Actor Andy Whitfield, former star of the Starz TV series Spartacus: Blood and Sand, succumbed to non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. Vashti, the Australian actor's wife, said her husband died on a 'sunny Sydney morning' in the 'arms of his loving wife.'
The actor was diagnosed with the disease in March 2010 and began treatment immediately in New Zealand. He appeared in all 13 episodes of the first season of theSpartacus: Blood and Sand, first aired in 2010. The diagnosis lead to his decision to part ways with the show, including future seasons, to focus on treatment.
Chris Albrecht, president and CEO of television network Starz, released a statement confirming the news: '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.’ Stars of the show, including Lucy Lawless, are expressing their condolences on Twitter.
