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September 15th, 2009
08:59 AM ET

Remembering Patrick Swayze

Actor and dancer Patrick Swayze has died of pancreatic cancer.
He was the star of such films as "Dirty Dancing" and "Red Dawn". Swayze was 57.

So what's your favorite Patrick Swayze movie moment?
Leave us a comment and we'll share some of them on the air in the CNN Newsroom, 11am-1pm ET.


Filed under: Josh Levs • Tony Harris
soundoff (48 Responses)
  1. Mike Armstrong TX.

    Theres been so many rich and famous people died this year that I lost count 2009 will be left known as the year of grief.

    September 15, 2009 at 9:16 am |
  2. bearyfun40

    I finally got to see dirty dancing for the first time , It is as good as all of his movie's. It is a sad day , he will be missed. God bless the family.

    September 15, 2009 at 9:55 am |
  3. Judy Hoffman

    Patrick Swayze has many memorable roles but I can't help think of his SNL "Chippendales" skit with Chris Farley. Hilarious!

    September 15, 2009 at 9:57 am |
  4. Bryice Thompson NC

    Roadhouse! Love that movie, his favorite of mine.

    September 15, 2009 at 9:58 am |
  5. Barry Olen

    I was an extra on Dirty Dancing during the scene at the dance competition and got the pleasure to meet Partick and his standard poodle. We got there at the set in North Carolina at mid day and were on the set until 3am in the pouring rain. Jennifer Gray was having trouble with the routine and he was so patient and for me it meant that I would be able to watch him dance for longer. He was great!
    Barry
    Asheville, NC

    September 15, 2009 at 10:01 am |
  6. Carrie Pheiffer

    I loved Patrick in "To Wong Foo,thanks for everything. Julie Newmar." It always makes me smile. He had a line about always remembering to mousturize. I think of that every time I put on my face lotion. my heart is heavy today. He will be missed.

    September 15, 2009 at 10:06 am |
  7. Lauri

    It seems that in listing all his work, everyone seems to have forgotten his leading role in the Mini Series of John Jakes' "North and South". This is a terrible loss to the entertainment industry.

    September 15, 2009 at 10:15 am |
  8. Carroll

    I don't see the big deal. He was just another (white) actor who has past on...

    September 15, 2009 at 10:27 am |
  9. Vicki Klander

    This news was a shock even though we knew it was coming. God bless his wife Lisa and his entire family. To myself and my family he will always be known as "Buddy Swayze", We were Dirty Dancing at a very early age in my parents living room. I've been dancing my entire life and I can say no one did it better than Buddy! Although I was in class with brother Donnie all the way back to Katherine Smith Elementary , my oldest Brother, "Bubba" was in class with Buddy . Rest in Peace to an incredible dancer, friend, cohart and the best of men. We all have our memories and for me and my family they are all good. The Sparks Family

    September 15, 2009 at 10:33 am |
  10. Elaine Levenseller

    Words cannot express the sadness that I and so many of Patrick's fans are feeling today. I watched him in earlier movies but Dirty Dancing was the movie that made so many of us women wish we could dance like Jennifer and be in her shoes for an hour or so. I have watched Dirty Dancing so much I had to go out and purchase another one. My husband and I watched the full series of the Beast, which showed us that if you want something bad enough you will find a way to do it. Patrick our thoughts today are with you, your beautiful wife, your family and all your fans who loved you so much.
    Thank-you for such beautiful memories.

    September 15, 2009 at 10:42 am |
  11. Charles Kopack

    Patrick was able to play such a variety of roles with such flair. It's hard to pick just one. I think that he summed up his attitude of life with the line from "Roadhouse" when he said "It's my way or the highway". He seemed to live his life that way. And, he kept his dignity and determination thoughout his life. He will be missed.

    September 15, 2009 at 10:47 am |
  12. James of Houston

    I have always admired Patrick Swayze. Too bad he began smoking cigarettes at the age of 14 and never stopped.

    Also, his wife, Lisa, is a wonderful person and has a lot of class.

    September 15, 2009 at 10:53 am |
  13. Scott Stodden

    I was in complete shock and disbelief when I heard of the news of Patrick Swayze's death last night, I actually always thought he would pull through and be ok. I have always loved his work and everything that he does. My first Patrick Swayze movie I saw was Dirty Dancing, my sister fell in love with the movie. My favorite movie of all time was Ghost, I loved the whole movie and also Too Wong Foo was a favorite of mine. Im going to always and forever miss you Patrick because there is none like you, the entertainment field will never be the same without you. You fought a long, hard fight and stayed strong until the end, something most of us can't do, its just so sad you didnt win the fight so now its time for you to Rest In Peace wherever your at, we will always remember and miss you. My sympathies and condolences go out to his family, friends and fans. I love you always Patrick

    September 15, 2009 at 11:02 am |
  14. Debbie Allen

    ALTHOUGH I DIDN'T KNOW PATRICK PERSONALLY, I ALWAYS KNEW HE WAS AN HONEST & SINCERE PERSON. IT CAME THROUGH WITH HIS LOVE FOR HIS WIFE, MOTHER, & HIS PETS. I JUST WANT TO EXPRESS MY SYMPATHY FOR HIS WIFE & FAMILY & ALL THAT DID KNOW HIM PERSONALLY.

