Patrick Swayze, who died of pancreatic cancer on Monday, had an interesting career spanning more than two decades. From starring in the sleeper hit "Dirty Dancing" to featuring in one of the most iconic love scenes in the 1990 super hit "Ghost," Swayze captured the imagination of movie audiences in a special way. Photos: AP
Patrick Swayze starred in the 1983 Francis Ford Copolla's ensemble cast drama "The Outsiders". The movie also featured a host of destined-to-be-stars starters Emilio Estevez, Rob Lowe, C. Thomas Howell, Matt Dillon, Ralph Macchio and Tom Cruise. Swayze is seen second from right.
Swayze's big break though was the 1987 romantic musical "Dirty Dancing". He portrayed Johnny Castle, and Jennifer Grey, played Baby Houseman. Shot at a modest budget and expected to go to home-video format within a week of its release, Dirty Dancing became a surprise sensational hit and established Patrick Swayze as a star draw at the box office.
Despite the humungous success of Dirty Dancing, Patrick Swauze only got typecast in roles and followed it up with a slew of flops. Among the more successful movies in the late 1980s was the MGM/UA production Road House, in which he co-starred with Kelly Lynch.
Patrick Swayze struck box office gold in 1990 with "Ghost," co-starring Demi Moore (left). The movie also fetched Whoopi Goldberg an Oscar for the best supporting actress.
FILE - In this 1995 image provided by Universal Studios, Patrick Swayze performs the role of Vida Boheme in "To Wong Foo Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar."
In 2004, Swayze played the role of adventurer Allan Quatermain appears in a tv series for the Hallmark Channel's remake of "King Solomon's Mines".
On Aug. 18, 1997, Patrick Swayze unveiled his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles. He is seen here with his wife Lisa.
His last appearance was on the television series "The Beast". He had been battling pancreatic cancer for two years before his death on Monday.