Reuters quotes Swayze’s publicist, Annett Wolf, who released a statement: “Patrick Swayze passed away peacefully today with family at his side after facing the challenges of his illness for the last 20 months.”

The Texas-born Broadway dancer turned Hollywood actor became a superstar after his turn as irresistible dance instructor, Johnny Castle, in 1987′s surprise hit “Dirty Dancing,” opposite Jennifer Grey.

1990′s “Ghost” starring Whoopi Goldberg and Demi Moore, further catapulted Swayze into stardom.  The film wasn’t expected to do well but grossed a whopping $64 million at the U.S. box office and $214 million worldwide, and has since become a staple of cable movie channels.

In January of 2008, Swayze was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, a particularly devastating and deadly form of the disease.  By that time, however, even experimental medicine was not enough as the disease had already spread to his liver.

The amicable and driven star shocked Hollywood by accepting the lead role in “The Beast,” a network TV detective drama despite the advanced stage of his cancer.  The series aired earlier this year.

He will be remembered fondly by those who knew him as a kind and talented man that was as comfortable dancing half-naked next to the late Chris Farley on Saturday Night Live as he was quietly doing his work away from the glitz and glamor of Hollywood at his Texas home.