R.I.P ANDY WHITFIELD (1974-2011)

Andy Whitfield, who’s impressive physque didn’t hurt his lead performance in the Starz series “Spartacus: Blood and Sand” has died in his home country of Australia after a battle with non-Hodgkins Lymphoma.
Whitfield was 39.
In a statement provided to Associated Press, Whitfield’s wife, Vashti, called her husband a “beautiful young warrior” who died on a “sunny morning” in the “arms of his loving wife.”
Whitfield — who was born in Wales and lived in Australia — was a virtual unknown when he was cast as the title hero in “Spartacus,” a hit original series for the Starz network that was known for its graphic violence and sexuality.
Whitfield’s performance in the first season of Spartacus remains a testament to his talent. He was able to project such furious aggression and intense vulnerability, often at the same time.
Whitfield was preparing for the show’s second season when he was diagnosed 18 months ago. Faced with the decision of either cancelling the series or recasting, Starz and producers opted to hire newcomer Liam McIntyre for the lead role, with Whitfield’s blessing.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of our dear friend and colleague, Andy Whitfield,” said Starz president and CEO Chris Albrecht. “We were fortunate to have worked with Andy in ‘Spartacus’ and came to know that the man who played a champion on-screen was also a champion in his own life. 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.”
Whitfield’s Spartacus co-star Lucy Lawless also paid tribute to him in a statement to EW: “Obviously, Andy Whitfield left an indelible mark on all of us in the Spartacus family. He was a gentle man who never said a bad word about anyone, a gifted photographer, engineer (no really!) and a brilliant actor. Andy’s incandescent film presence made men want to be him and women want to marry him. Andy’s two babies will always know that their Daddy cherished them and their mother, Vashti, above all things. How lucky we were to have him grace all our lives. Godspeed, Andy!”
“No words to express the depth of such a loss. You will be deeply missed, my brother,” said Spartacus creator Steven DeKnight on Twitter.