Andy Withfield Died Cause of Cancer

Liam McIntyre replaces Andy Whitfield in Spartacus


"We're all just praying for him," Manu Bennett, who plays fellow gladiator Crixus, said. "When the cancer has moved on as it has, it's a bigger battle for him. I can't tell you how deeply saddened it has been for all of us to know that our friend, our colleague, our inspiration has been given such a challenge. It's going to be a longer period of time before any of us know what is going to be the result with Andy right now. All communications would indicate that he's in very high spirits and that he's fighting this thing with as much strength as he fought [with] on the show."



In the meantime, Spartacus: Gods of the Arena will premiere the first of six episodes Friday at 10/9c. The series focuses on Batiatus (John Hannah) before his ludus becomes a contender in the gladiator tournaments and Crixus before he becomes a fighting champion.

Andy Withfield In Memory

"Andy of course is being very private about his condition and what he's going through with his family," DeKnight said Tuesday to discuss the prequel Spartacus: Gods of the Arena. "It's been a little while, but the last thing I heard was that he was attacking it like a true champion. I have the utmost faith that he will pull through with flying colors."



The 36-year-old Whitfield has been battling non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, forcing him to drop out of the Starz series in September. Liam McIntyre was recently announced as Whitfield's replacement as the titular gladiator.

Andy Withfield Photo

Andy Withfield Died

Bad, bad, bad news today, people. I'm extremely sad to inform you that Andy Whitfield has died last night :(( Wonderfully charismatic, stunningly handsome star of SPARTACUS BLOOD AND SAND who always seemed so warm, kind and polite has died from cancer in Sydney this morning in the arms of his loving wife as "Daily Mai"l reports.

As you know, talented young New Zealand actor was diagnosed with stage 1 of the disease in March 2010, but was declared cancer-free two months later after beginning treatment immediately in New Zealand. It was thought that he would then resume the shooting of the second season of SPARTACUS show, which became a worldwide hit in its premiere season, but the cancer returned later on and Andy had to continue with a more aggressive treatment. He left the show then and was replaced by a new actor.