Introduction
Andy Whitfield was an actor born in Wales, UK, on October 17, 1971. He was best known for his role as Spartacus in the television series Spartacus: Blood and Sand. Unfortunately, he passed away on September 11, 2011, at the age of 39, due to non-Hodgkin lymphoma. In this blog post, we will explore his life, movies, and cause of death from cancer, with a tribute to his wife and children.
Early Life and Career
Whitfield was born in Amlwch, Anglesey, Wales, and grew up in Australia. He graduated from the University of Western Sydney with a degree in engineering, but his passion for acting led him to pursue it as a career. He started his acting career in Australia, where he appeared in several television shows and films, such as All Saints, Packed to the Rafters, and Gabriel.
In 2010, Whitfield landed his breakthrough role as Spartacus in the television series Spartacus: Blood and Sand. He received critical acclaim for his performance, and the show became a massive hit. Unfortunately, during the production of the second season, Whitfield was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which forced him to withdraw from the show.
Movies
Aside from his role in Spartacus, Whitfield also appeared in several movies throughout his career. In 2007, he starred in the Australian film The Clinic, where he played a man who wakes up in a hospital with no memory of how he got there. He also appeared in the 2010 film The Last Supper, where he played a man who invites his friends to a dinner party that turns into a nightmare.
Whitfield’s last film appearance was in the 2011 film The Fields, where he played a detective investigating a series of murders in a small town. The film was released posthumously, as Whitfield passed away before its release.
Cause of Death
In March 2010, Whitfield was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system. He immediately started treatment, which included chemotherapy and radiation therapy. He also underwent a stem cell transplant in the hope of curing the disease.
Unfortunately, Whitfield’s cancer returned in September 2011, and he passed away on September 11, 2011, at the age of 39. His death was a shock to his fans and the entertainment industry, as he was a rising star with a promising career ahead of him.
Tribute to His Wife and Children
Whitfield was married to Vashti Whitfield, and they had two children together. After his death, Vashti became an advocate for cancer research and started the Andy Whitfield Foundation, which aims to raise awareness and funds for cancer research.
Vashti also produced a documentary about her husband’s battle with cancer, titled Be Here Now. The documentary follows Whitfield’s journey from diagnosis to treatment to his final days, and it also explores the impact of his illness on his family and friends.
Conclusion
Andy Whitfield was a talented actor who left a lasting impression on the entertainment industry. His role as Spartacus in the television series Spartacus: Blood and Sand will always be remembered, as will his bravery in the face of cancer. We pay tribute to his wife and children, who continue to honor his legacy through their advocacy for cancer research.
