Andy Whitfield, lead role in the Starz period drama “Spartacus: Blood and Sand,” died Sunday of non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in Sydney, Australia. He was 39.

In a statement issued by his wife Vashti Whitfield, she said “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.”

Whitfield was the gladiator hero in the first season of the cable series, but had to step down before the second season because of his illness. Whitfield’s performance was so strong and iconic, showing a mixture of furious aggression and intense vulnerability, that production on season two was halted for about a year in an attempt to give Whitfield time to recover from the disease.

Starz released a statement Sunday reacting to the tragic news.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of our dear friend and colleague, Andy Whitfield,” said Starz president and CEO Chris Albrecht. “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. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time. He will live on in the hearts of his family, friends and fans.”

“Spartacus” creator Steven DeKnight on his Twitter said, “No words to express the depth of such a loss. You will be deeply missed, my brother.”

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