Patrick Swayze died today at the age of 57. Swayze died after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer 20 months ago in March of 2008. Swayze’s publicist, Annett Wolf, said today:

“Patrick Swayze passed away peacefully today with family at his side after facing the challenges of his illness for the last 20 months.”

Swayze recently filmed an A&E drama called The Beast, and compiled a memoir with his wife.

We are very sad to lose another good Hollywood actor.

Since being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer earlier this year, Patrick has been receiving treatment at Stanford Medical Center. Patrick admitted to smoking up to 3 packs of ciggies a day and thinks that may have been a cause of his cancer.

Patrick Swayze arrived at LAX yesterday and told the paps:

“I’m cookin’. I’m a miracle dude! I don’t know why.”

I know why. My nightly chanting of “She’s Like the Wind” must have paid off. It’s nice to see his ass looking hot. Hopefully, he quits the ciggies and continues to do well.

Patrick Swayze issued a statement this week that said he had an “excellent” response to treatment for his pancreatic cancer.

“We’re thrilled and grateful for the positive response Patrick has shown towards his treatment,” the Dirty Dancing star and wife Lisa Niemi tell People.

“Also, we can’t help but feel that all the prayers, meditations and good thoughts sent his way by everyone has made a difference. Thank you!” said the couple.

His physician, Dr. George Fisher, added: “Patrick Swayze continues to respond well to his treatment for pancreatic cancer. Because of his excellent response, he will continue the same therapy at Stanford.”

Patrick confirmed rumors last month that he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, one of the deadliest forms of cancer. The 55 year old actor has undergone chemotherapy to treat the disease.

Swayze’s spokeswoman declined to comment last night but the New York Post said that a representative for the actor had confirmed his illness.

Most patients die within six months of pancreatic cancer being diagnosed because symptoms may not appear until it is very advanced. Last month, it was reported in a New York newspaper that Swayze had undergone surgery for a serious “gastro-intestinal procedure”.

“Patrick has a very limited amount of disease and he appears to be responding well to treatment thus far,” Dr. George Fisher says in a statement. “All of the reports stating the time frame of his prognosis and his physical side effects are absolutely untrue. We are considerably more optimistic.”

Patrick Swayze famed for his role in the 1987 hit movie Dirty Dancing in which Swayze starred with Jennifer Grey. He starred opposite Demi Moore in the blockbuster movie Ghost in 1990.

One thing very impressive about Swayze besides his acting, he’s been married to his wife, Lisa Niemi since 1975. The couple have been together since Lisa’s 15. That is what I call amazing especially in Hollywood!

Let’s keep Patrick Swayze in our prayers. Prayers are very powerful. May he have a speedy recovery!

Here’s Patrick Swayze and his wife, Lisa Niemi last November, 2007

Patrick Swayze is remaining optimistic, despite his recent diagnosis with pancreatic cancer.

The actor’s publicist released this statement Wednesday afternoon:

“Actor Patrick Swayze has been diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer and is currently undergoing treatment. Patrick’s physician Dr. George Fisher states, ‘Patrick has a very limited amount of disease and he appears to be responding well to treatment thus far. All of the reports stating the timeframe of his prognosis and his physical side effects are absolutely untrue. We are considerably more optimistic.’ Patrick is continuing his normal schedule during this time, which includes working on upcoming projects. The outpouring of support and concern he has already received from the public is deeply appreciated by Patrick and his family.”

A National Enquirer report claims that Dirty Dancing star Patrick Swayze has just 5 weeks to live. The 55 year old heart throb has pancreatic cancer and the disease has spread to his other major organs.

For the past month, Patrick, 55, has been traveling to Stanford University’s prestigious cancer center in Palo Alto for radical chemotherapy, but his doctors are no longer optimistic that the treatments will be successful.

A source said, “He was told he could have two more treatments, but his cancer was not responding. In short – they held out little hope for a cure. It’s time to start praying for a miracle.”

Our prayers go out to Patrick and his wife Lisa Niemi.