Sep 15, 2009, 12:00 GMT
Patrick Swayze's co-stars have paid tribute to the late actor.
(FILE) A file picture of the actors Matt Dillon (L) and Patrick Swayze at the tv movie Italian 'Oscar' awards in Milan on Tuesday, 07 May 2002. According to media reports, Swayze's publicist Annett Wolf says the 57-year-old "Dirty Dancing" actor died 14 September 2009 with family at his side. He came forward about his illness last spring, but continued working as he underwent treatments. EPA/Carlo Ferraro
Jennifer Grey, who starred alongside Patrick in 1987 movie 'Dirty Dancing', was quick to express her grief after it was announced he had lost his battle with pancreatic cancer yesterday (14.09.09) aged 57.
She said: "Patrick was a rare and beautiful combination of raw masculinity and amazing grace. Gorgeous and strong, he was a real cowboy with a tender heart. He was fearless and insisted on always doing his own stunts, so it was not surprising to me that the war he waged on his cancer was so courageous and dignified.
"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. My heart goes out to his wife and childhood sweetheart Lisa Niemi, to his mom Patsy, and to the rest of their family."
Whoopi Goldberg and Demi Moore, who both appeared in 1990 film 'Ghost' with the actor, have also praised Swayze.
Whoopi said: "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."
Demi choose to pay her respects on social networking website Twitter, as did a host of other Hollywood stars.
Referring to the characters they portrayed in 'Ghost', she wrote: "Patrick you are loved by so many and your light will forever shine in all of our lives... 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."
Actress Kirstie Alley wrote: "I will always cherish my amazing memories of Patrick... we had so much fun together... come back soon Patrick, we need you here."
Ben Stiller said: "Very sad news about the passing of P. Swayze. He was a kind and generous man. Respect."
Demi's husband Ashton Kutcher left the simple message, "RIP P Swayze," while Denise Richards asked fans to pray for his wife and family.
Other stars to post messages of support include Paula Abdul, Rose McGowan, Donnie Wahlberg, Ricky Martin and Ryan Seacrest.
Your Talkback on this Story