Patrick Swayze at 57

It came as a shock to the US entertainment industry. One of their respected and loved colleagues, Patrick SwayzePatrick Swayze, lost his battle to pancreatic cancer last Monday. He was 57 years old. For the past 20 months, he put a brave front. But eventually, he deteriorated in his home. The “Dirty Dancing” star became popular in the 1980s. His wife, Lisa Niemi, survives him.

Born in Texas, he became a sex symbol opposite Demi Moore in the 1990 romance “Ghost”. His movies, especially, Dirty Dancing, were watched worldwide. Stage 4 pancreatic cancer stole his vigor in January 2008. The cancer spread to his liver. Despite the sickness, he was passionate about his work. He surprised the world when he filmed a new television detective series called “The Beast”. Dirty Dancing exceeded expectations. Made from a modest budget, it was a great box-office hit.