Patrick Swayze died at age 57. The actor and dancer passed away on September 14, 2009, due to complications from pancreatic cancer. Born on August 18, 1952, he was 57 years old at the time of his death. This factual status clarifier summarizes publicly reported details while respecting privacy around medical information. The following sections confirm the date of death, age at death, underlying cause, and distinguish verified information from private medical records.
Confirmed Age and Date of Death
Publicly available and widely reported sources confirm that Patrick Swayze was 57 years old when he died on September 14, 2009. Born August 18, 1952, he passed away in the late summer of 2009. The cause of death was pancreatic cancer, which he had been battling for several years before his passing.
Timeline of Final Illness
Diagnosis and Public Disclosure
In early 2008, Swayze publicly disclosed that he had been diagnosed with metastatic pancreatic cancer. His team stated the cancer had spread beyond the pancreas, which typically carries a more guarded prognosis. Around the time of diagnosis, he began treatment while continuing select public appearances and work commitments where feasible.
Treatment Course and Final Months
Over the subsequent 18 months, Swayze underwent chemotherapy and other supportive measures while maintaining a focus on quality of life. He continued to make carefully managed public appearances and remained engaged with close collaborators. His death in September 2009 came after a steady, public, yet private struggle with a very aggressive disease.
Age at Death Table
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | August 18, 1952 | Public biography |
| Date of death | September 14, 2009 | Obituary and news reports |
| Age at death | 57 years old | Calculated from above dates |
| Primary cause of death | Pancreatic cancer (metastatic) | Public statement/family disclosures |
Public Versus Private Medical Details
While it is established that Swayze died at 57 from pancreatic cancer, specifics about his exact treatment timeline, scan results, and personal health fluctuations were largely kept from public view. Close friends and family have shared broad outlines, but granular medical privacy has limited independent verification of certain care details.
Legacy and Career Context
Career Highlights
Swayze achieved lasting recognition for roles in film and television, including leading performances in drama, dance, and action genres. He is widely remembered for Dirty Dancing, Road House, and To Wong Foo, alongside his television work in The Beast. His longevity in the industry and the circumstances of his passing have contributed to ongoing public interest in his life and career.
Impact of His Passing
News of Swayze’s death at 57 prompted widespread reflection on his work and the toll of pancreatic cancer. Discussions about early detection, research funding, and patient experiences often reference high-profile cases like his to illustrate the seriousness of the disease.
Quick Comparison of Age at Death
- Died at age 57 in 2009 from pancreatic cancer
- Born August 18, 1952; died September 14, 2009
- Public confirmation by family and representatives
- Widely reported in authoritative news outlets and obituaries
Common Questions
- What was the exact cause of death? Verified cause: metastatic pancreatic cancer.
- How old was he when diagnosed? He was in his mid-50s when diagnosed in early 2008.
- Were there privacy concerns about his medical records? Yes, detailed medical records remain private, consistent with patient rights.