Hospitalized Patrick Swayze Misses ‘Beast’ Press Conference
At the Television Critic’s Association panel for The Beast this morning, A&E President Bob DeBitetto took the stage to announce that Patrick Swayze would be unable to make it.
"Patrick has asked that I tell you that he has checked himself into the hospital for observation after coming down with pneumonia," DeBitetto said. "As anyone who has had a friend or family member who’s undergone treatment for cancer must know, chemotherapy can take a toll on your immune system and illnesses are an unavoidable part of it."
He continued, "Patrick did want me to tell you that he was very sorry he’s unable to attend this morning, but he plans to get back to promoting The Beast as soon as he is back on his feet and feels well again. Patrick also asked me to tell you that he is unbelievably proud of the work that he and the entire Beast team have done."
Swayze, who shot to fame in the late 80’s and early 90’s with movies like Dirty Dancing and Ghost, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2008, after the pilot for The Beast had been completed. He continued to work on the show throughout his illness and completed the season in November. He spoke with Barbara Walters recently about his battle. ”One thing I’m not gonna do is chase staying alive,” Swayze told Walters. ”You spend so much time chasing staying alive, you won’t live.”
The Beast premieres on A&E on January 15. The interview with Barbara Walters is available for viewing at ABCnews.com
January 9th, 2009 at 8:45 pm
[...] Swayze checked himself into the hospital on Friday January 9, 2009 after coming down with pnemonia. You can watch the full Patrick Swayze [...]
January 11th, 2009 at 4:53 pm
Excellent article. Very informative. Keep up the great work!!!