My Simple Crib

Actor Andy Whitfield, who found fame playing the title role in the TV series Spartacus: Blood and Sand, has died of non-Hodgkin lymphona aged 39.The Welsh-born actor passed away in Sydney, 18 months after he was first diagnosed with the disease, according to his manager. ‘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,’ his wife Vashti said in a statement.

“He passed peacefully surrounded by love. 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, husband and father that he was.”

Whitfield moved to Sydney from his native Wales in 1999, and appeared in a number of Australian TV shows – including sitcom Packed To The Rafters and drama series McLeod’s Daughters – before being cast in the title role in Spartacus: Blood and Sand in 2010.

May his soul Rest in Peace.