Jennifer Grey, Demi Moore, Whoopi Goldberg and More Stars on Patrick Swayze's Passing
Sept. 15, 2009 — -- Moments after Patrick Swayze's publicist announced the 57-year-old "Dirty Dancing" star died Monday after a 20-month long battle with pancreatic cancer, celebrities started sharing their memories of the beloved actor.
Below, check out what Swayze's friends and colleagues, including Jennifer Grey, his "Dirty Dancing" co-star, and Demi Moore and Whoopi Goldberg, his "Ghost" co-stars, are saying in the wake of his death.
Watch the Barbara Walters Special "Patrick Swayze: Last Dance" Tuesday at 10 pm ET.
"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. When I think of him, I think of being in his arms when we were kids, dancing, practicing the lift in the freezing lake, having a blast doing this tiny little movie we thought no one would ever see. My heart goes out to his wife and childhood sweetheart, LisaNiemi, to his mom,Patsy, and to the rest of their family," Jennifer Grey, via her manager.
"Patrick you are loved by so many and your light will forever shine in all of our lives. In the words of Sam to Molly. 'It's amazing Molly. The love inside, you take it with you. I will miss you," Demi Moore, via People.com.
"Patrick was a really good man, a funny man and one to whom I owe much that I can't ever repay. I believe in 'Ghost's' message, so he'll always be near," Whoopi Goldberg, via People.com.
"He fought the bravest battle and sadly lost. My heart goes out to his wonderful Lisa, his wife and soulmate for 34 years," Barbara Walters, via ABC News.
"Patrick Swayze was a talented and passionate artist who struck a memorable chord with audiences throughout the world. He played a wide range of characters both on stage and in movies and his celebrated performances made the hard work of acting look effortless -- which I know from experience is not easy. As a fan and as an actor, I admired Patrick and I know that he will be dearly missed. On behalf of all Californians, Maria and I send our deepest condolences to Patrick's family, friends and fans," Arnold Schwarzenegger, via the California Governor's Press Office.
"I have always had a special place in my heart for Patrick. While I was fortunate enough to work with him in three films, it was our passion for horses that forged a friendship between us that I treasure to this day. Not only did we lose a fine actor today, I lost my older 'Outsiders' brother. My heart goes out to not only his entire family, but all his fans as well," C. Thomas Howell, who acted with Swayze in "The Outsiders," "Red Dawn" and "Grandview, U.S.A.," via Usmagazine.com.
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