Patrick Swayze

Biography: When most people think of Patrick Swayze, the movie Dirty Dancing or Ghost pops to mind. Patrick was born in Houston, Texas, to Jesse Wayne and "Patsy" Yvonne Swayze. Patrick took up all types of dancing at a young age, and never dreamed of being in the movies. He got his first taste of the spot like when he was asked to perform as the Prince in "Disney on Parade," because he was also a figure skater. Shortly afterwards, Patrick joined the Eliot Feld Ballet Company, but that was short lived because of an old high school knee injury. Next, he turned to Broadway in such hits as Grease and West Side Story. His big break came when he appeared in The Outsiders. He's played everything from a bar bouncer, to a drag queen. His fame began to fade in the mid 90s and he can be seen here or there in guest roles in movie and TV shows.

In January of 2008, Patrick was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer that had also spread to other organs. On March 5, 2008, it was announced to his fans. In June 2008, Swayze was cast in The Beast for 13 one-hour episodes filming in the latter half of 2008 and premiering on A&E in 2009.

Bob DeBitetto, executive vice-president and general manager of A&E, referred to Swayze's cancer in the announcement: "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."

Patrick died on the 14th of September 2009 after a long battle with Pancreatic cancer. … Expand