“Spartacus: Blood and Sand” star Andy Whitfield died in Australia at the age of 39 from an 18 month battle with cancer. The Welsh actor, whose fame grew steadily after relocating to Australia, suffered from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma diagnosed in March 2010 before dying on Sunday, September 11th.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of our dear friend and colleague, Andy Whitfield,” said Starz President and CEO Chris Albrecht in an official statement. “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’s wife, Vashti, also issued a statement on Sunday regarding his death. “On a beautiful sunny Sydney morning, surrounded by his family, in the arms of his love wife, our beautiful young warrior Andy Whitfield lost his 18-month battle with lymphoma cancer … he passed peacefully surrounded by love,” she wrote. “Thank you to all his fans whose love and support have helped carry him to this point. He will be remembered as the inspiring, courageous and gentle man, father and husband he was.”