Andy Whitfield's role as a true fighter * From: The Daily Telegraph * December 28, 2010 12:00AM

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/confidential/andy-whitfields-role-as-a-true-fighter/story-e6frf96o-1225976801250

 

Fight of his life ... actor Andy Whitfield / Pic: Icon Source: The Daily Telegraph

 Interceding prayer for you.

Leave a message for Andy ..maybe he will even pop in and read it.

Leave a message for Andy and I will post it beneath this pic..maybe he will even pop in and read it. :)

 

"I have a feeling that the gods are not through with you yet. Ok that was lame and i'm sure you're tired of it, but you get the idea. :) " ~frenzyenzy

Merry Christmas, Andy, wherever you may be.

Keep the faith and stay strong.

More pics at http://www.zimbio.com/photos/Andy+Whitfield/Andy+Whitfield+Spanish+Kitchen+LA/cVraXel5A1N

Two New Videos with Andy

Both Videos below are on "Andy's Unofficial Fan Site Blog" to the right.

_______________________

Just Jeans - What's Your Denim Story? (Teaser)

Only a few clips with Andy in this video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gB9mG6FTRLc&feature=player_embedded

____________________________

VTV interview with Shane Abbess and Andy Whitfield from the Australian film 'Gabriel.' Hosted by KC Village Cinemas TV...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdGTFxLsXcU&feature=player_embedded

 _________

Remain Strong!

"The Clinic" Movie (2010)

Here is the movie trailer for "The Clinic" starring our man, Andy(released this year actually and of course,I had no idea). To read more about it shoot over to the IMDB.com link at http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1345772/

Welsh actors hope to conquer America -- like Andy

Inspiration to many and in more ways than one...

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2010/11/07/welsh-actors-hope-to-conquer-america-91466-27614029/

Added/corrected info in Bio

"Whitfield will make a brief appearance in the prequel mini-series Spartacus: Gods of the Arena, scheduled to premiere in January 2011."

* Added to Bio. Taken from reference: "'Spartacus': 'Gods of the Arena' or gods of TV?". TCA Press Tour. Los Angeles Times. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/showtracker/2010/08/tca-press-tour-spartacus-gods-of-the-arena-.html. Retrieved 7 October 2010.

Also correction : spouse - Terrica Smith-Whitfield (1999–2003)

Phil's Testimony of how he beat Lymphatic Cancer twice.

http://www.neverretreatneversurrender.com/_preview/philbracco.html

Inspirational story - Phil's Testimony of how he beat Lymphatic Cancer twice.

So remember, Andy, to "Never Retreat, Never Surrender"!!

Wentworth Miller - Miller To Replace Whitfield In Spartacus?

Wentworth Miller - Miller To Replace Whitfield In Spartacus? - Contactmusic News

Andy,
No one can ever replace your unique qualities that you portray as an actor, whether the role is Gabriel or Spartacus. You are full of life, a vibrant spirit that spills onto the screen and flows into our hearts.

To many, you are a greater inspiration than ever before. So keep up the fight! Soon you will be back with more tenacity and spirit.

Ever-praying in intercession for that quick and cancer-free recovery!

Support Andy Whitfield Send a message to Andy!

Found a great sight after Mari (fan of Andy) contacted me and asked if there was a mailing address where fans could send Andy letters or 'Get Well/Best Wishes' cards. Below is a website which from my understanding, the messages will be printed out and then taken to him. 

Also there is a physical address that I came across. Unfortunately I cannot vouch for the address being legit or whether it is current. Let me know if someone has tried and received positive feedback.

Andy Whitfield
The Collective
8383 Wilshire Blvd.
Suite 1050
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
USA

Send Your Support Message to Andy Whitfield

As we have all read, Andy Whitfield has been stricken once again with cancer resulting in needing treatment and bowing out of Season 2 of Spartacus.

This page has been set up to provide a way for fans to leave their support to Andy.
Lesley-Ann Brandt (Naevia) will be taking these messages with her when she goes to see Andy and his family in a week’s time. I’m quite sure Andy knows how much the fans love him but your words of encouragement will help him through the difficult times ahead.

UPDATE 26 September 2010

Thank you to everyone who submitted their message to Andy. The comment section has been closed. These messages will be a way for Andy to know how much the fans love him. He IS Spartacus but more importantly he is Andy Whitfield, husband, father, son, friend, actor.
All these messages will be given to Lesley-Ann Brandt who will take them with her when she sees Andy in the coming week.

