Patrick Swayze

Barbara Walters and Patrick Swayze at his California ranch on Dec. 6, 2008, during his first television interview since being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. (AP)

Patrick Swayze and his wife Lisa Niemi at his California ranch on Dec. 6, 2008. Swayze and Niemi have been married since 1975. (AP)

Patrick Swayze's new TBS series "The Beast" debuts on January 15, 2009. (TBS)

Patrick Swayze and wife Lisa Niemi on November 17, 2007, just weeks before he says he first felt stomach pain during a New Year's Eve party. (AP)

Patrick Swayze's big break came in the 1987 film "Dirty Dancing, with co-star Jennifer Grey. (Vestron)

Patrick Swayze was nominated for a Golden Globe for his cross-dressing role in "Too Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything. Julie Newmar" in 1995. (Universal)

Patrick Swayze's other big hits included "Ghost" and "Point Break." (AP)

Patrick Swayze in 1990 at the height of his movie stardom (AP)