Actor Patrick Swayze has passed away after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Very sad news. He was best known for his roles in hit films Dirty Dancing and Ghost, and I was shocked (but sadly not surprised…) when I read the news early this morning when I arrived at the office. He was a great actor and a great dancer too, his films are among my favorites.

In March 2008 he announced he was suffering from an especially deadly form of cancer but he continued working despite the diagnosis; he was an extraordinary fighter in his battle with cancer.

Swayze told ABC’s Barbara Walters in early 2009: “I’d say five years is pretty wishful thinking. Two years seems likely if you’re going to believe statistics. I want to last until they find a cure, which means I’d better get a fire under it.” He fought as long as he could, but still no cure for cancer…

Thanks for what you did and for what you were. A great human being.

R.I.P Patrick Swayze.