Patrick Swayze's Career Moves Forward

Despite Actor's Cancer Diagnosis, A&E Says His Pilot Could Still Be Picked Up

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March 6, 2008

(CBS)  Despite a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, actor Patrick Swayze's career is not slowing down.

"Patrick recently completed two feature films: 'Jump!' and 'Powder Blue,' which do not have release dates at this time," the actor's publicist told The ShowBuzz. "In addition, Patrick recently completed filming an A&E pilot 'The Beast,' which is in contention to become one of the new drama series on the network."

A&E released a statement confirming that the pilot could be picked up, "however at this time all of our thoughts are solely with Patrick and his family. We are all wishing for a speedy recovery to a truly gifted actor."

The star of such movies as "Dirty Dancing" and "Ghost" is currently undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer, but his physician shot down rumors that the actor is near death.

"Patrick has a very limited amount of disease and he appears to be responding well to treatment thus far," said Swayze's physician, Dr. George Fisher. "All of the reports stating the timeframe of his prognosis and his physical side effects are absolutely untrue. We are considerably more optimistic."

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Photos: Patrick Swayze

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"Patrick is continuing his normal schedule during this time, which includes working on upcoming projects," added his publicist, Annett Wolf. "The outpouring of support and concern he has already received from the public is deeply appreciated by Patrick and his family."

Swayze, 55, was diagnosed with the illness a month ago.

According to the National Pancreas Foundation, the disease is almost always fatal.

A professional dancer before pursuing his movie career, Swayze was nominated for a Golden Globe for "Dirty Dancing," and for his work opposite Demi Moore in "Ghost." His other movies include "Roadhouse" and "To Wong Foo With Love, Julie Newmar."

Whoopi Goldberg, who starred opposite Swayze in "Ghost," credits the actor for helping her land the Oscar-winning role of Oda Mae Brown.

"When I won my Academy Award, the only person I really thanked was Patrick," Goldberg recalled Thursday on the ABC daytime talk show "The View."

Chosen as 1991's Sexiest Man Alive by People magazine, Swayze has been married to Lisa Niemi for 32 years.

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