It is our sad duty to report that Andy Whitfield, the original star of Spartacus: Blood and Sand, died of non-Hodgkins Lymphoma in his home country of Australia yesterday. The 39-year-old actor is survived by his wife and two children.
Whitfield enjoyed critical and ratings success on Spartacus‘ first season in 2010 after playing the titular gladiator. In March of that year, Whitfield was diagnosed with lymphocyte cancer and began immediate treatment in New Zealand. At that point, doctors gave him an excellent prognosis with a high likelihood of recovery.
Production on the second season of Spartacus: Blood and Sand was halted to give Whitfield time to recover, with the prequel miniseries Gods of the Arena created as a filler. Whitfield had a small voice-only part in the prequel, which ran early this year.
In June 2010, Whitfield was declared “cancer-free” by his physicians and planned to return to the role. “I’m raring to go,” was the star’s official statement, and he thrilled fans and media with an appearance at the 2010 San Diego Comic-Con Spartacus panel. The celebration would not last. In September Whitfield’s cancer recurred agressively, and under the advice of his doctors he immediately began treatment again.
Whitfield would continue his bitter fight with lymphoma for another year. Upon his death on September 11th, 2011, outpourings of support from the Spartacus cast and crew were sent to his wife Vashti Whitfield, who said that her husband died peacefully surrounded by his family.
Starz president Chris Albrecht had this to say:
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.
In a succinct Twitter post, Spartacus creator Steven DeKnight said, “No words to express the depth of such a loss. You will be deeply missed, my brother.”
Whitfield was a relatively new star with a bright future in front of him. The Welsh-born Australian went to college in Sydney and worked as an engineer through his early thirties before being cast in various Aussie TV shows. Whitfield’s two film credits are supernatural thriller Gabriel (2007) and horror movie The Clinic (2009).
Spartacus will continue with its second season, Vengeance, in 2012. Fellow Australian Liam McIntyre will take over the title role.
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We at Screen Rant send our deepest condolences to Andy Whitfield’s family and friends.
Source: Entertainment Weekly
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I amso sadden to hear of the news. Someone so young and gifted. He played Spartacus so amazingly, I feel know one will be able to take his place. I can only pray for his family and peaceful passing. May he be in a better place, pain free. He truly won’t be forgotten.
Kae
I am shocked at learning of Andy Whitfield death. For someone of his talent and future to be taken away makes me ashamed of the petty complaints I have from day to day. I loved the series, it was by far my favorite show on TV. I’ve always been intrigued by Rome and for something so be created that was so true to history was such a pleasure to watch. He will be missed, I fell Liam Mcintyer has an impossible challenge ahead, because like all fans, I will always see Andy Whitfield in that role, but still, looking forward to the new season.
Jerry Hinson
Bells, Tennessee
I’ve watched Spartacus for the past 6 months & have grown to enjoy the story of a real Hero of the past. I just now realized the man who played his part past on. Andy Whitfield excelled in his role of Spartacus & will be missed. My prayers go out to his beautiful wife & children.
Bob
Mr. Whitfield was a wonderful actor. I truly enjoyed his performances. He will be truly missed by his vast amount of adoring fans.
May god bless his soul
Andy Whitfield made the show great! My wife and i got upset when we found out that Andy wasnt gonna be playing Spartacus, then we got online to find out that he passed away. It was unbelievable, our hearts go to his family! rest in peace Andy Whitfield, rest in peace
im so sad..i really love spartacus…i didnt know that andy is already RIp..im began watching spartacus last week and 1 season a day,and eventually in season 3..i doubt that spartacus is not the real spartacus..so i check in the new..to konw the issue…youre always the Champion of Capua andy the spartacus
Makes me wonder if there is a god to take a life of one who had such promise. Andy will be missed. My condolensces to the family. The series is the best show I have ever seen. I bought the first series and watched it all night.
my sympathies to andys family spartacus just isnt the same without him
Andy whitfield had a bright future. He was a passionate and charismatic actor. We have lost a true gift to the screen experience, why is it the best of us are always taken? He lives on in our hearts and memory!