Andy Whitfield Gabriel

Andy Whitfield, the Welsh-born Aussie star of the supernatural thriller 'Gabriel' and the TV series, 'Spartacus: Blood and Sand', has died at the age of 39.

Aussie audiences may know him from 'All Saints' and 'Packed to the Rafters', but for a legion of loyal fans (especially in the US) he'll always be remembered as the fallen Angel, Gabriel, no matter how popular he became as Spartacus.

He died in Sydney after a long battle with non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, which looked to have been eradicated earlier this year. Sadly, after being given a clean bill of health and the go-ahead to return to work, Whitfield received the news in September that it had returned.

Having met and chatted with Andy and his fellow cast and crewmembers when talking about the film 'Gabriel', I can say that he was a passionate, funny and dedicated actor. His huge success in the lead role of 'Spartacus' was well-deserved.

Andy leaves behind a wife and two children

Death comes to us all, but not always success, or love. Andy had those two, in spades. For those who knew him well and best, our thoughts and wishes go out to you.