Thank you everyone for your support.

If you would like to donate to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in Andy Whitfield’s name please use one of these links:  Australia |  USA | Google other countries – Help them find a cure.

http://andywhitfield.ausxip.com/supportandy/?p=1#more-1

Andy Whitfield at Spanish Kitchen in W. Hollwood

At this event, Andy shared his time with fans and I am confident there were plenty more, seeing the type of person he is. Many celebrities are not as humble as Andy and that is why we love him so much, so please take a moment and pray for him and his family.

Lymphoma Information

This website page for HealthScout.com is  for generally asked questions about Lymphoma.

• Definition of Lymphoma
• Description of Lymphoma
• Causes and Risk Factors of Lymphoma
• Symptoms of Lymphoma
• Treatment of Lymphoma
• Questions To Ask Your Doctor About Lymphoma

Starz Message Board for Andy

This is a message board where you can leave a personal note for Andy. Unfortunately, the last message from Andy was written in July but I am sure that the effort and support will surely be seen. Thank you for the thoughts, prayers and support for Andy and his family during this trying time.

http://community.starz.com/t5/Spartacus/A-Personal-Post-from-Andy-Whitfield/td-p/54949

He Is... Spartacus!

"In poverty and other misfortunes of life, true friends are a sure refuge. The young they keep out of mischief; to the old they are a comfort and aid in their weakness, and those in the prime of life they incite to noble deeds." ~Aristotle

Andy, your true friends are interceding with thoughts and prayers for you and your fight!

Starz Might Re-Cast Andy Whitfield In ‘Spartacus: Blood And Sand’; Cancellation Possible?

Posted by The Movie God  |  September 28th, 2010 at 4:50 pm  |  Trackback

Nothing about this story sounds like good news for fans of the hit Starz show, Spartacus: Blood and Sand.

It’s being reported that the network has begun reaching out to various casting directors in an attempt to see if they can find someone that could replace star Andy Whitfield on the show.

Whitfield, for those who don’t yet know, was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma a while back, which delayed production on season 2, understandably. While waiting for their star to make a full recovery, Starz decided to make a 6-part prequel series this past summer, in which Whitfield, who seemed to be on the path to recovery, was set to make a small appearance. The prequel series is set to air in January, but it’s unclear whether said small appearance was still included or not.

Sadly, Mr. Whitfield has had an unexpected turn for the worst, and now requires a second aggressive treatment for his sickness, meaning even more of a delay. As much as every cast, crew, and executive involved in this show wants the actor to return, it’s also understandable that this is a business and the longer the delay is, the more damage it could do to the popularity of this, one of the network’s most successful series.

Whitfield himself is even said to be behind getting the show moving again, even if it requires re-casting his character. And if this difficult decision is made, Starz has already made it very clear that they intend to keep Whitfield employed with them and have him working on the show in some aspect.

At the moment, it looks like Starz has a few options here as well. It would be risky, but they could decide to cast someone in a different role, to become another central figure to build the show around. Then there’s the worst case scenario option: cancel Spartacus: Blood and Sand all together and not risk re-casting. Lastly, they could just decide to wait as long as it takes to get Whitfield healthy and back in action. Sources say that a decision is expected to be made in the next eight weeks.

As a huge fan of the show, I really don’t like the idea of re-casting. Whitfield was too good and too pivotal to find a completely different person to step into the role. If I had a vote in the matter, I’d say wait as long as they need to wait for the actor to be given his clean bill of health, and then move forward. Unfortunately, a lot of workers are involved here, and it’s really hard for them to accept new jobs while unsure of the future of Spartacus.

I do also like the idea of bringing in a new actor as an important character and build something around them. But instead of turning it into the main storyline, maybe do an entire season dedicated to this character as a side storyline. By the time that’s completed, hopefully, Andy Whitfield would be healthy as ever and then they could jump into season 3, merging the storylines of their first two seasons together. If the delay is as long as it seems to be looking, this idea makes the most sense, but I’m not familiar with the outlines they have in place and the current state of the production, and this might not be something that’s doable for them.

Obviously, the most important thing here is that Whitfield makes a full recovery. Anything other than that is not important in comparison. Nevertheless, Starz has some hard decisions to make, and I for one really hope that whatever they do, the actor will be able to return when he’s well enough to.

