Former 'Spartacus' Star Andy Whitfield Dies of Lymphoma

Andy Whitfield, theformer star of Starz's drama series Spartacus: Bloodstream and Sand,died Sunday of non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in Sydney, his manager Mike Maydew told the Connected Press. He was 39.our editor recommendsLiam McIntyre to exchange Andy Whitfield on 'Spartacus'Comic-Disadvantage 2011: New 'Spartacus' Star Liam McIntyre Makes Debut Appearance (Video)'Spartacus: Vengeance' Start Looking: Liam McIntyre Ready for Fight (Photos)Related Subjects•Obituaries Starz leader and Boss Chris Albrecht stated he and the network co-workers are "deeply saddened" within the news. PHOTOS: Hollywood's Notable Deaths "I was fortunate to possess labored with Andy in Spartacus and found realize that the guy who performed a champion onscreen seemed to be a champion in the own existence," Albrecht stated. " Andy was an inspiration to most of us because he faced this very personal fight with courage, strength and sophistication. Our ideas and hopes are together with his family throughout this hard time. He'll survive within the hearts of his family, buddies and fans." UPDATE: Hollywood Pays Tribute to Andy Whitfield Whitfield's wife Vashti inside a statement known as her husband a "beautiful youthful warrior" who died on the "sunny Sydney morning" within the "arms of his loving wife." Whitfield -- who had been born in Wales and resided around australia -- would be a virtual unknown when he was cast because the title hero in Spartacus, popular original series that made waves using its graphic violence and sexuality. STORY: Liam McIntyre to exchange Andy Whitfield on 'Spartacus' Whitfield was planning for that second season when he was identified 18 several weeks ago. STORY: Andy Whitfield Not Coming back to 'Spartacus' In The month of january, the network introduced that another Australian actor, Liam McIntyre, would dominate the role. The Connected Press led for this report. Related Subjects Andy Whitfield Obituaries Starz! Spartacus