Los Angeles  - A spokeswoman for ailing US actor Patrick Swayze Tuesday refuted reports that the 56-year-old star of Dirty Dancing had died.

In a statement to KTLA broadcaster in Los Angeles, Annett Wolf said Swayze is "alive, well and is enjoying his life and he continues to respond to treatment" for his cancer.

She called reports by a Jacksonville, Florida, radio station that Swayze had died "severely reckless."

Swayze was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in March 2008 and was in hospital in January after contracting pneumonia.

Despite his illness, Swayze tackled a new television show, "The Beast," in which he plays a veteran undercover FBI agent who mentors a younger colleague.

Earlier this year, Swayze said he was writing his memoirs with the help of his wife, dancer and actress Lisa Niemi. The couple has been married since 1975 and has no children. (dpa)