If you’re a fan of the show, what would you like to see happen? Would you be willing to wait as long as it takes, or are you so itchy for more Spartacus that you’d be okay with a new actor in the role? Is there another option you think would work best?

http://geeksofdoom.com/2010/09/28/starz-might-re-cast-andy-whitfield-in-spartacus-blood-and-sand-cancellation-possible/

Moving Tributes to Andy by Fans

Information on this link will direct you to fan's messages sent to Andy. Check it out and maybe send him some inspiring words when you do.

http://andywhitfield.ausxip.com/2010/09/moving-tributes-to-andy-by-fans.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ausxipandy+(AUSXIP+Andy+Whitfield+News+%26+Multimedia)

Andy Whitfield not returning to ‘Spartacus’

Andy Whitfield not returning to ‘Spartacus’

by James Hibberd | September 17, 2010 at 7:16 pm |

Very sad and surprising news. Andy Whitfield is not returning to "Spartacus" for season two. At his Comic-Con panel, Whitfield was full of energy and was looking forward to training for the show. Below is the statement sent by his publicist:

Andy Whitfield, star of Starz's "Spartacus: Blood and Sand," has been advised by his doctors to immediately resume aggressive treatment for a recurrence of cancer, as a result of which he will not be returning for the series' second season, which was tentatively set to air in September 2011.

"It's with a deep sense of disappointment that I must step aside from such an exceptional project as Spartacus‚ and all the wonderful people involved. It seems that it is time for myself and my family to embark on another extraordinary journey. Thank you sincerely for the support so far," said Whitfield.

"Our hearts and prayers are with Andy and his family during this difficult time," said Starz President and CEO Chris Albrecht. "Andy is not only an incredible actor whose portrayal of Spartacus made an indelible impression on Starz audiences, he is also an amazing human being whose courage, strength, and grace in the face of adversity have inspired all of us."

No decisions have yet been made about the future of the series. "Right now, we just want to extend our concern and support to Andy and his family," said Carmi Zlotnik, Managing Director, Starz Media. "We will address our programming plans at some later date."

Starz still plans to air the prequel to "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" in January 2011. Entitled "Spartacus: Gods of the Arena," it focuses on the House of Batiatus before Spartacus arrives in Capua and stars returning cast members John Hannah, Lucy Lawless, Peter Mensah and Manu Bennett, along with newcomer Dustin Clare.

Andy Whitfield not returning to 'Spartacus'

Prayers are with you to beat this!
-------------------------------------- 
Andy Whitfield not returning to 'Spartacus' Series star must resume cancer treatments

By James Hibberd

Sept 17, 2010, 10:22 PM ET

Spartacus: Blood and Sand"

"Spartacus: Blood and Sand" star Andy Whitfield will not return for the series' second season due to a recurrence of cancer. Starz said Friday that the actor has been advised by doctors to "resume aggressive treatment" for his illness, and that he won't part of the show when it returns to the cable channel in September 2011.

Whitfield was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in March. Production on the drama's freshman season was halted while the actor received medical care.

No decisions have been made about the future of the series.

Starz will air a "Blood and Sand" prequel, titled "Spartacus: Gods of the Arena," in January 2011.

Starz's full press release on Whitfield's condition can be found here.

Andy Whitfield on 'Red Eye'

Andy Whitfield on 'Red Eye'

http://video.foxnews.com/v/3976079/andy-whitfield-on-red-eye/?playlist_id=87249

Andy Whitfield

Andy Whitfield

September 7, 2010 by Maura Reilly
Filed under Actors 2Watch4, Featured

Behold Andy Whitfield, the bringer of rain! I‘m guessing those of you who don’t watch “Spartacus: Blood and Sand” are a little confused at that vague yet at the same time, cool reference. I’m hoping by the time you finish learning all there is to know about Andy, star of the ultra-violent, ultra-sexy swords and sandals cable series, you’ll be singing his praises as well.

Andy grew up in Wales, was living in London and was doing pretty much anything but acting. In fact he was an inspector for an engineering consultancy, climbing up buildings and such. It occurred to him one day that you don’t necessarily have to have a career in what you studied in school (Sheffield University by the way). So he relocated to Sydney, took some acting classes, got the odd role here and there on TV (shows like “McLeod’s Daughters” and “The Strip”), a couple features (Gabriel and the as yet unreleased The Clinic with “Legend of the Seeker’s” Tabrett Bethell) and started making a name for himself in the Australian entertainment industry.

