Andy Whitfield dies of lymphoma at 39

Andy Whitfield a British-born actor , the 39-year-old star of the cable series "Spartacus: Blood and Sand," has died. He was died last September 11, 2011. he supposed to played the character of Spartacus in its second season, Spartacus: Vengeance.

The star, who was born in Amlwch, Wales, but moved to Sydney in 1999, lost his 18-month battle with the disease on a 'sunny Sydney morning in the arms of his loving wife (Vashti),' she said in a statement. The actor, who was 39, was diagnosed with stage 1 of the disease in March 2010, but was declared cancer-free two months later after beginning treatment immediately in New Zealand. Liam McIntyre will take over his place as the lead role.

Whitfield was a virtual unknown when he was cast as the legendary Thracian slave in Spartacus, a role made famous by Kirk Douglas in the 1960 Stanley Kubrick film.

Spartacus: Liam McIntyre

In season two of the popular TV series, “Spartacus” new faces will be seen in this season including the main character who will be played by Liam McIntyre who takes over the role of the Thracian warrior sold into slavery in the Roman Republic city of Capua – where he rises to become the champion of the city – before leading the slave revolt that ended the first season. On the first part it was played in the first season it was played by Andy Whitfield, who was forced to leave the show due to his health issues.

In this Season two of the series finds Spartacus and his fellow gladiators now out of Capua and engaged in the massive slave rebellion against Roman society that has echoed through time. Which will premiere early on January 2012, with its newcomer Liam McIntryre taking over as Spartacus for Andy Whitfield. Watch Spartacus: Vengeance Online here.