Spartacus Star Andy Whitfield Dies at 39
Credit: Jason Merritt/Getty
Andy Whitfield, the hunky actor who appeared on TV's Spartacus: Blood and Sand, died on Sunday, his family and the Starz network confirmed to the Associated Press
Following an 18-month battle with non-Hodgkins lymphoma, Whitfield passed away in Sydney, Australia. He was 39 years old.
The breakout star appeared as the gladiator hero in the first season of Spartacus, but stepped down in January when his cancer took a turn for the worse. (Actor Liam McIntyre took over the role for the second season.)
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His wife, Vashti Whitfield, said in satement: "On a beautiful sunny Sydney spring morning, surrounded by his family, in the arms of his loving wife, our beautiful young warrior Andy Whitfield lost his 18 month battle with lymphoma cancer. He passed peacefully surrounded by love. Thank you to all his fans whose love and support have help carry him to this point. He will be remembered as the inspiring, courageous and gentle man, father and husband he was."
Born in Wales, Whitfield had previously appeared in Australian TV shows Packed to the Rathers and McLeod's Daughters.
Added Chris Albrecht, President and CEO of Starz: "We are deeply saddened by the loss of our dear friend and colleague, Andy Whitfield. We were fortunate to have worked with Andy in Spartacus and came to know that the man who played a champion on-screen was also a champion in his own life. Andy was an inspiration to all of us as he faced this very personal battle with courage, strength and grace. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time. He will live on in the hearts of his family, friends and fans."
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27Andy Whitfield was an Amazing Actor, Such a beautiful Man and talented actor, we loved watching him dearly in Sparticus and are truly saddened by his passing. We send our best wishes to his family and friends, and hope that he will always be remembered as a Truly Talented actor.
So young, beautiful & talented...a very humbled & kindred spirit that will greatly be missed. http://bit.ly/ohHMxQ
The Spartacus series wont be the same without Andy. Prayers to him and his family such talent
Was looking so forward to his returning as Spartacus. I thought he was recovering and would return again. So sad to learn of this awful news. He's a gorgeous man, and made the show so worth watching. He will be missed.
How sad. Prayers going out for his family.
It's cancer, and you don't catch it, it just shows up out of the blue when you least expect it. Sometimes you beat it, sometimes you dont. RIP and may God Bless your family and help them through this most devastating moment in their lives.
This is just so sad. I thought he was awesome as Spartacus. Such a good looking man with so much talent. He would definitely have been one to watch for a long standing acting career if such a tragedy hadn't happened. My thoughts and prayers go out to Andy and his family.
This is just too sad. Andy easily became one my my favorite new actors..you'll be missed. RIP x
RIP..Thoughts and prayers to his family.
This is such tragic news! I thought I read that he was getting better, I am so sad for his family, he was a great actor. Rest in peace.
Beth Berry: It's a type of cancer. You don't just "get" it like a cold. It just happens.
Beth Berry: It's a type of cancer. You don't just "get" it like a cold. It just happens.
RIP.
He is my age which is scary and sad. I will definitely miss him. He was incredible in Spartacus. I hope the new guy does him justice and can honor him in every way. May God give his soul peace and strength to his wife and children. Godspeed :(
May he find peace and his family find comfort in knowing that they will be able to see him again.
Loved this man in Spartacus and I just knew he was a wonderful human being. That kind of Grace just shows through on the screen. God bless his family in this sad time, but i have his Spartacus tapes and will never forget him. Sincerely B etty Shinkle
sadd
Light Brite
How the heck did he get that disease?
May he rest in peace and my prayers go out to his family. He was my favorite actor and their is no other that can replace his phenomenal role as Spartacus! Spartacus: Blood and Sand, was the best show on TV ever!