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Colleagues pay tribute to 'brother' actor
15 Sep 2009News of Patrick Swayze's death broke as the acting community was gathered at the Toronto International Film Festival, prompting a slew of red carpet tributes.
British actress Kristin Scott Thomas had to leave reporters to compose herself after being told, while Rob Lowe said he had "lost a brother".
Both had starred in films alongside Swayze.
Reports of the 57-year-old's death brought a cloud over proceedings in Toronto, with stars notably subdued at the premieres taking place in the city.
Some heard of Swayze's death for the first time while on the red carpet.
At the premiere of Partir, Scott Thomas - who starred with Swayze in the 2005 British movie Keeping Mum - put her hands to her mouth and appeared close to tears after hearing the news.
She excused herself from the red carpet to compose herself before returning. The 49-year-old actress reappeared, but her representatives said she did not wish to comment on the news.
Rob Lowe - who appeared in a brace of films with Swayze - gave an emotional tribute to the Dirty Dancing star as both an actor and a man.
Lowe said: "Patrick lived a thousand lifetimes in one lifetime.
"He was an expert dancer, he wrote hit songs, he starred in hit movies, he was an amazing horseman.
"But the thing I will remember him most for was his amazing love affair with his wife Lisa."
Lowe added: "He played my brother twice, in The Outsiders when I was 17, and then in Youngblood.
"Tonight I lost a brother."
The 45-year-old actor appeared at the Elgin Theatre for the premiere of The Invention of Lying in which he stars with comedian Ricky Gervais and US actress Jennifer Garner.
Gervais also paid tribute to Swayze. "I have never met him. But obviously he was a great actor and it is always sad when someone dies prematurely," The Office star said.
Garner was taken aback after being told of Swayze's death. The 37-year-old actress said: "Oh no, that's too bad. He was a lovely, lovely man who fought to the end. I'm so sorry to hear this."
