Patrick Swayze, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer 20 months ago, died today at the age of 57 with his family by his side. Despite the grim prognosis, he vowed to fight the disease and surprised many by accepting the lead role in a new television series called The Beast, which was broadcast earlier this year. Swayze, a dancer and an actor, rose to fame in the 1987 hit film Dirty Dancing, then starred in Ghost, which was an even bigger hit, opposite Demi Moore and Whoopi Goldberg. He leaves behind his wife of 23 years, Lisa, his mother, Patsy, and his brother, Don.