Paramount PicturesHollywood has lost another one of its own. And although this star made us believe in ghosts at one time, we know Patrick Swayze is no longer of this world.
And his friends and colleagues are extraordinarily saddened by that fact.
"Patrick you are loved by so many and your light will forever shine in all of our lives," twittered the love of his Ghost life, Demi Moore.
"And in the words of Sam to Molly. 'It's amazing, Molly. The love inside, you take it with you.' I love and will miss you Patrick."
Whoopi Goldberg, who channeled the spirit of Swayze's murdered banker in the 1990 film and won an Oscar for it, said in a statement: "Patrick was a really good man, a funny man and one to whom I owe much that I can't ever repay. I believe in Ghost's message, so he'll always be near."
"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," said Jennifer Grey, who became the envy of girls ages 8 to 98 when she starred with Swayze in Dirty Dancing.
"Patrick Swayze was a kindred spirit and a spiritual brother of mine," offered Gary Busey, who played Keanu Reeves' partner in the cult-classic caper Point Break. "His focus was center target and his purpose was with faith, kindness, grace, understanding, and love. Patrick Swayze's book of life will never be over, because he's moved on to the spiritual plateau where life is forever."
Those who worked with Swayze more recently feel just as lucky to have known him.
"He was an inspiration, a gentleman and I was blessed to have worked with him and even more blessed to have called him my friend," said The Beast costar Travis Fimmel. "My heartfelt condolences go out to his wife Lisa and their family."
Swayze had already been diagnosed with the pancreatic cancer that ultimately took his life when he started shooting the A&E drama, which ran for one season.
"We are saddened by the loss of one of our generation's greatest talents and a member of the A&E family," the network said in a statement. "Patrick's work on The Beast was an inspiration to us all. He will be greatly missed and our thoughts are with his wife Lisa and his entire family during this difficult time."
Barbara Walters, who interviewed a gravely ill yet optimistic Swayze in December, is also mourning the loss.
"He fought the bravest battle and sadly lost," the veteran newswoman said. "My heart goes out to his wonderful Lisa, his wife and soulmate for 34 years."
And whether they knew the 57-year-old actor or had just worn out their copies of Dirty Dancing with repeat viewings, many more celebs had kind words for the late star.
Actor turned governator Arnold Schwarzenegger called Swayze a "talented and a passionate artist who struck a memorable chord with audiences throughout the world.
"He played a wide range of characters both on stage and in movies, and his celebrated performances made the hard work of acting look effortles—which I know from experience is not easy. As a fan and as an actor, I admired Patrick and I know that he will be dearly missed. On behalf of all Californians, Maria [Shriver] and I send our deepest condolences to Patrick's family, friends and fans."
"Awww RIP Patrick Swayze. He was such a fighter! He doesn't have to be in pain anymore," twittered Jordin Sparks, who wasn't even born when DD hit theaters in 1987.
"Patrick Swayze. An inspiration to all," wrote Billy Ray Cyrus. A great man and your work will live forever. May God be with you and your loved ones...Amen."
(Originally published Sept. 14, 2009, at 6:15 p.m. PT)
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