LOS ANGELES (AP) — Andy Whitfield, the 39-year-old star of the cable series “Spartacus: Blood and Sand,” has died.
Manager Sam Maydew says Whitfield died Sunday of non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in Sydney, Australia.
Whitfield’s wife Vashti in a statement called her husband a “beautiful young warrior” who died on a “sunny Sydney morning” in the “arms of his loving wife.”
Whitfield — who was born in Wales and lived in Australia — was a virtual unknown when he was cast as the title hero in “Spartacus,” a hit original series for the Starz network that made waves with its graphic violence and sexuality.
Whitfield was preparing for the second season when he was diagnosed 18 months ago.
In January the network announced that another Australian actor, Liam McIntyre, would take over the role.
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Rest in Peace, it was a great series Spartacus. I wish you would of continued making it. My condolences to your family.
The show won’t be the same. Rest in peace.
He was Spartacus, rest in peace Andy Whitfield.
It wasn’t terrific television by any means but 39 years is way too young to die! My condolences
spartacus was a great show and andy whitfield filled the shoes of his role. he will be missed and the show will not be the same without him.
You will be greatly missed. God bless you in your new journey my friend.
A sad day for his family and a sad day for the women who watched and enjoyed his “Performances” RIP SPARTACUS
He was Spartacus, rest in peace Andy Whitfield.
He was Spartacus, rest in peace Andy Whitfield.
R.I.P