Director Anthony Minghella Dies

Anthony Minghella, the Academy Award winning director of The English Patient, has died.

As of this writing, no cause of death has been released.

Minghella was also the director of such notable films as The Talented Mr. Ripley and Cold Mountain. He was also one of the executive producers for this year’s Oscar nominated hit, Michael Clayton.

Anthony Minghella was 54-years-old.

Patrick Swayze Has Cancer

At first it seemed like one of those cruel internet rumors: Patrick Swayze, star of hit films as Ghost and Dirty Dancing, has pancreatic cancer and might have only five weeks to live. The source of the report was the National Enquirer, so many received it with some skepticism.

But as the day went on, the worst was confirmed – Swayze is indeed battling the deadly disease. However, sources close to the actor say reports that he may only have weeks to live are unfounded.

In a statement released by Swayze’s doctor, George Fisher, the physician was quoted as saying “Patrick has a very limited amount of disease and he appears to be responding well to treatment thus far. All of the reports stating the time frame of his prognosis and his physical side effects are absolutely untrue. We are considerably more optimistic."

However, even if Swayze’s health isn’t as grave as initially reported, pancreatic cancer is a serious battle – with statistics showing a survival rate of only 1 in 20 within five years of the disease’s detection.

On behalf of all Swayze’s fans, DVD Empire would like to send him our best wishes and hopes that Patrick will give this disease the ‘ol James Dalton “It’s my way or the highway” beatdown.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Patrick.