Monday, September 12, 2011

RIP Andy Whitfield: Beautiful Warrrior of "Spartacus"

This piece of sad news came quite unexpectedly on Red Dot Diva's Facebook feed early this morning.

After an 18-month long battle with cancer, Andy Whitfield, the handsome Welsh-born actor, who shot to fame as the heroic Spartacus in the popular Starz period drama series "Spartacus: Blood and Sand", has passed away on Sunday.

Just before the second season of "Spartacus" was to begin filming, Andy was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and after rounds of treatment, he had decided to give up the role for health reasons.

The role has now been taken over by Australian actor Liam McIntyre.

According to the press release, Andy died peacefully "surrounded by his family, in the arms of his loving wife" Vashti.

His portrayal as Spartacus in the cable TV's version will always remain as the most memorable in Red Dot Diva's mind. His Spartacus was not just a beautiful gladiator with intense blue eyes, rippling biceps and solid 6-pack abs. Andy made the character highly believable by put his brand of courage, soul and heart in the role and one would not ever doubt that his Spartacus was also an intelligent strategist.

As a tribute, here's another look at Andy in a behind the scenes clip from "Spartacus: Blood and Sand":



RIP, dear beautiful warrior Andy.
And prayers to his loved ones.

~Red Dot Diva, in-mourning

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