, Dirty Dancing star and acting legend, died today after almost two years battling cancer, his reps have issued an official statement regarding the loss of a beloved icon.
“Patrick Swayze passed away peacefully today with family at his side after facing the challenges of his illness for the last 20 months,” his reps said in a statement to OK!.
Patrick was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in January 2008. His publicist says he died with his family at his side.
In addition to his unforgettable role as Johnny in Dirty Dancing, he was the star of such movies as Ghost and Road House.
Most recently he was the lead in the A&E TV series The Beast.
Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time.
My deepest condolesces to the whole Swayze family and especially to his wife Lisa Niemi. Although he battled against the disease bravely he must have known that in the end it will take the better of him. I admired Patrick for years and loved his movies - especially Ghost. It´s one of my favorite movies. Since I´m from Finland I also admire Lisa a lot. She has Finnish roots and no matter how much she is hurting right now her Finnish heritance sure will help her a lot. We Finns are tough and can deal with everything with this special strenght. She lost a husband she loved for many years and with whom she should have grown old. Right now she sure feels that there´s no reason to live but in time she´ll get over that sorrow. It never goes away completely and it shouldn´t. We never forget those loved-ones who´ve passed away. They live in our memories forever.
rip patrick, you were one a kind! i pray for Lisa, she made him incrediably happy and thats all you can really ask for. please donate to cure this awful disease called cancer, that has taken millions of lves!!!!
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September 15, 2009
Patrick demonstrated grace, determination, committment, professionalism and dignity throughout his life as a human being and as a talented dancer & actor. I, as the majority will mourn his passing and enjoy the films and all that he has left for the world to enjoy. They have all been gifts for us to enjoy.
My deepest sympathy to Lisa, whom they shared their love, hopes, dreams, life, their everything with… his brother, Mother ~ loved ones, friends and co-workers.
Lisa, going through cancer(4), surgeries, chemo etc…I do understand the hell that you both have endured and continued to press on. I have the utmost respect and admiration for how you both have handled this most difficult Last Dance. My heart breaks for your loss of your life dance partner. Thank you for the support and rock he would have needed through this…you were meant to be.
Patrick, you touched many, thank you.
Your footprint has been left in my heart…
talk about sexy!! WOW! I was soo praying that he’d beat it although the sastatics said he wouldn’t. RIP Mr. Swayze. YOU WILL BE SOO VERY MISSED!!!