    September 15, 2009 at 11:49 am |
  15. Aaron Harris

    I loved Patrick in Too Wong Foo...classic!

    September 15, 2009 at 12:01 pm |
  16. Dawn

    My favorite Patrick moment was on Saturday Night Live when he was a Chippendale dancer with Chris Farley! I believe they're gettin down on the other side right now! : )

    September 15, 2009 at 12:02 pm |
  17. Leigh Ann Little

    The Chippendales audition with Chris Farley on Saturday Night Live, even though it was a TV moment. It made me love them both.

    September 15, 2009 at 12:03 pm |
  18. David Garrett Jr.

    I like when he and Chris Farley did that Chippendales dance skit on SNL.

    September 15, 2009 at 12:03 pm |
  19. Jillian

    I loved Road House and Ghost, especially the part when he uses Whoppi to talk the his Girlfriend(Demi Moore), that made me cry.

    September 15, 2009 at 12:03 pm |
  20. Tom

    I feel that no scenes properly demonstrated the acting prowess and sensitivity that Patrick brought to the table so well as when he ripped out a man's throat with his bare hands in Road House.

    September 15, 2009 at 12:03 pm |
  21. Reuben

    No more dirty dancing tony, can you believe it tony? R.I.P thats two kings we have lost this year. šŸ™

    September 15, 2009 at 12:03 pm |
  22. Kathy Morris

    I remember Patrick when he played the role of Orry Mane in the mini series North and South. Show clips from that if you can

    September 15, 2009 at 12:04 pm |
  23. barbara simon

    yes, tony, it is the pottery scene. it is overwhelmingly the best, and we all could see that you, yes you, were overwhelmed as you sighed and looked up, was that an eye roll, when you noted that the ladies at cnn liked that scene most. intimidatingly powerful, huh.

    September 15, 2009 at 12:05 pm |
  24. Barbara Wirkus

    Favorite Patrick Swayze movie moment? Of course,
    "Nobody puts Baby in a corner!" ! I LOVED it!

    September 15, 2009 at 12:05 pm |
  25. Donna

    Sure, Patrick Swayze was sexy in "Dirty Dancing" and "Ghost" but I loved him most as the rough and tough Darrel Curtis in "The Outsiders." He was a tremendous actor.

    September 15, 2009 at 12:06 pm |
  26. Elaine Levenseller

    Tony,
    My favorite seen was is Dirty Dancing when at the end Patrick looked up at Baby on the stage, he nodded his head then with his finger
    motioned for her to jump into his arms. wow

    September 15, 2009 at 12:06 pm |
  27. Annetta of Kansas City, KS

    I loved Patrick in "TOO WONG FOO, THANKS FOR EVERYTHING, JULIE NEWMAR" & playing Vida Boheme. He also received a Golden Glove nomination for his acting. Patrick will be truly missed by us all! We love you, Patrick!!!

    September 15, 2009 at 12:06 pm |
  28. Hans Feuersinger

    The moment in 'Point Break' when Bohdi (Swayze) forces Johnny Utah (Reeves), an FBI agent, to assist in a bank robbery. "Ninety seconds Johnny. That's all I ask for, just 90 seconds of your life."

    September 15, 2009 at 12:07 pm |
  29. Jackie

    My favorite Patrick Swayze acting is the whole "North and South" mini-series, including "Love and War" the sequel. He was awesome in that. His dance and karate training were very evident in the amazing grace in his movements. I just read "The Last Dance" and the fact that he was a "southern gentleman" as stated in the book, also came through in his acting in "North and South". You could tell that he wasn't acting; it came naturally.

    September 15, 2009 at 12:11 pm |
  30. claudia

    Hi Tony,
    I love your show. I have a 1 year old baby and ever since he was born i have my coffee when he takes his nap and get the news from you! I love your personality!
    I am a dancer myself and Patrick Swayze was my first love and Dirty Dancing is my favorite movie of ALL times!
    My favorite moment is at the end of DD when he jumps off the stage and lifts "Baby" to help her get down of the stage... from then , he dances through the crowd and then they go into the most famous lift with her as an "airplane" and everyone loves it!
    I get chills just remembering this moment!
    He was the best actor/dancer such grace and so sexy!
    What a loss. We will miss him.

    September 15, 2009 at 12:13 pm |
  31. Joni Fleet

    Wow! It is difficult to peg a favorite moment with this iconic actor, I an a 32 yr. Old female who has watched one of my personal favorite movies 'Dirty Dancing' countless times!! And from the first time I saw that movie, I, as well as I'm certain MANY women, have dreamed of having a Nan who could be, and do all the things his character in that movie portrayed!! I was supposed to marry him, lol! I am deeply saddened by his death, and he will never be fotgotten! R.I.P. My dear Patrick

    September 15, 2009 at 12:14 pm |
  32. Ken - Long Beach, CA

    No one is mentioning his role in "Roadhouse" as a bouncer. Great movie.

