Actor Patrick Swayze, best known for playing the role of Johnny in Dirty Dancing sadly passed Monday after a nearly two year battle with pancreatic cancer. Swayze acknowledged the grim outlook in an interview he had with a media outlet earlier this year. He managed to live an active lifestyle despite an unfavorable prognosis by doctors, which gave him six months to live. It has not yet been discolosed where he passed, but family members were indeed at his side to comfort him during his final moments.

During his time battling cancer, Swayze worked and eventaully acted in a show entitled “The Beast.” He refused to use painkillers while doing the show, fearing they would somehow impact his performance for the worst. This show was aired on television station A&E in January 2009, and went on to become moderately succesful. Swayze was even said to be working on a book to be released sometime in the near future.

Jennifer Gray, who played Baby in Dirty Dancing alongside Swayze released a statement to the press calling Swayze a “beautiful combination of masculinity and amazing grace,” and a man with a “tender heart.”

There is little question that Patrick Swayze lived his life to the fullest and didn’t let his cancer interfere with his plans. Our condolences go to his friends and family members as they seek to cope with this loss. Fans of the late star are sharing their memories on websites all accross the web. This tremendous outpouring goes to show just how admired and loved Swayze has grown to become. In a year where we have lost the talents of Michael Jackson, Farrah Fawcett, and now Patrick Swayze, let us remember not to take life for granted.