Andy Whitfield, the Welsh born 39 year old actor with an impressive physique who was a star of the Starz series Spartacus: Blood and Sand passed away on Sunday in Sydney, Australia, a victim of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It was said by his manager and wife that he died on sunny Sydney morning” in the “arms of his loving wife.” He had lived in Australia since enrolling at University of Western Sydney, studying engineering.
Whitfield who broke through into acting late (in his mid 30′s) was building a notoriety for himself on the show, but was forced to exit it when he was diagnosed with the disease 18 months ago.
Says Starz President and CEO Chris Albrecht;
“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.”
Whitfield was also one of the stars of the horror movie The Clinic (which comes to DVD in the UK next month, our review already being worked on) and a leading role in the Australian thriller Gabriel where it looked like he might become the next Sam Worthington.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends today.
18 Comments
Rip Andy on screen you battled like a warrior poet
It was so painful to lost a great Actor like Andy Whitfield. I felt so bad when I heard the news this morning. May his soul rest in perfect peace, and I want the family to take heart. I know its not easy to lost some special in the family. God be with you Andy’s wife, kids(if any) and relatives.
His death is on some level more heartfelt and ironic given his on screen persona. But that perhaps is the pathos of being an entertainer, that the roles we excel in on the big screen are sometimes not the roles we can become as much as we will it in reality, but then again such things as cancer know no rhyme or reason, which is why Andy Whitfield’s death is perhaps even more startling given the legacy and aura that he commanded on screen and of course off screen, and perhaps even more so now….
http://scallywagandvagabond.com/2011/09/spartacus-hunk-andy-whitfield-loses-battle-with-cancer-at-age-39/
It so painful but what can we do rather to thank God almighty I pray MRS WHITEFIELDS takes heart to bear the lost we all know that GOOD things never last
I am so sad about this… he was and always will be Spartacus
What a loss. He was such a great actor, and obviously had a brilliant future ahead of him. His prescence on screen dominated the series of Sparticus. My thoughts go out to his wife, family, and friends.
i will miss him
is so sad, pls RIP
Morning All. This gose out too Andy s wife & 2 Children. It hurts me when good People die why we all get sick & die I feel for his lovely wife 2Children as well. The pain hurts I know but I am with you all the way God had siad so please think I am a caring person too tell you Im sorry what a brilent man he was. Mimi
A real shame..rip !
Rest in Peace Andy. A massive loss. Thoughts are with your family. Xxx
Andy Whitfield was one of those rare actors who seemed to have it all – looks, physique, voice, aura. Very few modern actors can claim this attitude but And, especially in SPARTACUS, stole every scene he was in. He had that Steve McQueen-touch on the screen. I will miss him. The screenworld has been robbed of a future star.
Andy Whitfield
this breaks my heart….he is in my prayers …a painful loss…it feels like the loss of a member of my family …
a wonderful life was cut short ….and yes – he was and always will be Spartacus…may his soul rest in eternal peace
A very sad time to loose one of the gifted actors we have seen in a long time. Andy brought confiction and passion to his role in spartacus,so compelling to watch him both as an actor and exciting to see what other challenges he would take on.My thoughts and deepest sympathy to his family and friends at this sad time.
yes, how SAD it is to see good people go at an early age. he was really and i mean really a gifted and talented man. my Condolences, goes to his wife and young children. may GOD be with all of you and give you the strenght. we will miss Andy alot and forever.
This is the saddest I have ever felt about the death of an actor. He was amazing in his role.
Andy and Spartacus both has passed away but thier legacy will always be remembered inside the arena and also inside thier fans heart. R.I.P.
oh i will really miss andy as spartacus he was truly an inspiration for me in that role