Actor Patrick Swayze has passed away this evening, after a battle with Pancreatic Cancer. Swayze, who first skyrocketed to fame in the movie “Dirty Dancing” and later alongside Demi More in “Ghost”, had been coping with the disease for the last 20 months.
His publicist, Annett Wolf, released a statement earlier today which stated “Patrick Swayze passed away peacefully today with family at his side after facing the challenges of his illness for the last 20 months”.

Swayze also starred in Red Dawn, Young Blood, Point Break, Road House, and many other great movies. Fans around the world have flocked to social networks and micro-blogging services to join the discussion and express their sadness.

His condition was made public back in 2008 when a CAT scan and several tests confirmed the disease. Initial reports only gave the actor a few weeks to live, which later fueled a mass media following involving many Tabloids speculating over his death and final arrangements. Swayze himself acknowledged that time might be running out due to the nature of the disease, but during an interview with Barbara Walters had expressed a strong spirit to fight and beat it.

We add our voice to the messages of condolence to his family and friends. He was 57.