Tribute to Patrick Swayze

He was a superstar and a gentleman. Born in 1952, Patrick Swayze grew up to be a star and, most important of all, when he became an adult, he was wed to a wife for 34 years - something of a novelty in the Hollywood scenario where husbands change their wives (or the reverse) like they change their clothing.

Ever since I saw Patrick Swayze in Dirty Dancing I was absolutely besotted by his charm. They say that an actor is an actor is an actor but, as far as Patrick Swayze goes, he did not need to act like the nice next-door type of guy; he definitely was.

When I heard that he was suffering from pancreatic cancer, my heart skipped a beat, maybe even two. Not the gorgeous star of Roadhouse, Icon and my very favourite Ghost, besides others, I told myself. Not the macho man who must have had millions of fans all over the world. It can't be. Sadly, very, very sadly, it was, though.

How unfair of life, dying at such a young age when his popularity on the big screen had never abated, I thought to myself. Oh, why did we have to lose two such great superstars by the name of Michael Jackson and Patrick Swayze alongside Jade Goody and Farrah Fawcett, besides other actors and actresses in the year 2009? Is the year 2009 somehow destined to be the year for losing charismatic personalities?

To get back to Patrick Swayze, that endearing but at the same time sexy face, muscular body and terrific personality will be forever etched in millions of minds. Noting images of the Swayze couple on television after his death announcement on September 15 it was clear that, though he was the head of the family, his beloved wife Lisa Niemi was the neck because, after all, it is the neck that moves the head. Such deep and utter devotion shone like a beacon in Lisa Niemi's eyes when she looked up at her husband.

PS (Patrick Swayze) - we love you.