Former 'Spartacatus' Star Andy Whitfield Dies of Lymphoma

Actor Andy Whitfield, 39, the former star of the hit Starz series Spartacus: Blood and Sand, died Sunday of non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in Sydney.

Whitfield’s wife Vashti said in a statement her husband died on a “sunny Sydney morning” in the “arms of his loving wife.”

Starz president and CEO Chris Albrecht expressed his condolences in a statement on Sunday. “We were fortunate to have worked with Andy in Spartacus and came to know that the man who played a champion onscreen 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 was cast in the leading role of Spartacus in 2010. He was to return for season two when he was diagnosed with cancer 18 months ago. After a lengthy search, Starz announced that Liam McIntyre would take over the role.