Andy Whitfield loses his battle at age 39

Actor Andy Whitfield, star of the TV series Spartacus: Blood and Sand star has died of non-Hodgkin Lymphoma it was confirmed today.

The actor who was born in Wales but moved to Sydney in 1999 lost his 188 month battle with the disease on a 'sunny Sydney morning in the 'arms of his loving wife,' she said in a statement.

Spartacus actor Andy Whitfield passed away from cancer in the arms of his wife it was announced today

The actor was diagnosed with the disease in March, 2010 and began treatment immediately in New Zealand.

Whitfield's wife Vashti paid an emotional tribute to her husband, she said:

'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.'


Whitfield was a virtual unknown when he was cast as the legendary Thracian slave in Spartacus, a role made famous by Kirk Douglas in the 1960 Stanley Kubrick film.

The series proved a breakout hit for the Starz network and made waves with its graphic violence and sexuality.


Whitfield appeared in all 13 episodes of the first season that aired in 2010, and was preparing to shoot the second when he was diagnosed with cancer.

While waiting for Whitfield's treatment and expected recovery, the network produced a six-part prequel, Spartacus: Gods of the Arena, that aired earlier this year with only a brief voice-over from the actor.


But in January after Whitfield's condition grew worse, the network announced that another Australian actor, Liam McIntyre, would take over the role.

Whitfield's previous credits included appearances on the Australian TV shows Packed to the Rafters and McLeod's Daughters.


Spartacus director, Steve DeKnight, took to Twitter to express his pain. 'No words to express the depth of such a loss. You will be deeply missed, my brother,' he wrote.

Whitfield found fame in the TV remake of show Spartacus

The gladiator: The Australian actor starred as Spartacus in the Starz series Spartacus: Blood and Sand

While Starz President and CEO Chris Albrecht said: '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.'


Whitfield is survived by his wife Vashti and his two children.

A husband and a father: Whtifield is survived by his wife, Vashti, and two children

Source : TimVSAedlex


Aki : Aduh,series kegemaran si Aki punya pelakon sudah tiada... Hm,Condolence to his Family!! R.I.P Spartacus!! T_T

by ©eXYanne Collection

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