When Patrick Swayze passed away from pancreatic cancer at the age of 57 in September 2009, it felt like the world lost a legend too soon. The star of Road House was a force to be reckoned with, and it seemed like nothing could slow him down. Year after year, he delivered unforgettable performances in films that captivated audiences worldwide. But in January 2008, everything changed when Patrick announced his battle with the deadly disease.
In the heartfelt documentary I Am Patrick Swayze, which aired on the Paramount Network on Sunday, August 18, his brother Don Swayze shares a deeply personal moment from Patrick's cancer journey. Don recounts the chilling phone call Patrick received from his doctor, a moment that would alter the course of his life forever.
From Dirty Dancing to Ghost, and beyond, Patrick Swayze’s legacy lives on through his iconic movies. Let’s take a closer look at the life and career of this legendary actor.
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Patrick's Stark Reality: A Call That Changed Everything
Don Swayze vividly remembers the day when Patrick got the devastating news. “I was in his kitchen, and there was a speakerphone,” Don recalls. “The doctor, with absolutely no bedside manner, just blurted it out: ‘Your cancer has indeed metastasized in your liver and your lungs.’”
After hearing those words, Patrick clenched his jaw and left the room for about 30 seconds. It was a moment of raw emotion, a time when the tough-as-nails actor had to process the reality of his situation. When he returned, Patrick was ready to face the challenge head-on. “He went out and had a little moment and he came back in,” Don said. “Even though he had the cancer that no one survives, I told him, ‘OK, five percent, I’ve seen you be in the top five percent of everything you’ve done, why not now?’ And he goes, ‘Damn right!’”
Patrick's Determination: Living Every Moment to the Fullest
From that point forward, Patrick decided to live every day as if it were his last. “I don’t know how to die,” Don remembered Patrick saying at the time. “I’m just going to live until I stop.” And that’s exactly what he did. Despite his battle with cancer, Patrick took on a couple of projects before his final days. He even helped his wife, Lisa Niemi, direct an episode of his last project, the TV series The Beast.
“He finished the series,” Lisa shared in the documentary. “He did everything to be there for me during that time, and I really knew that he was trying to give me a gift, which he did.”
