Stars are reacting to Patrick Swayze's Monday death at age 57 from pancreatic cancer.
"He was an inspiration, a gentleman and I was blessed to have worked with him and even more blessed to have called him my friend," Travis Fimmel, who costarred with Swayze on the A&E series, The Beast, tells Usmagazine.com in a statement.
"My heartfelt condolences go out to his wife Lisa and their families," continued Fimmel, referring to Swayze's wife of 34 years, Lisa Niemi.
"RIP P Swayze," Ashton Kutcher posted on Twitter, along with a link to a Saturday Night Live skit featuring Swayze and Chris Farley as Chippendales dancers. (Kutcher's wife Demi Moore, who costarred with Swayze in 1990's Ghost, has not yet posted on his death.)
Wrote Alyssa Milano on Twitter: "RIP Patrick. You were a great talent. And more importantly … a true gentleman.
C. Thomas Howell, who costarred alongside Swayze in The Outsiders, Red Dawn and Grandview, U.S.A., tells Us: "I have always had a special place in my heart for Patrick. While I was fortunate enough to work with him in three films, it was our passion for horses that forged a friendship between us that I treasure to this day. Not only did we lose a fine actor today, I lost my older Outsiders brother. My heart goes out to not only his entire family, but all his fans as well."
A&E told Us in a statement: "We are saddened by the loss of one of our generation's greatest talents and a member of the A&E family. Patrick's work on The Beast was an inspiration to us all. He will be greatly missed and our thoughts are with his wife Lisa and his entire family during this difficult time."
Kirstie Alley, who costarred with Swayze in the 1985 TV miniseries North and South, posted on Twitter: "I will always cherish my amazing memories of Patrick…we had so much fun together…come back soon Patrick, we need you here on earth."
California Governor and former actor Arnold Schwarzenegger tells Entertainment Tonight: "Patrick Swayze was a talented and passionate artist who struck a memorable chord with audiences throughout the world. He played a wide range of characters both on stage and in movies and his celebrated performances made the hard work of acting look effortless — which I know from experience is not easy. As a fan and as an actor, I admired Patrick and I know that he will be dearly missed. On behalf of all Californians, Maria and I send our deepest condolences to Patrick's family, friends and fans."
Vincent Angell, co-creator of The Beast, tells Us in a statement: "I had the privilege and honor to work with Patrick over the past two years on the television show "The Beast." I learned so much from him over that too short amount of time. He was a talented actor, a great man and a wonderful friend. I will miss him. My heart goes out to his wife Lisa and the rest of his family."
The Dirty Dancing star's rep Annett Wolf announced in a statement Monday night: "Patrick Swayze passed away peacefully today with family at his side after facing the challenges of his illness for the last 20 months.
The actor was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in January 2008.
