'Spartacus' Star Andy Whitfield Diagnosed With Cancer

By PopEater Staff Posted Mar 9th 2010 02:48PM

Andy Whitfield, who plays the lead on the Starz drama 'Spartacus: Blood and Sand,' has been diagnosed with a treatable form of non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. In a statement posted to EW.com, Whitfield said, "I'm receiving excellent care, and am feeling strong, positive and determined with an army of support behind me."

In the meantime, Starz said that it will postpone production on season 2, titled 'Spartacus: Vengeance,' while Whitfield, 35, receives treatment for the condition.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Andy," said Starz president Chris Albrecht, according to the Ausiello Files. "His health, of course, is our primary concern. He has our complete support during this difficult time."

The bloody drama -- which was renewed for a second season before its series premiere in January -- has been a steady ratings draw for the network, with recent episodes averaging about one million viewers. It also introduced the Welsh-born model-actor to mainstream U.S. audiences. He previously starred on such Australian TV series as 'Opening Up' and 'McLeod's Daughters.'

Tags: andy whitfield, Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, spartacus

Comments

(86)

Tuesday 09 March

By Angela

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Take care of your self...hope your treatments are very successful.

By VINNY

ALWAYS THINK POSITIVE. I TOO HAVE THE CONDITION. DON'T LET IT
GET YOU. PRAY IS INPORTANT.
VINNY

By SYLVIA

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I LOVE THE SHOW, VERY EXCITING. I WILL PRAY FOR ANDY. THEY NEVER USED THE NASTY WORDS THE SHOW USES, BACKIN THOSE DAYS. KIND OF TAKES AWAY FROM THE REALISM..REALITY.

By Debra

Sylvia,

People have been using those words since the beginning. Did you think YOU invented them?

By Ron

Are you sure?

By johns123123@aol.com

Sylvia,
Were you born in those days to know what words they did use? Give me a break.

Sunday 25 April

By Matt

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Sylvia is right. Back in those days curse words were more directed with the Gods. The script is awkward at best and the fight choreography is laughable. For some reason they decided to use 300 cinematography and failed at that too. Also, the blood effects suck. How this show is popular is beyond me.

Saturday 18 September

By Kate

so true, people forget this show is based on ancient Rome, they did not speak English and although they had words similar to the "nasty" ones we use they were not the same. The "f" word is an English word and not in use during ancient Roman days.

I love this show, who cares about accuracy anyway it's just a good entertaining show for both men and women (Finally...something besides fake boobs on the tube lol) and Andy is a wonderful actor that is just down right loveable. I do so hope that he conquers this and get's well soon. I will miss Spartacus.

Tuesday 05 October

By Allen

Okay all you a**holes who have to put someone else down to make a point - people like you make the world suck. Have a great day!

By CAROL

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BE TOUGH, BE STRONG, NEVER GIVE UP! I ALSO HAVE THE SAME KIND OF CANCER, YOU HAVE YOUR GOOD AND BAD DAYS.YOU'LL BE IN MY PRAYERS.

By Roger

ANDY MY MAN, SO SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR DIAGNOSIS. I WILL KEEP YOU IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. KEEP POSITIVE AND GET BETTER, I LOVE THE SHOW. SO REAL IT'S HARD TO THINK IT'S ACTING. YOU LOOK GREAT TOO. GOD BLESS!

By Joseph

I wish him well and hope he gets the same words I received this past Tuesday when I was told "your cured." Attitude is so important. The fact that I had so many people pulling for me made a big difference.

Be as strong and tough as the character you play. You will do well.

By Kellie Boardman

Your a great actor!!! LOVE the show!!! Prayers and well wishes to you for an easy and speedy recovery!!!

By Jane

Andy, I know from watching the show,your a strong man...Put that enery to use,and you cant fail..Have had Breast cancer for 14 years,you have you good days and bad,but nothing is more important than life....My prayers will include you....
Viya Con Dios...

By mydownthere

I wish for him to have a speedy recovery, and to keep on going strong.

By Martin

What a shame! I love this guy, and this show. I wish him a speedy recovery. you are in my prayers. Season 2 would not be the same without you! So get well soon, I want more Spartacus!

By Shauna

Strength, youth & prayers are on your side ~ be well!

By Merenda

That sucks! I wish him well. I started watching this show recently and love it! I absolutely drool when I see him. every scene I watch with him in it I am in a trance starting at his beautiful eyes and hot body. I am so happy to hear this is treatable AND that he has the support of the show backers and that they're delaying that show's production for his health FIRST. WE can wait! Get better soon!

By barbara

stay strong and have faith
GOD WILL GET YOU THROUGH THIS.

By Holly

Hi Andy,
You are such a great actor, and so sweet!! Be strong, k?
Your in my prayers!!
xoxoxo

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