Actor and dancer Patrick Swayze has lost his battle with pancreatic cancer.

"Dirty Dancing" turned Swayze into a heartthrob, but the movie "Ghost" turned him into a leading man.

Born in Houston, Texas in 1952 to a dance instructor and an engineer, Swayze excelled in both dance and sports. He dropped out of college to dance professionally in New York, but was hampered by a knee injury.

So he headed to Hollywood instead, along with his wife and actress Lisa Niemi.

Swayze's star rose fast, but the sudden fame took its toll.

He battled alcoholism and was a heavy smoker. At the age of 55 he was diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer. Swayze underwent intensive chemotherapy and still kept working.

Those who knew him say to the end, Swayze remained humbled by his own success. Millions of fans will remember him always as a hunk with a heart.

Patrick Swayze has died at the age of 57.