This picture from 2005

How sad is this news?  Patrick Swayze lost his battle with pancreatic cancer at the age of 57.  His rep released this statement:

“Patrick Swayze passed away peacefully today with family at his side after facing the challenges of his illness for the last 20 months,“

Patrick continued working on his series ‘The Beast‘ even when undergoing chemotherapy.  His brother, Don, referred to him in his fight with the disease as a ‘warrior’.

He met his wife Lisa Niemi at his mom’s dance studio in Houston, Texas.  They had been married 32.  He credited his wife as his inspiration for his roles in The Outsiders (1983), Dirty Dancing (1987) and Ghost (1990).

Despite chemotheraphy being ‘hell on wheels’ Patrick told the New York Times in 2008:

“There is probably that little bird that flies through your insides and says, ‘I sure would like to make a mark in life,’” he said. “I’ve made a pretty decent mark so far – nothing to scoff at. But it does make you think: Wait a minute. There’s more I want to do. Lots more. Get on with it.”

Our sincerest condolences to his family.