RIP Patrick Swayze

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2009, the Year of Celebrity Death, has claimed another victim: actor, dancer and singer-songwriter Patrick Swayze. 57 year old Swayze died after battling pancreatic cancer for almost 2 years.

Having been performing for the past 30 years, Swayze's filmography includes 40 movies. However, he will probably be best remembered for just 2 of his big screen efforts:



Together, the chick flick romantic dramas Dirty Dancing and Ghost established Swayze as one of the major movie heartthrobs of the late '80s and early '90s. Some may scoff at leaving such a "lightweight" cinematic legacy, but frankly I don't think it's a bad way to be remembered. Swayze was definitely in the hearts and minds of millions when he passed away. Goodbye to one of the nice guys!

Comments

MJenks said…
I chose to remember him for Red Dawn, which is so terrible, it's awesome. Plus, Road House fills that void in my life of ballet dancing and fighting movies that I think Hollywood just hasn't capitalized on enough.
4:17 PM
Pfangirl said…
Ah, both those movies were a bit before my time, and not exactly high on the viewing priority list of a little girl. But yes, I agree - Hollywood should definitely revive the ballet-combat movie! Obviously Road House and West Side Story weren't enough to kickstart the special sub-genre;)

Oh, as I think about it Swayze did have a small but potent role in Donnie Darko as well. That, and his work in Red Dawn, really earn him geek street cred.
9:29 AM
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