The world received sad news on Monday when it was reported that actor Patrick Swayze had lost his long battle with pancreatic cancer. Patrick’s family was at his side.
Patrick was a three-time Golden Globe nominated actor, dancer, and singer/songwriter. He is probably best known for being the romantic lead in the movies, “Dirty Dancing” and “Ghost.” He also had a starring role in the TV series, “North and South.”
According to Broadway World, Patrick’s first professional job was in Disney on Parade where he put his dancing skills to use. On Broadway, Patrick starred as Danny Zuko in the musical, Grease. In 2006, Patrick made his London stage debut in Guys and Dolls
Patrick’s peers from Hollywood and Broadway have been reacting to the news of his death. Jennifer Grey, his co-star in “Dirty Dancing” said:
“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. … Patrick was a rare and beautiful combination of raw masculinity and amazing grace.”
Whoopi Goldberg talked of Patrick on The View. She stated that because of Patrick, she won an Academy Award. She was visibly upset on the show as she remembered him.
I will always remember “Dirty Dancing.” I saw it so many times I could almost say the lines with the actors.
But, when I think of Patrick Swayze, I think of “Ghost” and the beautiful song Unchained Melody. I am so glad that Clay Aiken likes the song too. His rendition of the song is vulnerable, yet full of passion. No one can sing it better.
There are two videos to see attached to this article. The first is of Clay singing Unchained Melody at a Benefit Concert for David Foster’s Charity. The second video is Clay’s part in the AFI – 100 Songs from the movies. Clay recalls his memories of the movie “Ghost” and his love of Unchained Melody.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AZHYG2AiNY
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUUzhRJnC7g
Nice article about Patrick. May he rest in peace. What a hard battle he fought…
He and his wife had such a wonderful marriage, that you never saw anything about them in the tabloids. A rare find today. They tried very hard to keep a private life…as it should be.
One can't help but think of Clay, when you hear Unchained Melody, especially in the movie "Ghost". Of course the Righteous Brothers original version is fantastic, but over the years I have heard Clay sing it, and it just grabs my heart…and the glory note….wait for it…wait for it…just absolutely gives me chills. Amazing
My heart goes out to the Swayze family at this difficult time…He will be greatly missed. Patrick was a strong willed man, with a good heart, with family values. (sound familiar?)
Hugs,
Judy
I will so miss Patrick, but I still have Clay Aiken
RIP Patrick Swazye. He will be missed by so many, but his memory will remain strong. Ghost and Dirty Dancing are both movies on my list of "never can watch to often".
Clay Aiken singing Unchained Melody is the best rendition ever. The passion and beauty of it top them all.
I was so saddened to see that Patrick Swazye had passed away from Pancreatic Cancer. He led a long battle against the disease, but, as I know, because my husband passed away from the same thing, you usually go in a matter of a few months. He was a wonderful dancer and actor. I do believe that I watched Dirty Dancing quite a number of times. May he Rest In Peace.
I loved that Clip about The l00 Movies Of All Time. I remember waiting on pins and needles when I knew that Clay would be in it. I love the original Unchained Melody…but when Clay sings it I am a goner. I just love that Glory Note.
Like Clay, there was something about Patrick Swayze that made him special. He will leave a hole in many heart.
I never get tired of listening to Clay's voice and I never get tired of watching Dirty Dancing or Ghost.
I loved Dirty Dancing and Ghost so much, and I could watch them over and over again. Also, I love Unchained Melody sung by The Righteous Brothers and Clay Aiken singing it.
RIP Patrick Swayze.
Patrick Swayze was an amazing man – on both a professional level and in his personal life. The world has lost an amazing talent and a true gentleman of character.
(BTW – that is my favorite Unchained Melody ever – I could watch Clay singing it over and over and over again, and just may)
CANN thank you for the Patrick Swayze tribute today. He will be missed.
I was so sad to hear of Patrick's passing. One of the sexiest men ever and a great dancer. He seemed to be an all around good guy, too. He will be missed.
Was sadden to learn of Patrick's passing–loved him so much in Dirty Dancing.
Enjoyed the video of Clay singing UM at the David Foster event. My favorite song sung by my favorite singer.