Patrick Swayze, the ruggedly handsome actor and classically trained dancer who shot to stardom in two hit romantic films, "Dirty Dancing" and "Ghost," has died. He was 57.

Swayze was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer early in 2008 and went on to film a final television series, the police drama "The Beast," while undergoing chemotherapy. A publicist for Swayze confirmed the death of the actor, the Associated Press reported today.

Swayze lived on a ranch outside Los Angeles with his wife, Lisa Niemi, a professional dancer.

“Patrick Swayze passed away peacefully today with family at his side after facing the challenges of his illness for the last 20 months,” said a statement released Monday evening by his publicist, Annett Wolf. No other details were given.

Fans of the actor were saddened to learn in March 2008 that Swayze was suffering from a particularly deadly form of cancer.

RIP Patrick Swayze...