Andy Whitfield, former star of Starz highly anticipated television series “Spartacus: Blood and Sand” died of cancer in Sydney, Australia at the age of 39.

Andy Whitfield, born in Wales but lived in Sydney,Australia, was a relatively little known actor until he was picked up for the hit series, a sex, intrigue- and blood-soaked version of the early life and adventures of the Thracian gladiator Spartacus, who led a slave rebellion against the Roman ruling class in Capua, Roman Empire.

The actor’s wife Vashti said in a statement that the “beautiful young warrior” died on a “sunny Sydney morning” in the “arms of his loving wife,” the Associated Press reports. In Whitfield’s statement, he said, “It seems that it is time for myself and my family to embark on another extraordinary journey.”The cause was non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, his wife, Vashti, stated.

Andy Whitfield died of cancer: Spartacus fell not in the Arena

Andy Whitfield took what was supposed to be a temporary leave from the show, which was an instant hit after its January 2010 debut, after a routine check-up in March in 2010 revealed a recurrence of cancer. He was diagnosed of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Andy Whitfield was preparing for a second season in September same year when he personally announced that he would not be returning to the Starz hit series ‘Spartacus, Blood and Sand’ so he could undergo a more aggressive cancer treatment. He was replaced by the Australian actor Liam McIntyre another actually virtual unknown actor. Liam took over the leading role for the succesful show’s second seasons, which will air this TV season. Liam McIntyre stated then: “Andy (Whitfield) is such a great actor. I don’t want to follow him, and everybody hurts that he’s had to give up the role, myself included.”

Andy Whitfield’s Spartacus co-star Lucy Lawless also paid tribute to him in a statement in his memory: “Obviously, Andy left an indelible mark on all of us in the Spartacus family. He was a gentle man who never said a bad word about anyone, a gifted photographer, engineer (no really!) and a brilliant actor. Andy’s incandescent film presence made men want to be him and women want to marry him. Andy’s  two babies will always know that their Daddy cherished them and their mother, Vashti, above all things. How lucky we were to have him grace all our lives. Godspeed, Andy!”

Andy Whitfield : Spartacus Blood and Sand Star

Starz Entertainment, the premium channel that airs the Spartacus series used different actors to produce a prequel called “Spartacus: Gods of the Arena,” while awaiting the star’s return. But Andy Whitfield never recovered enough to make a come-back.

Chris Albrecht, president and chief executive of Starz, said in a statement, “The man who played a champion on-screen was also a champion in his own life.” Mr. Whitfield faced cancer with “courage, strength and grace,” he said.

In addition to his wife, Andy Whitfield is survived by two children and a sister. In her statement, his wife described him as “our beautiful young warrior.” She said Andy died in her arms.

 

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