Celebrities react to Patrick Swayze's death

LOS ANGELES -- Celebrities and fans inspired by Patrick Swayze's struggle with pancreatic cancer are expressing their condolences upon his death.

Swayze, known for such hit films as "Dirty Dancing" and "Ghost" succumbed to his illness yesterday in Los Angeles at the age of 57.

C. Thomas Howell, who costarred with Swayze in "The Outsiders," "Grandview U.S.A." and "Red Dawn" says he's always had a special place in his heart for Patrick. Howell says "it was our passion for horses that forged a friendship between us that I treasure to this day."

Others used Twitter to express their sadness.
Demi Moore, who played Swayze's fiancee in "Ghost," writes:
"Patrick you are loved by so many and your light will forever shine in all of our lives."

Larry King writes: "Patrick Swayze was a wonderful actor & a terrific guy. He put his heart in everything. He was an extraordinary fighter in his battle w Cancer." King adds that he'll do a tribute to Swayze on his CNN program tonight.

Swayze was married since 1975 to Lisa Niemi, a fellow dancer who took lessons with Swayze's mother, a choreographer; they met when he was 19 and she was 15.