TCA '09: Swayze Cancels A&E Appearance After Being Hospitalized
Network Says The Beast Star, Battling Pancreatic Cancer, Has Contracted Pneumonia
By Linda Moss & Linda Haugsted -- Multichannel News, 1/9/2009 8:38:00 AM
Complete MCN TCA Coverage
Los Angeles – In a surprise turn, actor Patrick Swayze, who is fighting pancreatic cancer, cancelled his appearance at the Television Critics Association winter press tour for A&E Network Friday after checking himself into a hospital for pneumonia.
Swayze had been slated to appear on a panel touting his new drama The Beast, which is slated to premiere on the network Jan. 15. Abbe Raven, president of A&E Television Networks, opened the TCA session by saying Swayze would not be present.
“Patrick has checked himself into the hospital,” she said.
Bob DeBitetto, president and general manager of A&E, also addressed the critics about Swayze’s situation, offering a few more details.
DeBitetto said that Swayze had come down with pneumonia, and the A&E executive noted that “chemotherapy can take a toll on your immune system.” Swayze has been undergoing treatment for his cancer.
DeBitetto said that Swayze also asked him to tell the TV critics that he was “unbelievably proud” of the work he has done on The Beast, and he expressed thanks for the outpouring of support he’s received from the public.
In his message, Swayze also vowed to return to promoting the drama as soon as his health would allow. The ballroom was packed by writers who’d anticipated interviewing the sick star.
The series’ 13 episodes have finished shooting, executives said.
Show creators said they often forgot about Swayze’s condition during the shoot, which took place in Chicago where the cast dealt with extremes of weather. The actor showed more energy than the cast and crew, they said.
“He’s bringing the force of his own personal struggle into the show,” said executive producer John Romano of Swayze’s performance as a unorthodox FBI veteran and his interaction with a rookie partner played by Travis Fimmel.
The pilot was filmed before Swayze’s illness was diagnosed, as producers learned Swayze had cancer four hours after they received the show order from Sony Pictures Television. Show runners said Swayze lobbied hard for the role for the rest of the series, challenging them to “watch me do this.” There was only one day Swayze couldn’t shoot, Romano added.
They lauded Sony for proceeding with the pilot pick-up despite the diagnosis. A&E and Sony risked going forward with the series without the typical cast insurance, the parties said.
“We’re going to keep typing and shooting, as long as you hang with us,” Romano said of the turn of events. “There’s something to tune in for next year.”
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