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Patrick Swayze, dead at 57, inspired a generation of ballroom dancing
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FILE - In this May 13, 2009 file photo originally released by WKT Public Relations, Patrick Swayze, left, and his wife Lisa Niemi pose with their dogs, poodle Lucas, left, and Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy Kumasai at their ranch in New Mexico. Swayze's publicist Annett Wolf says the 57-year-old "Dirty Dancing" actor died Monday, Sept. 14, 2009, after a nearly two-year battle with pancreatic cancer. (AP Photo/WKT Public Relations, Brian Braff)
Handsome leading man and three-time Golden Globe nominee Patrick Swayze has lost his valiant battle against pancreatic cancer. Swayze was recently photographed leaving Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in a wheelchair. The classically trained dancer was 57.
From his breakout role as Johnny Castle in “Dirty Dancing” to the time he dominated the silver screen as doomed stockbroker Sam Wheat in “Ghost,” Swayze was the man women wanted to bed and men wanted to emulate. He was honest enough to admit the effect of a heavy smoking habit on his illness. He also showed a tremendous amount of courage. Wife Lisa Niemi said he had just recently completed the audio version of his memoir entitled “The Time of My Life” a nod to the Oscar winning song from “Dirty Dancing.”
Ever optimistic and determined, Swayze stared terminal illness in the eye and vowed not to take any prisoners. After his grim diagnosis became public, Swayze and Niemi granted Barbara Walters a special interview, largely to dispel tabloid rumors of his imminent demise. At the time, he could still handle production of “The Beast,” a new A&E series. However, relentless tabloid fixation on his deteriorating physical condition eventually caught up with him. His show was axed after conclusion of its first season.
ABC will repeat the Barbara Walters Special “Patrick Swayze: Last Dance” Tuesday night at 10 p.m.
This Saturday afternoon, Lifetime will air his romantic comedy “Ghost” co-starring Demi Moore and Whoopi Goldberg. Later at 8:00 p.m., ABC Family will air the special edition of “Dirty Dancing” including never-before-seen footage. Once again, Swayze’s chiseled jaw and muscled physique will evoke the pitter-patter of young hearts. The movie that inspired a generation to embrace ballroom dancing serves as lasting testament to his ability to captivate an audience.
And no one ever looked so incredibly sexy soaking wet.
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