Andy Whitfield was born in Amlwch, Wales, on July 17, 1972. He studied engineering at the University of Sheffield, England and worked in Lidcombe, New South Wales, Australia as an engineer before settling in Sydney in 1999. He attended Screenwise Film & TV School for Actors, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. He appeared in several Australian television series, such as Opening Up, All Saints, The Strip, Packed to the R
afters, and McLeod's Daughters.
Whitfield gained his first prominent role in the Australian supernatural film Gabriel. He also starred in the 2010 television series Spartacus: Blood and Sand, which was filmed in New Zealand. He portrays a version of the historical Spartacus, although in this retelling he is a conscripted soldier condemned to death who defeats all four of his executioners and is thereby recycled as a gladiator. The actual Spartacus, like this fictional version, was destined to lead a rebellion against the Romans (the Third Servile War). Whitfield also appeared in the Australian thriller The Clinic starring opposite Tabrett Bethell (of Legend of the Seeker fame) which was shot in Deniliquin.
In March 2010, Whitfield was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma and began undergoing treatment immediately in New Zealand. This delayed production of season two of Spartacus:Vengance. While waiting for Whitfield's treatment and expected recovery, the network produced a six-part prequel, Spartacus: Gods of the Arena, with only a brief uncredited voiceover from the actor. Although declared cancer-free only two months later, he suffered a recurrence of the disease later in the year and was ultimately compelled to abandon the role. Starz recast 29-year-old Australian actor Liam McIntyre as Whitfield's successor.
Then on Sunday, September 11th, 2011, Andy loss his battle and died of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in Sydney, Australia, 18 months after his initial cancer diagnosis. Andy left behind his loving and supportive wife Vashti Whitfield, their two beautiful children, son Jesse Red Whitfield and daughter Indigo Sky Whitfield, his parents Robert & Pat Whitfield and his sister, Laura. This was the statement from Andy's wife after his passing "On a beautiful sunny Sydney spring morning, surrounded by his family, in the arms of his loving wife, our beautiful young warrior Andy Whitfield lost his 18 month battle with lymphoma cancer, He passed peacefully surrounded by love. Thank you to all his fans whose love and support have help carry him to this point. He will be remembered as the inspiring, courageous and gentle man, father and husband he was." The beloved wife of actor Andy Whitfield had also tearfully recalled the brave Spartacus star's final words to his kids: "I am going to go to sleep now as my body won't work any more. I am like a butterfly with broken wings." He also made an emotional deathbed promise to his young family, telling his children Jesse Red, 6, and Indigo Sky, 4, "I will always be with you and will always be watching over you. I love you." He was a great actor and someone taken way too soon and will be missed and loved by many for years to come.
Starz president and CEO Chris Albrecht said he and his network colleagues are "deeply saddened" over the news."We were fortunate to have worked with Andy in Spartacus and came to know that the man who played a champion onscreen was also a champion in his own life," Albrecht said. " 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.”
To see more tributes to Andy from his wife & co-workers/friends, copy & paste this link to your broswer. http://andywhitfield.ausxip.com/2011/09/tributes-to-andy-from-his-wife-vashti-steven-nick-and-lucy.html
