Andy Whitfield died Sunday at age 39 in Australia from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. In March 2010 he was diagnosed according to The New York Times.
Whitfield resided in Australia although he was born in Wales. His career began with several TV shows, some of which were “All Saints” and “Packed to the Rafters.” He also did some modeling. His big break came when he was cast in the Starz series “Spartacus: Blood and Sand.” His good looks and talent helped make the show and instant hit.
Once he was diagnosed, Whitfield decided to begin treatment in New Zealand. In only a short months after treatment, he was declared cancer-free. However, later the same year he had a relapse that left him no choice but to give up the Spartacus role.
Whitfield’s wife Vashti published a statement on Sunday confirming his death. “On a beautiful sunny Sydney morning, surrounded by his family, in the arms of his love wife, our beautiful young warrior Andy Whitfield lost his 18-month battle with lymphoma cancer… he passed peacefully surrounded by love,” the statement said. “Thank you to all his fans whose love and support have helped carry him to this point. He will be remembered as the inspiring, courageous and gentle man, father and husband he was.”
Such sad news to someone so young. It appears that he had plenty of love and support from friends and family that he obviously touched, not to mention the impact his career had on many more people.
Source:
http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1670553/andy-whitfield-dead-spartacus.jhtml