R.I.P. Dalton

Yeah, I'm torn. Do I remember Patrick Swayze more as the legendary cooler who tamed the Double Deuce? Or will he always be Jed, a man among boys as the Russkies invaded the Rockies?

Either way, we mourn a key actor for the thiry- and fortysomething set. Say what you will about some of his stinkers in the '90s and '00s. For a seven -year period from 1984 to 1991, Mr. Swayze was pretty solid, with the rare distinction of making both men *and* women swoon. Check it:

1984, "Red Dawn": An ensemble, true. But Swayze brought the pained leader face to the fore, getting uglier as the war went on. By the time Powers Boothe showed up, oh, it was ON.

1987, "Dirty Dancing": Or "The Movie That Chicks Still Get Misty-Eyed About." Despite Swayze's ill-advised foray into singing, you can't deny that he made the ladies weak in the knees. And other places. But I forget ... who don't we put in the corner?

1989, "Road House": I submit that despite this movie's flaws -- and there are many -- it's un-American to hate it. If this isn't a guilty pleasure, I don't know what is. And remember ... pain don't hurt.

1990, "Ghost": Actually not too bad for a love story, although the pottery scene is a bit much. OK, a lot much. But again, the ladies loved it.

1991, "Point Break": Laughable in so many respects but another guilty pleasure between Swayze's Buddhist schtick and Keanu's wooden acting. (Not to insult wood, mind you.) And admit it ... aren't you impressed with Swayze's range with all these roles by this point?

And the above list doesn't even include "Next of Kin," another guilty pleasure that doesn't get near the recognition it deserves. (Why, yes, that IS Liam Neeson as his brother and Ben Stiller as a mob guy ... ) Heck, I even watched a few episodes of "The Beast," his recent crime drama. Not bad.

Yes, I'll miss Mr. Swayze. Not sure what I'll do now. Wait a minute. Oh yeah ... there's always barber college.