`Spartacus' Star Whitfield Diagnosed With Cancer

By R. Thomas Umstead
published

Spartacus: Blood and Sand star Andy Whitfield has been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma and will begin treatment immediately in New Zealand, Starz officials said Tuesday.

Whitfield, who plays the lead character in the pay TV network's popular original drama series, discovered the cancer during a routine checkup as he prepped for the sophomore season. Andy's doctors have stated his condition is very treatable, and was detected in its early stages.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Andy," says Chris Albrecht, President and CEO of Starz in a statement. "His health, of course, is our primary concern. He has our complete support during this difficult time."
The second season was scheduled to begin shooting shortly in New Zealand, but has been postponed to accommodate Andy's treatment.
Spartacus: Blood and Sand has been a breakout success for the Starz network, averaging 814,000 viewers during its freshman season. The show's season finale airs April 16th.

R. Thomas Umstead
R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.