Actor Patrick Swayze died on September 14, 2009, at the age of 57.http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/09/15/2686147.htm Swayze battled pancreatic cancer for nearly two years before his death.
Swayze's biography titled The Time Of My Life, written by him and his wife Lisa Niemi, was released in late September of 2009.Suite 101: Patrick Swayze Time of My Life Book Release (September 22, 2009)
Previous Death Rumors
Early unconfirmed reports surfaced on May 19, 2009, that actor Patrick Swayze had passed away as a result of pancreatic cancer at the age of 57.Buzz Newsroom: Patrick Swayze is Dead at 57 (May 19, 2009) His rep later reported to People Magazine that the actor was still alive and was "responding to treatment."People: Rep Denies Patrick Swayze Death Rumor (May 19, 2009) The National Enquirer featured a supposed photo of Swayze looking very frail weighing only 105 pounds.
Swayze's representatives confirmed news of his cancer on March 5, 2008, and at the time, his physician was optimistic about his chances of recovery.MSNBC: Patrick Swayze has pancreatic cancer (March 5, 2008) It was later discovered that the cancer had spread to his liver and his chances of survival decreased.News.com: Swayze "says Goodbye" (November 28, 2008)
Pancreatic Cancer Statistics
Patients suffering from pancreatic cancer are said to generally have a poor prognosis of survival. Only 13% of patients diagnosed with the disease are still alive after one year and only 3% are alive after five years.BBC News: Patient helps pioneer CyberKnife (July 13, 2009) Swayze was diagnosed with the disease in early 2008.Fox: Patrick Swayze Diagnosed With Pancreatic Cancer (March 6, 2008)
Patrick Swayze Fast Facts
- Full name: Patrick Wayne Swayze
- Irish and Apache descent
- Born: August 18, 1952
- Birthplace: Houston, Texas
- Brought up a Roman Catholic
- Attended: San Jacinto College, where he studied gymnastics
- Attended: Harkness Ballet and Joffrey ballet schools
- Licensed pilot
- Younger brother is actor Don Swayze
- Was in the Broadway production of Grease before making his film debut
- Two time Golden Globe nominee for his roles in Dirty Dancing and Ghost
- Married to Lisa Niemi
References
Fast Facts
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Diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in late January 2008
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Swayze's reps confirmed that Swayze had pancreatic cancer in early March 2008
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Swayze's physician was said to have initially thought his chances of recovery were good
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The cancer spread to his liver decreasing his chances of surviving
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Rumors surfaced on May 19, 2009, that Patrick Swayze had died
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Swayze had been undergoing chemotherapy at the Stanford University Medical Center
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The National Enquirer featured a photo of a supposed Swayze down to 105 pounds
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Died on September 14, 2009, at the age of 57
