Andy Whitfield is dead at 39. Died of a horrible disease right when he was coming into his own as an actor. He was the lead on a fantastic show called Spartacus. The show was fierce and fabulous, made the more so by his strong and mesmerizing performance. Plus, damn if he wasn't hot in a loin cloth. When I heard he had cancer, I was stunned. The same kind that Michael C. Hall from Dexter had and beat. So I thought for sure someone who looked so healthy would be sure to pull through. Not so and now he is dead. I was devastated to hear that they ended up having to recast him due to his illness but I was still sure that he eventually would be well again. I think the show will be diminished without him. But this is beyond that and I actually cried when I read the news. It may seem silly crying for a man I never knew but I do that for people who make my life more enjoyable for the entertainment they bring. Here he joins the ranks of Jim Henson, John Ritter, River Phoenix, and others. Many people decry Spartacus as all sex and violence. It had plenty of both to be sure. It was not just that. It was compelling television peopled with amazing characters. It made me laugh, cry, turn away in disgust and cheer. In interviews he seemed like a quiet, sweet, and soft-spoken man and he battled his disease bravely. His wife and 2 small children must be devastated. Life is so short it seems. RIP Andy, thank you for bringing Spartacus to life You won't be soon forgotten.
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