Andy Whitfield of 'Spartacus' dies of cancer at 39

Andy Whitfield dies of cancer at 39

Andy Whitfield, a Welsh actor popularly known for his role in Starz's hit TV series " "Spartacus: Blood and Sand," succumbed to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in Sydney, Australia Sunday, several news sites reported. He was 39 years old.

"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," Andy Whitfield's wife Vashti said in a statement sent to Associated Press. "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."

Andy Whitfield was preparing to shoot for the second season of "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" when he was diagnosed with the disease in March, 2010. He immediately began treatment in New Zealand.

Whitfield is survived by his wife and two children.

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymphoid tissue, which includes the lymph nodes, spleen, and other organs of the immune system.