Swayze Praised by Celebs, Friends and Fans

Former Co-Stars Saddened by Actor's Death from Pancreatic Cancer

(CBS/ AP)  Celebrities and fans inspired by Patrick Swayze's struggle with pancreatic cancer are expressing their condolences upon his death.

Swayze, known for such hit films as "Dirty Dancing" and "Ghost" succumbed to his illness yesterday in Los Angeles at the age of 57.

"Patrick was a rare and beautiful combination of raw masculinity and amazing grace, gorgeous and strong, he was a real cowboy with a tender heart," Jennifer Grey, Swayze's co-star in "Dirty Dancing," told "Entertainment Tonight."

"Patrick lived a thousand life times in one life," actor Rob Lowe said of Swayze.

C. Thomas Howell, who co-starred with Swayze in "The Outsiders," "Grandview U.S.A." and "Red Dawn" says he's always had a special place in his heart for Patrick. Howell says "it was our passion for horses that forged a friendship between us that I treasure to this day."

Read the full obituary for Patrick Swayze

Others used Twitter to express their sadness.

Demi Moore, who played Swayze's fiancee in "Ghost," writes: "Patrick you are loved by so many and your light will forever shine in all of our lives."

"It solidified him as a star," Bradley Jacobs of US Weekly magazine said of Swayze's role in "Ghost." Jacobs told CBS' "The Early Show" Tuesday that Swayze was not initially considered for a part in the film, but was so moved by the script that he auditioned six times until he received the starring role.

Larry King wrote of the late actor: "Patrick Swayze was a wonderful actor & a terrific guy. He put his heart in everything. He was an extraordinary fighter in his battle w Cancer." King adds that he'll do a tribute to Swayze on his CNN program tonight.

Swayze was married since 1975 to Lisa Niemi, a fellow dancer who took lessons with Swayze's mother, a choreographer; they met when he was 19 and she was 15.

Photo Essay: Patrick Swayze, 1952-2009

[heaven4sure]

We join so many others around the world in mourning the loss of a great actor - Patrick Swayze. We extend our condolences to his family. Earlier, Mr. Swayze had expressed his fear over how the battle with cancer would end. If you would like to read some of the statements Swayze made in an interview with Barbara Walters and compare it to the statements of a man like Paul Prins who fought the same battle at the same time, copy and paste this link into your browser:

http://www.heaven4sure.com/MeandGodQuestions/LifeLessons/tabid/58/ctl/ArticleView/mid/387/articleId/561/Battling-Cancer-Patrick-Swayze-is-Scared-Paul-Prins-is-Not.aspx

[ajc1952]

What a great loss. Even though I didn't know Patrick personally, I also feel a sadness and loss for his passing. He was a good man through and through. The world will miss you Patrick. My condolences to his family and friends!

[momofdaisy]

Rest in Peace. Sincere condolences to his wife, Lisa and his family. No one will love him or miss him like you do.

[candy-apple13]

"Next of Kin" with Liam Neeson. One of my favorites!

[ed_c_in_ok]

Patrick was a Man's Man and a positive role model. Life rushes by so quickly. Too many are being taken too soon.

Yet another example of how private sector healthcare has missed the mark. When the focus is allowed to remain on the bottom line rather than in search of a resolve, such a system's priorities must be examined and redirected.
Because of President Kennedy's commitment in 1961, the government successfully placed a man on the moon within 10 years. That was 40 years ago. Yet we still have not found the cure for so many diseases like this.

It's time Barack Obama makes a commitment to America that through his Healthcare program, we will find an affordable cure for cancer within the next ten years. This kind of senseless neglect must end now.

Peace be with you Patrick.


He seemed to always have a reasonbly healthy ego and never became too full of himself as many of the beautiful people do, if they reach extreme celebrity status.

[GetAGrip007]

"it's great you to take the love with you"... 'Ghost'
May you rest in sweet sweet peace Patrick.

[pickaguitar1]

I wouldn't leave him alone with my kids but he was a good actor in a few movies

[GetAGrip007]

what the he11 are you talking about?

[erasmus111]

by pickaguitar1 September 15, 2009 2:08 PM EDT
I wouldn't leave him alone with my kids but he was a good actor in a few movies


I think you should have stuck with your "RIP". : )

[ampsanne]

Patrick, I wish we could have seen you in more movies. You were a number one star and to me stood above the rest. May you rest in peace and know the world is in mourning over your death.

[momofthreebo]

We lost a great man. You will be missed. My thoughts & prayers are with your family.

[ferriskitty]

I would also like to extend my deepest sympathies to Lisa and the rest of Patrick's family at this difficult time. I have danced since I was two years old and Patrick has always been an idol. I was teaching tap when I learned of this great loss and it just broke my heart. The dance/ art world has suffered greatly this year, but none that will soon be forgotten. Patrick said it best in Dirty Dancing. "I've had the time of my life..." and he really did with such great accomplishments on and off the screen. Patrick will always be in my heart. Please accept my blessings and prayers for those he left behind. To Lisa, you have been blessed with the greatest dance partner and soul mate one could ever hope to have I loved watching you dance together. There was such a magical, electrifying connection everytime you stepped out on the floor to dance. R.I.P. Patrick may you dance with the greats now up in heaven for the Lord and the angels. There will never be another hottie like you.

[credibility2]

We'll miss this genuine talent and kindhearted person. God bless him and comfort his family and friends during this difficult time.

[inmom63]

Here was a man who was married over three decades to the same woman...no scandals...no tantrums. Just seemingly a great guy. Should be more like him. I doubt he ever took his celebrity for granted. He will be so missed.

[gladwynbott]

I'm shocked to hear that he passed away this morning as he was a man that i really appreciated not only as an actor but with an excellent health and fitness, talented in dancing and specially in taikwondo.

This make us realised that even we are healthy we are all weak to cancer..
May him rest in peace and my condelences to his family

[timping1]

Point Break! One of my favorite movies of all time. Swayze went out fighting in a dignified manner. He was a great person.

[stinger1z]

Wolverines!!! Great actor, another one lost way too early. 2009 has taken far too much talent away from us.

[eastcoastman]

rest in peace patrick swayze...its in gods hands from here!

[eastcoastman]

i met patrick swayze in a burger king in early 90's in daytona beach after he did a show a ocean center...his bus pulled in and it was late,the store was closing.but they let them all in to grab something..patrick signed an autograph and was the most pleasnt person to talk to.he came across as he did not mind talking to anybody,no matter who you were..really down to earth humble nice guy...i relate because my step father found out he has stage four cancer like a few months behind swayze...and i see the pain,suffering,hardship it is for people first hand...same with fara faucet...cancer is such a horrible life killer...we gotta find a cure....i personally think its in the foods we eat everyday..more has to be done by goverment on regulations on our food products!

[avigil2]

Uh... that would be Farrah Fawcett my friend.

[dragontek]

Great Person
loved his gritty performance in 'Point Break' will be missed.

[ladyraestewa]

Patrick Swayze is a true hero. He was a fine actor but he was a finer man. Whenever his name was mentioned in the press it was always something positive. It wasn't photographs of him cheating on his wife, getting into trouble, getting arrested. The majority of the celebrity pukes can learn a big lesson from the example Mr. Swayze set. He will be missed for more than his fine acting.

[talcoolone]

He preceeds us into heaven. You will be missed Patrick!