Patrick Swayze: 23 Key Roles

In 2005, Patrick Swayze, who died Sept. 14 at the age of 57 after a public battle with pancreatic cancer, told EW his plan for evolving into a mature leading man. ''No matter whether the movie is a giant hit or not, you keep putting 100 percent of yourself into everything you do, and never work for money — only for passion,'' he said. ''And no matter what opinion Hollywood has of you, the fans never forget if you never forget them.''

Here, we remember the Dirty Dancing star's 30-year film and TV career, from the roles he fought for (Ghost; To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar) to the roles he fought in (Red Dawn, Road House) to the roles he fought through (The Beast).