Completed Spartacus (Season 3) [Starz]

[splax23]

Spartacus Star Leaving Series for Health Reasons
Andy Whitfield is dropping out of Season 2, due to the recurrence of cancer.
September 17, 2010

A very unfortunate story to report here, as news comes in that Spartacus: Blood and Sand star Andy Whitfield is dropping out of Season 2 of the series, due to the recurrence of cancer. Deadline is reporting the news, as Whitfield and Starz have put out a joint statement about the situation.

Whitfield was diagnosed with treatable Stage 1 non-Hodgkin lymphoma earlier this year. After his initial treatment, he was in remission and cleared to return to work on Spartacus. In the interim, Starz had delayed production on Season 2 and ordered a prequel series, Spartacus: Gods of the Arena (starring John Hannah and Lucy Lawless), which is currently filming for a January debut.

In the statement released by Whitfield and Starz, they note his doctors have advised he "immediately resume aggressive treatment for a recurrence of cancer."

Said Whitfield, "It's with a deep sense of disappointment that I must step aside from such an exceptional project as Spartacus and all the wonderful people involved. It seems that it is time for myself and my family to embark on another extraordinary journey. Thank you sincerely for the support so far."

"Our hearts and prayers are with Andy and his family during this difficult time," said Starz President and CEO Chris Albrecht. "Andy is not only an incredible actor whose portrayal of Spartacus made an indelible impression on Starz audiences, he is also an amazing human being whose courage, strength, and grace in the face of adversity have inspired all of us."

Starz stresses they have not yet made a decision about how to proceed next, as no doubt the speculation will begin over whether they will recast, delay the series indefinitely or end it all together. "Right now, we just want to extend our concern and support to Andy and his family," said Carmi Zlotnik, Managing Director, Starz Media. "We will address our programming plans at some later date."

Wow what a great show I wish him the best and hope one day he can come back and continue.

 

[Ricker]

You would never had known he was ill, by what great shape the guy was in for that show. He was a gifted actor that would have gone far in his craft.

 

[digitalbabe]

As a new fan of this show, I just read this this morning, too. This is very sad. May he rest in peace

 

[Wreck]

suxxxxxxx!

 

[Rob]

RIP Andy.

Cancer

 

[pmartin252]

Yes, very sad news - I'm halfway through watching the first series. Tributes from his fellow actors say what a genuinely nice guy he was.

 

[surfury]

Just found this out. I knew he had been ill with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Here is a link to an article at E! Online with a little bit more detail.

Andy Whitfield (17 July 1972 – 11 September 2011) R.I.P. - a gentle giant.

 

[jimmy]

R.I.P

 

[ftwjedi]

I was super bummed out when I heard the news.
Spartacus: Blood & Sand was a great show, mostly due to Andy Whitfields potrayl of the main character.
What a shame, he got his big break and we didn't see how much farther he could have gone in tv and perhaps the big screen.

The Slayer of Theocoles...

The Bringer of rain...

The Champion of Capua...

Andy Whitfield,

may you forever rest in peace.

 

[DarthDVDS]

R.I.P Andy

 

[lenochek04]

Tears in my eyes....SO SAD NEWS R.I.P. ANDY

 

[ocielz]

It sucks that he was getting recognize for a great show like Spartacus, and then being brought back down due to his illness. A great actor, was hoping for him to return back for season 2. Saw some videos on YouTube with Freddy Wong, seemed like a really down to earth kinda guy. May he RiP.

 

[ftwjedi]

Really cant wait for season 3!
Loved GotA and B&S, but I feel the third season with Andy Whitfield (R.I.P.) would have been EPIC!
Nonetheless, this season looks AWESOME!

 

[FanOfGaming]

Spartacus: War Of The Damned premieres January 25th @ 9PM on Starz

 

[Rusty1989]

So pumped for the new season!

 

[FanOfGaming]

I got Blood & Sand on Blu-ray for Christmas, I should really get started on this series

 

[digitalbabe]

Spartacus: War of the Damned-Ep 1 free

Watch here, enter your birthday.

http://www.starz.com/originals/spartacus/Videos/#/free-spartacus-war-of-the-damned-episode-1

 

[juliobucci]

The greatest series ever made!

 

[Sirjump]

Just love the latest season so far!!!

 

[Sirjump]

Bump for a spectacular show!!!

 

[Indiana Jones]

One of my favorites for sure!!!!!