Patrick Swayze and wife Lisa Niemi
Patrick Swayze passed away this afternoon after a nearly two year long struggle with pancreatic cancer. After being diagnosed in January 2008, Swayze underwent chemotherapy, which he initially responded well to. However, in early 2009 it was confirmed that the cancer had metastasized to his liver. According to Swayze’s publicist Annett Wolf, the actor “passed away peacefully… with family at his side.”
Swayze, who is best known for his roles in Dirty Dancing and Ghost, had a long running acting career in movies, television, and numerous Broadway appearances. He was nominated for Golden Globes three times throughout his acting career. Swayze was also a talented dancer, having attended both the Harkness Ballet and Joffrey ballet schools in New York City.
Swayze was unable to promote his latest project, the A&E show The Beast, due to his illness. Though Swayze’s performance was highly praised, the show as cancelled in June.
Swayze leaves behind his wife of 34 years, Lisa Niemi. The couple had no children.
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Another talented star gone. May he rest in peace and may his death be an inspiration in finding a cure for pancreatic cancer. As he said earlier this year “I want to last until they find a cure, which means I’d better get a fire under it.”