As most of you already know, actor Patrick Swayze recently passed away after a 20 month battle with Pancreatic Cancer. As a child of the 80’s and early 90’s, he was one of my favorite actors and appeared in several of the most popular films of that era: Red Dawn, Dirty Dancing, Ghost, and Road House. While they may not be considered artistic classics, they were chock full of great quotes!
It has been widely reported that Swayze refused to take any painkillers during his final months because he didn’t want to diminish the intensity of his character on A&E’s drama, “The Beast.” As I commented on an earlier Facebook status update, “This, my friends, is dedication to a career. Would that we all could find something that we could be this passionate about.”
The true impact of his commitment was further seared into my consciousness from a follow up comment from a childhood friend of mine who related her own experience with fighting cancer. She explained how excruciating the pain was, going so far as to say it was, “worse than childbirth.” Obviously I have never delivered a child, but I have been in the delivery room twice with my wife and everything I have witnessed indicates the agony is almost incomprehensible.
For those who don’t know me on a personal level, I am no fan of Hollywood. I was greatly disappointed by the circus and never-ending coverage of the passing of Michael Jackson. In fact, I was accused of being callous & unfeeling with regards to his death. On the contrary, I was greatly saddened by the wasted life and missed opportunities he could have brought to this world. Having talent is not justification for respect.
In contrast, I am full of respect for Patrick Swayze. Can you imagine…can you even fathom the thought of sacrificing your own comfort during your final living days in order to continue honing your craft and fulfilling your own high standards for your performance? Yes, there are better things to be this passionate about, but nonetheless, it is deserving of respect. “Farewell, Sir! Thanks for the memories. And for what it is worth, I do respect you.”
Tags: A&E, craft, Dirty Dancing, Ghost, Patrick Swayze, Red Dawn, respect, Road House, talent, The BeastCategories: Audio/Film Production, Media, Success.
