Actor Andy Whitfield of “Spartacus: Blood and Sand” Dead At 39

Actor Andy Whitfield, best known for his starring role during the first season of the Starz series Spartacus: Blood and Sand died in Sydney over the weekend, he was suffering from non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

Whitfield was only 39-years-old and in a public statement his wife Vashti said of her husband that he was “a beautiful young warrior.” Vashti went on to add that he died on a “sunny Sydney morning” while “in the arms of his loving wife.”

In early 2010 Whitfield was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma while preparing for the second season of Spartacus. Andy originally watched as the disease went into remission after a few months of treatment however in September 2010 the disease had returned and he left the show to focus on his health, being replaced by Liam McIntyre.

In a statement, Starz President and CEO Chris Albrecht said of Whitfield:

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.

Our condolences go out to his family and friends.