    September 15, 2009 at 12:15 pm |
  33. Stacey

    Patrick Swayze death will be remembered by his great performances in Dirty Dancing, Ghost, North and South, and Too Wong Foo, Thanks for everything Julie Newmar.

    September 15, 2009 at 12:29 pm |
  34. Mark Steele

    I had the privilege of meeting Patrick and his wife Lisa. Both are amazing individuals and my thought goes out to Lisa.

    September 15, 2009 at 12:55 pm |
  35. RoBoBrain

    Such a great actor , I send my love to his family and all those that admired him and his accomplishments. May he rest in peace.

    September 15, 2009 at 12:56 pm |
  36. Bob Robinson

    Who can ever forget Patrick Swayze's memorable roles as the star in "Red Dawn" and "Roadhouse?" The guy will be missed out here in Middle America.

    Bob Robinson

    September 15, 2009 at 1:00 pm |
  37. Ina

    After all the greatest popular movies Patrick Swayze made, the most amazing dancing showcase movie he made is "One Last Dance". It was written by his wife, and they both acted/danced in it. So if you think you've seen his best in "Dirty Dancing", then you ain't seen nothin' yet! This "One Last Dance" is so fantastic that you will watch it over and over, just to see both Patrick and Lisa exude their love for one another and their dance craft! The plot pales in the skills of their unbelievable dance abilities!! Lisa was the angel in Patrick's life. So "One Last Dance" will be the record for all of us to remember their loves, each other and dance!

    September 15, 2009 at 1:16 pm |
  38. Will Reid

    I think my favorite Patrick character was Partisan Jed on RED DAWN:)

    September 15, 2009 at 1:25 pm |
  39. vivian

    I,ve always had a lot of respect for patrick and his great acting ability at acting. He fought a hard but good fight. I.pray for his family and know he will be sorely missed by all.

    September 15, 2009 at 6:10 pm |
  40. gilly

    Dear MrSwayze

    Thank You for sharing your life with us.

    comment--"no one puts baby in the corner" from Dirty Dancing. Just wonderful.

    Thank you and god bless
    gilly

    September 15, 2009 at 7:55 pm |
  41. ELI

    I remember Dirty Dancing as one of those ten or twelve movies that just stunned me as I was watching it for the very first time. Patrick and Jennifer were excellent in their roles!

    Ssome of my other movies that made a big impact on me were: Top Gun; Body Heat, Born on the Fourth of July; Looking for Mr. Goodbar; Ghost; The Big Chill

    September 15, 2009 at 11:59 pm |
  42. Betty Phillips

    We have lost an actor, and a good one. I pray that he finds the peace he so needs. He certainly was a wonderful husband and family man. His dance movements will always be remembered. I will always remember how kind he was to his acting partners. Whoopie says it best, he was one of a kind. God bless his family and all of his Friends. Betty

    September 16, 2009 at 10:09 am |
  43. Betty Phillips

    Hey Patrick, thanks for all the fond memories you have left us to enjoy.
    Go rest high on that mountain, you certainly deserve it.
    Will think of your performance often. Betty

    September 16, 2009 at 10:12 am |
  44. Ephesian Waters

    I love his work "Roadhouse" I can watch this movie anytime it's on. Point Break, the bad guy holding up banks (opposite Keanu Reeves). So many great movies, He will be missed.

    September 16, 2009 at 11:16 am |
  45. Roselakota

    I think he was a great actor too and I enjoyed his movies. However, I also feel that people in the public eye have a responsibility to speak out when they can for the common good and influence they can have over young people. Patrick's refusal to stop smoking did not help him. However, he could have spoken out to young people everywhere and warned them of the hazards of smoking – unfortunately, he did not take this perfect time to do this – losing a chance to be an even bigger man when his time came.

    September 16, 2009 at 12:08 pm |
  46. Eddie Diggs

    My favorite Swayze movie was "Roadhouse". Swayze was so cool and in charge as the bouncer "Dalton".

    September 16, 2009 at 12:26 pm |
  47. Carole Corne

    I loved all of his movies especially Red Dawn and Next of Kin"....my brother passed away early last month and knowing he was a big fan of his work .....the first thing I thought was.....maybe Capt. Paul is hanging out with Patrick!!!!! My prayers go out to his family...because I certainly know how they all feel.....

    September 16, 2009 at 1:44 pm |
  48. Kim Blevins

    Patrick Swayze was the best at acting. He always did his own stunts for every movie he acted in, and did his own dancing in "Dirty Dancing". I loved the movie "Point Break" with Kneau Reeves and Gary Busey. When he was interviewed about doing his own stunts fo the movie "Point Break" he talked about how no one wanted to insure him to jump out of a plane in the movie "Point Break." When he danced during the movie "Dirty Dancing" he hurt his knees when he jumped off of the stage during the last dance. He had to have surgery. He was always passionate about acting and each role he played and gave one hundred percent of himself. I will miss his lovely smile the most!!
    I loved the movie "Ghost", and the wonderful message the movie gave us. My heart goes out to his family, freinds, and all of his fans, including myself. God Bless You, Patrick Swayze. I will miss you forever!! Love Always, Kim

    September 16, 2009 at 8:29 pm |