How does a Welsh lad living in Australia end up on a TV show shot in New Zealand? (Practice, practice, practice, right?) Here is where show creator Steven S. DeKnight enters the picture. He and the two producers Rob Tapert and Sam Raimi (the duo responsible for the New Zealand shot “Legend of the Seeker”, “Xena” and “Hercules” series) were looking for an unknown to play the title character in a new groundbreaking series about a legendary figure in ancient Rome. The actor would have to have a physical and emotional command that was believable and undeniable. And he would have to be able to hold his own on screen with the likes of John Hannah and Lucy Lawless. Andy walked into the audition and right into the role. So a guy who was just beginning a career as an actor landed the role of a lifetime – one that would catapult him into international stardom.

Now in case you’ve been living in a cave for the last year there’s a couple of things I should point out. “Spartacus: Blood and Sand” is a daring series populated by muscular gentleman and boasts male full-frontal nudity. Yes, you read that right – male full-frontal nudity! And besides that, it’s a pretty awesome story. You’ll never look at John Hannah the same way again. Trust me. The second thing you might not know is that just as shooting for Season one came to an end Andy was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. Production for Season two was put on hold while Andy underwent successful treatment. One of the benefits of an increased profile is you get support from people you never expected to come in contact with. On July 20th Andy posted a personal note of heartfelt thanks to all the fans (http://community.starz.com/t5/Spartacus/A-Personal-Post-from-Andy-Whitfield/m-p/54949#M48368) who offered support and prayers to him through his recovery. At the 2010 International Comic-Con panel for “Spartacus” Andy announced that the doctors gave him a clean bill of health and he is ready to resume training and get back to work.

Normally we’re mostly about how attractive our Actors2Watch4 are but there’s something to be said about a person who faces the challenge of a disease like cancer with grace and dignity. That makes you a hero of a different kind and worthy of a song of praise. Don’t you think?

Andy Whitfield Unofficial Fan Site: Andy Whitfield / News & Biography - MashCeleb

Andy Whitfield Unofficial Fan Site: Andy Whitfield / News & Biography - MashCeleb:
"Andy Whitfield / News & Biography - MashCeleb"

Andy Whitfield is a Welsh actor and model Before becoming an actor, Whitfield worked as an engineer. He has appeared in several Australian television series, such as Opening Up, All Saints, The Strip, Packed to the Rafters and McLeod's Daughters. He gained his first prominent role in the Australian supernatural film Gabriel. Whitfield also stars in the 2010 television series Spartacus: Blood and Sand, which is filmed in New Zealand. He plays the part of Spartacus, a soldier condemned to fight as a gladiator and who ultimately leads a rebellion against the Romans. Whitfield also appears in the upcoming Australian thriller The Clinic starring opposite Tabrett Bethell (of Legend of the Seeker fame), set for release in 2010, which was shot in Deniliquin.

Aussie Hottie Andy Whitfield Is One Sexy 'Spartacus'

Copyright 2010 Starz Home Entertainment

"Spartacus: Blood and Sand," which made record ratings for Starz when it premiered last Friday night, is so steamy it should be called "Spartacus: Blood and Sex." ET talks to series star and Aussie hottie Andy Whitfield about what it is like to do all the nudity and love scenes.
ET: When you auditioned, did they ask you to take your shirt off?
Andy Whitfield: Surprisingly, I wasn't. I was wearing clothes. That didn't happen, so I had a month to convince them they made the right decision.
ET: How comfortable are you with the nudity and the love scenes?
Andy Whitfield: Some of those things are easier than others. Doing that is actually easier than some other scenes. It is something that is natural. My philosophy is you have to make whatever is written on the page look real. Part of that is investing in the other person you are working with. It is a commitment thing. I never really know what is going to happen next. I just let that flow.
ET: Talk about the physical preparation for this and the training that you have gone through.
Andy Whitfield: It was pretty brutal, actually. Two days after I got the job, I flew to New Zealand, and I was in gladiator boot camp, which is a month of four hours a day, getting smashed to pieces by big stunt guys, learning how to fall, sword fighting and not eating anything. It was really hard. And then you get to the end of that first month, and then they're going to do an eight-and-a-half-month shoot where you have to stay in that shape.
ET: Did you have a stunt double?
Andy Whitfield: I did most of it myself because of the phantom camera. There is this 1,000 frames-a-second camera that creates the slow-motion stuff, so you can see it is not me if it is not me. There were some things I couldn't do for insurance reasons. But pretty much, I hit the deck every time and threw the punches and swung the swords.
ET: I understand that you have an interesting background. You came over to Australia from Wales and climbed stuff?
Andy Whitfield: I used to climb buildings, bridges, dams, whatever with ropes. I was working for a big consulting engineering firm and my job was to look at problems on structures and figure out what was going wrong.
ET: How did you make the transition from engineering to acting?
Andy Whitfield: One day I realized that I didn't have to do what I studied to do. It was a time in my life when I was unlocking parts of me … acting was just an awesome way of pushing that envelope.
ET: The series has already been picked up for the second season. When do you go back into training?
Andy Whitfield: I am just ironing out all the things that went pop in the show. Probably two months before, I will go back in the gym. I am trying to put it off as long as possible.
"Spartacus: Blood and Sand" premieres a new episode tonight at 10 p.m. on Starz.

