Actor Andy Whitfield passes away at age 39
Andy Whitfield, who was from Wales but lived in Australia, was a relatively unknown actor until he was chosen for the series, a sex- and blood-soaked version of the early life of the Thracian gladiator who led a slave rebellion against the Roman ruling class from 73 to 71 B.C.
Whitfield took what was supposed to be a temporary leave from the show, which was an instant hit after its January 2010 debut, after a routine check-up in March of that year revealed a recurrence of cancer.
Starz Entertainment, the premium channel that airs the show, used different actors to film a prequel called Spartacus: Gods of the Arena, while awaiting the star's return. But Mr. Whitfield never recovered enough to come back.
Andy Whitfield is survived by two children and a sister. In her statement, his wife described him as "our beautiful young warrior." She said he died in her arms.
Statement from Starz, which was home to Spartacus: Blood and Sand:
""We are deeply saddened by the loss of our dear friend and colleague, Andy Whitfield," said Starz President and CEO Chris Albrecht. "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.""
Comments (48)
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Worth5Bucks
thats terrible
9 months agoby @mattbierwagenFlag
XxNickTheFilmCriticXx
Too sad - R.I.P. Andy Whitfield.
9 months agoby @XxNickTheFilmCriticXxFlag
SWAK1774
I was truly saddened by this news when I found out about it this morning. I was hoping that he'd be able to beat this terrible disease and return to his role as Spartacus. May he rest in peace.
I found this youtube video of him doing a parody of the game Time Crisis while he was undergoing treatment for the Cancer.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKogQf9ooR8&feature=share
9 months agoby @swak1774Flag
ROFLitschristian
Is there a reason 2 people have liked this? I can't imagine you telling me the excuse of, " I'm just happy he's no longer in pain."
9 months agoby @ROFLitschristianFlag
Nikola Maric
rip
9 months agoby @nikola-maricFlag
Sbrio26
Things like this rarely effect me so deeply. I loved the show but primarily because of his portrayal of Spartacus. He was amazing as an actor and I'm so saddened to see him leave this earth so soon. R.I.P. Andy
9 months agoby @sbrio26Flag
Dan
Who are the two that thumbed this up? They need to remove Jupiter c*ck from ass.
9 months agoby @dan1Flag
Major Tom
Who liked this?!?
9 months agoby @movie-nutFlag
fanboy
R.I.P. Andy, you will be greatly missed my friend!
9 months agoby @fanboyFlag
The First Avenger: JohnnyBlaze
........ Oh man he was awsome def the reason the show was such a hit was due to his badass performance as Spartacus, You will be missed bub... you will be missed. R.I.P
9 months agoby @johnnyblazetb82Flag
slysnide
Wow. Just 39. Sad. RIP
9 months agoby @slysnideFlag
Major Tom
I never got to watch Spartacus, but I always think it's depressing when someone dies. And I was just informed that my dad's cousin recently died of the same problem.
Regardless, R.I.P. I hope his family the best.
9 months agoby @movie-nutFlag
Tha Phoenix
*moment of silence* *raises Martini in King Andy's honour*
9 months agoby @thaphoenixFlag
ROFLitschristian
I'm never really affected by celebrities' deaths, but this one's got me in knots. Too young and too respectable to let go. RIP Andy. True warriors never die.
9 months agoby @ROFLitschristianFlag
CUPID
R.I.P
9 months agoby @cupidFlag
m2
Wow, did not see this coming. R.I.P
9 months agoby @m2Flag
darksektor1971
It's a shame to lose a young life and a great performer...man...your spartacus will be remmembered!!!!...R.I.P.
9 months agoby @darksektor1971Flag
Kinsean92
I am really sad to ear about his passing, he was great as spartacus and seemed like a good person too
9 months agoby @kinsean92Flag
MovieManiac
So sad. Dude was too young! R.I.P
9 months agoby @moviemaniac66Flag
MrMarQx
Shock!
9 months agoby @mrmarqxFlag
TheStonedReviewer
So sad, a huge loss of a great talent R.I.P Andy Witfield
9 months agoby @stonedFlag
felipe-11
Really sad news... I only watched the pilot for Spartacus and I didn't really get into it storywise, but he definitely showed some solid acting. Also saw him on a few YouTube vids and he seemed like an awesome dude, I was hoping he'd make it big in Hollywood.
RIP Andy.
9 months agoby @felipe-11Flag
dcrock
I just found out and i litterally was in shock. I always thought he'd pull through and beat this. Sad news.
9 months agoby @dcrockFlag
hasido
This is very sad!He was fantastic as Spartacus. I knew he was courageously battling cancer, but this is a shocker.........rest in peace to this fine actor, human being.
9 months agoby @hasidoFlag
Punkpryncess
This made me cry when i learn on Tumblr. R.I.P Andy. You're no longer in pain. You are SURELY gonna missed by your family, friends and fans of Spartacus! You'll always be thought of.
9 months agoby @punkpryncessFlag
Ruth Less
:`(( R.I.P. Andy
9 months agoby @Ruth-LessFlag
skywise
So sad to lose someone so young. RIP Mr. Whittfield.
9 months agoby @skywiseFlag
ADDICTION NON-FATAL
Very tragic indeed! Even though they found another to take his place as Spartacus, he's virtually irreplaceable. May the show go on...
9 months agoby @addiction-non-fatalFlag
supermanvenom
This is so sad. All the nice ones are taken too soon. RIP Andy
9 months agoby @supermanvenomFlag
J. David
You will be missed Andy
9 months agoby @moviefreak97Flag