Spartacus Star Andy Whitfield Dead at 39

Eighteen months after being diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Spartacus TV star Andy Whitfield has died. He was 39. Spartacus: Blood and Sand was the Starz network's first big hit, thanks in large part to the program's plentiful violence and nudity. Whitfield was almost unknown when he was cast in the series, and starred in the first season's 13-episode run before being diagnosed with cancer, notes TMZ. "He passed peacefully surrounded by love," said his wife in a statement. "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." Click for more. (More Spartacus stories.)