‘Spartacus’ Star Andy Whitfield Passes Away at 39

Andy Whitfield as Spartacus
Andy Whitfield as Spartacus - © 2010 Starz Entertainment, LLC

After a brave battle with non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, 39 year old actor Andy Whitfield passed away this morning in Sydney, Australia. Whitfield starred in the first season of Starz’s popular swords and sandals series Spartacus: Blood and Sand, and then was diagnosed with the disease. Following treatment, his cancer went into remission. However, before the second season could get underway, the cancer had returned making it impossible for the well-liked Whitfield to continue with the show.

Chris Albrecht, Starz President and CEO, issued a statement following the news of Whitfield’s death: “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.”

Andy Whitfield’s wife, Vashti, issued a statement in which she called her husband a “beautiful young warrior” and said he died in her arms.

Whitfield is survived by his wife and two children. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.

From Starz’s Andy Whitfield Biography:

“Andy Whitfield was born in the U.K., grew up in Wales and studied at Sheffield University in England. He moved to Australia 10 years ago, attended drama school in Sydney and gained work as an actor, while also working as a diagnostic engineer, a job that required him to rappel down tall buildings.”