the guest blogger: Andy Whitfield

Andy Whitfield
Andy Whitfield, the Welsh actor best known for his portrayal of the eponymous hero in Spartacus : Blood and Sand has died aged 39 after a long battle with cancer. Andy was born in Amlwch but moved to Sydney in the late nineties where he switched from engineering to modeling and acting. He started out as a model in commercials, runways and print ads in various magazines and catalogs. His initial reaction to modeling was not so optimistic, instead his aspiration was to be an actor. After a period of struggle, he finally landed his first acting role at age 30 in the TV series All Saints. And has since appeared in several Australian television series, such as Opening Up, The Strip, Packed to the Rafters and McLeod's Daughters. However, Andy got his big break in the film Gabriel in which he played the lead role - Since the beginning of time, Heaven and Hell have fought over purgatory and the souls trapped inside it. Each side has sent seven warriors: Archangels from heaven, Fallen Angels from hell. Hell has attained control, transforming purgatory into a dark, seedy city. The last Archangel, Gabriel endeavours to discover what has become of his comrades and to restore the Light. But it is as the warrior we love so much in Spartacius : Blood and Sand that he will be remembered. The high drama, vibrant sexuality, and strength of story led Spartacus to become an instant hit. Andy was then known across the world for his sensitive and strong portrayal of the Thracian slave who leads his fellow gladiators to overthrow their Linister and escape to freedom. At the end of Blood and Sand it was announced that a prequel, Gods of the Arena, would be shot to allow Andy to recover from non-Hodgkin lymphoma. However it became clear that he would not be well enough to reprise the role of Spartacus in the third season, Vengeance. I think Andy was a beautiful man and an amazing actor. He had an allure about him that could not be ignored. I fell in love with him the first time I watched Gabriel, and that attraction only grew when I discovered Spartacus. It's always a shame to lose someone so young and talented, and he will be missed by his huge worldwide fanbase - myself included. I would like to take this time to send my deepest sympath to his family. Andy is survived by his wife Vashti and their two children.
Andy Whitfield Pictures

andy whitfield