In the TV series, Whitfield played a Thracian gladiator, Spartacus, who led a major slave uprising against the Roman Republic from 73 to 71 BC. Just when Whitfield was preparing to shoot the second series of "Spartacus" on screen, he was diagnosed with early-stage of non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in real life. Unfortunately, his cancer recurred few months later. The actor, whose other credits included the 2010 film "The Clinic" and the 2007 movie "Gabriel," had to step away from his role on "Spartacus" due to his illness. While waiting for Whitfield's expected recovery, Starz produced prequel Spartacus: Gods of the Arena, in which Whitfield had a voice-over role. Following Whitfield's death at the age of 39, his wife released a statement, saying "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." Starz President and CEO Chris Albrecht also said in a statement, "We were fortunate to have worked with Andy in 'Spartacus' and came to know that the man who played a champion on-screen was also a champion in his own life. Andy was an inspiration to all of us as he faced this very personal battle with courage, strength and grace." Whitfield was replaced by actor Liam McIntyre, who will play Spartacus for season two, to be titled "Spartacus: Vengeance."