American actor Patrick Swayze dies at age 57

September 15, 2009 Singer, songwriter and actor Patrick Swayze died on Monday after a long battle with pancreatic cancer at the age of 57.

Swayze was born Patrick Wayne Swayze on August 18, 1952 in Houston, Texas, USA. He starred in the 1987 film Dirty Dancing, and also had a hit song from the movie with "She's Like The Wind", with Wendy Fraser, which was later covered by hip-hop artist Lumidee and R&B singer Tony Sunshine.

Swayze also starred in the 1990 film Ghost with Demi Moore. In addition to the two films, he starred in Road House with musician Jeff Healey.

In November 2008, Swayze wrapped taping on an A&E television drama The Beast, filmed in Chicago in summer 2008; he played FBI Agent Charles Barker. The Beast aired on January 15, 2009, and was canceled in June of that year.

Swayze is survived by his wife, Lisa Niemi — they had no children — and his brother, Don.