Patrick Swayze never won an Oscar (although he did get a couple of Golden Globe nominations along the way). He wasn’t the biggest box office draw. And he wasn’t someone young actors typically drew upon for inspiration.

But still, when I think about his career, I see the perfect actor. His movies left lasting impressions. On both men and women. Mention the movie Road House to almost any guy, and you will almost certainly see their eyes brighten. They will start quoting Swayze’s character, Dalton. “Be nice, until it’s time to not be nice” is probably one of the most mimicked lines of all time.  And it should be, because it’s freakin’ brilliant.

For women, I imagine it’s tough choosing between Ghost and Dirty Dancing as the ultimate Swayze film, but my guess is that Dancing gets more votes. “Nobody puts baby in a corner” may be one of the only movie quotes that has gotten more play than “Be nice”.

And the list goes on. Point Break, Red Dawn, Youngblood, The Outsiders, Donnie Darko. And of course, perhaps the penultimate moment of Swayze’s career, the “Chippendales” skit with Chris Farley on Saturday Night Live. Here’s hoping that the two of them are pulling on the pleather pants and the sleeveless tux shirts right now up in heaven, getting ready to entertain St. Peter and the rest of the crew.

Rest in Peace, Mr. Swayze.

- TJ Bennett