Patrick Swayze dead at 57

The iconic film actor succumbed to his battle with cancerÂ…

07:36 15 September 2009

Patrick Swayze, iconic star of film and television, has died aged 57, his publicist has confirmed.

Annett Wolf stated that the US actor, who had been battling pancreatic cancer for nearly two years, died with his family at his side on Monday.

Swayze was diagnosed with advanced stage four pancreatic cancer in January 2008.

Since being diagnosed with the disease, the actor had been starring in US TV show 'The Beast'.

Wolf told the Associated Press: "Patrick Swayze passed away peacefully today with family at his side after facing the challenges of his illness for the last 20 months."

The star had planned to write a memoir; at what stage this was up to prior to his death is unknown.

Jennifer Grey, who found fame alongside Swayze in 'Dirty Dancing', said in a statement: "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.

"He was fearless and insisted on always doing his own stunts, so it was not surprising to me that the war he waged on his cancer was so courageous and dignified."

Rob Lowe, who also starred with Swayze in 'Youngblood', said: "Patrick lived a thousand lifetimes in one lifetime. He was an expert dancer, he wrote hit songs, he starred in hit movies, he was an amazing horseman.

"But the thing I will remember him most for was his amazing love affair with his wife Lisa."

Demi Moore has also paid tribute to her co-star in the hit film 'Ghost', saying: "Patrick you are loved by so many and your light will forever shine in all of our lives. I love and will miss you Patrick."

In January, Swayze admitted he might only have two years to live, but denied he was near death.

In a poignant US TV interview, he admitted he was "scared" and that his body was "going through hell".

He told TV interviewer Barbara Walters: "Am I dying? Am I giving up? Am I on my death bed? Am I saying goodbye to people? No way. I keep dreaming of a future, a future with a long and healthy life, not lived in the shadow of cancer but in the light."

Swayze picked up his first Golden Globe nomination in 1988 for 'Dirty Dancing' and was nominated for two more during his career.

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most powerful forms of cancer. Medical experts tend to state that it has a 5% five-year survival rate.