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Addiction & ‘Self-Sabotage’: Patrick Swayze Smoked 60 Cigarettes A Day Before Death

Actor died of cancer at age 57.

Patrick Swayze will forever be remembered for his roles in classic American films like Dirty Dancing and Ghost. Apart from his talent and good looks, the actor was beloved for his charming personality and kind heart. But behind his striking smile, Swayze hid a dark personal battle: one that was led by pain, fear, and self-sabotage.

REELZ’s new docuseries Patrick Swayze: Ghosts & Demons reveals more details.

“He just had a very addictive personality and I know he battled drinking too many drinks, I know that was a problem,” recalls Swayze’s friend and dance partner Nikki D’Amico.

Patrick Swayze Smoked 60 Cigarettes A Day Before Death

Shutterstock

RadarOnline.com readers know the star died on September 14, 2009, at the age of 57 — just 20 months after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

“Patrick loved to smoke, just that typical ballet dancer chain smoker. He had a couple of demons that he dealt with,” adds D’Amico.

It was not uncommon for the actor to smoke 60 cigarettes a day.

“There was a component of self-sabotage that goes along with the heavy smoking and I think that that’s true for Patrick,” says Dr. David Hoffman, Swayze’s oncologist.

Patrick Swayze: Ghosts & Demons airs Saturday, September 7 at 9 ET/ PT on REELZ.

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