Spartacus Star Loses Battle With Lymphoma

Sad story out of Sydney, Australia. Andy Whitfield, star of the Starz series Spartacus: Blood and Sand, has died of non-Hodgkin Lymphoma at age 39. The actor was first diagnosed in March 2010 and had been battling the disease ever since. Starz CEO Chris Albrecht expressed his sympathies upon hearing the news. [THR]

“We were fortunate to have worked with Andy in Spartacus and came to know that the man who played a champion onscreen was also a champion in his own life,” Albrecht said. ” 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.”

Well, this totally sucks. Whitfield was one my favorite things about Spartacus, along with the copious amounts of blood and nudity. Another Aussie, Liam McIntyre, has taken over the role for season 2.

RIP, Andy.