Patrick Swayze Hospitalized

In March 2008 actor56announced to the world that he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. In recent days he has been making the press rounds for his new television show The Beast, which premieres on January 15.

Swayze was slated to be part of a presentation for the Television Critics Association Press Tour today. Abbe Raven, A&E president announced to those in attendance that the actor had developed pneumonia and because of his serious medical condition, was admitted to an area hospital. He shared the following with those present: "He asked us specifically to go forward with today's panel. We wish him the very best with his recovery."

In The Beast, Swayze plays the role of a veteran FBI agent who trains a rookie partner played by Travis Fimmel, who said: "He's an inspiration. He makes the little things seem so not important." All thirteen episodes of season one have been completed.

Swayze and his wife recently sat down with Barbara Walters to film a 20/20 special entitled Patrick Swayze: The Truth, which aired on ABC earlier this week. The one hour program was a very candid discussion about how his illness has affected his family and he discussed the emotional and physical toll of the chemotherapy treatment.

Barbara Walters interview here.

See video previews from The Beast below.

Photo: WENN