Andy Whitfield, who played the title role in the hit series "Spartacus: Blood and Sand," has died at age 39. The actor died yesterday Sunday Sept 11 in Sydney, Australia, 18 months after he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, his family and friends have announced.
"On a beautiful sunny Sydney spring morning, surrounded by his family, in... the arms of his loving wife, our beautiful young warrior Andy Whitfield lost his 18 month battle with lymphoma cancer," Whitfield's wife Vashti said in a statement. "He passed peacefully surrounded by love. Thank you to all his fans whose love and support have help carry him to this point. He will be remembered as the inspiring, courageous and gentle man, father and husband he was."
BIOGRAPHY
In July 17, 1974, Andy Whitfield was born in Amlwch, Wales Australia
Moved to Sydney , Australia after graduating the University of Sheffield , Sheffield , South Yorkshire, England for Engineering.
He started acting and modeling while working as an engineer and building inspector for a consulting agency.
In 1999, Andy Whitfield married Terrica Smith-Whitfield (1999–2003) and later toVashti Whitfield and is father to two wonderful children.
He attended Screenwise Film & TV School for Actors, Sydney , New South Wales ,Australia
He has appeared in several Australian television series, such as Opening Up, All Saints, The Strip, Packed to the Rafters and McLeod's Daughters. He gained his first prominent role in the Australian supernatural film Gabriel.
Still working his day job as an engineer, he sought a part as a Roman gladiator in ‘Spartacus: Blood and Sand’ and landed the lead role.
Whitfield starred in the 2010 television series Spartacus: Blood and Sand, which is filmed in New Zealand
Whitfield also appears in the upcoming Australian thriller The Clinic starring opposite Tabrett Bethell (of Legend of the Seeker fame), set for release in 2010, which was shot in Deniliquin.
In March 2010, Whitfield was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, beginning treatment immediately in New Zealand
In June 2010 it was announced that Whitfield completely finished his treatment and was given a clean bill of health. Regretfully he was expected to be back on the set of Spartacus: Blood and Sand by October but a setback caused delay in filming.
September 2010, it was announced that Whitfield's cancer had returned and he would not be returning for the second season.
Whitfield appeared in all 13 episodes of the first season of Spartacus that aired in 2010, and was preparing to shoot the second when he was diagnosed with cancer.
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