After visiting Deadline about an hour ago, I was saddened and dismayed to read about the passing of an actor who’s greatness was gone far too soon, and who had the potential to be even bigger than he already was. Andy Whitfield was the main lead in the Starz original series Spartacus: Blood and Sand, playing the main character of Spartacus who would rise through the ranks of the gladiators to lead a slave rebellion that would be talked about for centuries after. Whitfield owned the character of Spartacus in my eyes. He had intensity and the strong silence that made people like Clint Eastwood the icons they are today. Sadly, the non-Hodgkin Lymphoma that he was diagnosed with a couple years ago forcing to him withdraw from the role of Spartacus, claimed him today shy of 40.

I only hope that his replacement Liam McIntyre realizes the enormity of the role he inherited from one of my favorite actors in the last five years. An actor that I had hoped to see in a variety of things outside of Spartacus in the years to come. I wish Andy Whitfield’s family and friends all the best as they mourn a loss felt by his many fans. And I wish to thank Mr. Whitfield for giving us a memorable performance in his turn as Spartacus that will live on for many years.