Patrick Swayze Passes Away at 57

Following an extended battle with cancer, Patrick Swayze passed away today. He was 57.

The veteran actor was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in January 2008. He died this afternoon at home, with family by his side, confirmed Swayze's rep, who added:

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

Said Ghost co-star Whoopi Goldberg of her friend:

"Patrick was a really good man, a funny man and one to whom I owe much that I can't ever repay," says Goldberg, who won a best supporting actress Oscar for her role in the 1990 romantic drama. I believe in Ghost's message, so he'll always be near.

Aside from Ghost, Swayze was best known for roles in Dirty Dancing, and Road House. He was named People's Sexiest Man Alive in 1991.