RIP Andy Whitfield (Spartacus)

[Gozu]

Actor Andy Whitfield, who played the lead role in Spartacus: Blood and Sand, has died in Sydney at just 39 years of age.

His manager Sam Maydew said Whitfield died yesterday of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Whitfield was diagnosed 18 months ago causing the Starz series to create a spin-off Spartacus: Gods of the Arena with actor Dustin Clare. While he had hoped to recover for the second season, Whitfield was forced to withdraw and actor Liam McIntyre was cast in the title role.

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”.

Welsh born Whitfield was a virtual unknown when he was cast as the title hero in Spartacus. His other television roles included McLeod’s Daughters, Packed to the Rafters, The Strip, All Saints and a movie role in Gabriel.

http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2011/09/val ... field.html

[Wedgie]

Wow. Wasnt even aware he was sick. Thats very sad. RIP.

[RoosterMarty]

Bloody hell that is devastating news.

I heard he was sick and that is why he didn't appear in the next series of Spartacus but I did read a rumour he would be returning in the new one. I thought he was excellent as Spartacus in Blood and Sand, a very very good series which is worth watching if you are in to the Roman times.