http://www.etonline.com/news/2010/01/83404/

Andy Whitfield / News & Biography - MashCeleb

Andy Whitfield / News & Biography - MashCeleb

Comic-Con interview: 'Spartacus' star Andy Whitfield speaks about his new 'fearlessness'

Andy Whitfield doesn't often look at "Spartacus" sites or message boards -- as is the case with many actors, he thinks reading the opinions of others can be a distraction.

But when he heard how thousands of fans were wishing him well as he fought cancer, he made an exception. In an interview conducted before the show's San Diego Comic-Con panel on Friday, he talking about reading the fans' messages of support.

"I was literally blown away," he said.

The outpouring of good will and the stories that other survivors shared online really did help him during a dark time, he said: "It really made a difference."

In the three interview clips below, he talks about what his character will be doing in the 6-episode prequel that airs early next year on Starz, and and he also talks about the show's second season. He said his character will be "bookending" the prequel: The Spartacus that we saw at the end of Season 1 will appear in the first and last episodes and will act as a bridge to the events depicted in those episodes, which are set about five years earlier and take place in Batiatus' ludus.

As for Whitfield's health, he's feeling fine. "I forget that I had cancer," he said. He's begun working out again in preparation for filming his prequel scenes in October (the rest of the prequel cast starts work in a week or so).

When he does return to work on "Spartacus," it will be with a new sense of energy and commitment, the actor said.

"I was forced to sit still," Whitfield said of his battle with cancer, which gave him "a chance to let go of things that don't necessarily serve you."

"I'm experiencing a fearlessness I never had before," he said. "And I just can't wait to see how that translates to work. You know, I could get there before, but now I think it's going to be more accessible…. It just makes you connect more and be more present, and that's kind of what acting's all about."

There are three interview clips with Whitfield below; the first two are from a one-on-one interview that took place before the "Spartacus" panel. The third is from a group discussion with the actor in the Comic-Con press room.

In these clips, he talks about Spartacus as "a beast of emotion," as a reluctant leader, the show's distinctive dialogue and the strict training and diet regimen he has to follow when he's shooting (the motivations there are "half fear, half vanity," he said with a laugh).

Before the clips, I've posted the audio of the entire "Spartacus" panel, which featured Whitfield, executive producer Steven S. DeKnight, John Hannah, Lucy Lawless and Viva Bianco.

The audio and video clips below assume that you have seen the first season of "Spartacus." Enjoy!

Spartacus Comic-Con panel

Andy Whitfield interview, Part 1

Andy Whitfield interview, Part 2

Andy Whitfield interview, Part 3

Andy Whitfield and Freddiew - Horsing Around

Andy Whitfield's Bio

Andy Whitfield's Biography

In 1974, Andy Whitfield was born in Amlwch, Wales. His parents Robert and Pat Whitfield then moved to Australia in 1999 with his sibling Laura.

Moved to Sydney, Australia after graduating the University of Sheffield, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England for Engineering. He started acting and modeling while working as an engineer and building inspector for a consulting agency.

In 1999, Andy Whitfield married Vashti Whitfield and is the mother of two wonderful children.

He attended Screenwise Film & TV School for Actors, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

He has appeared in several Australian television series, such as Opening Up, All Saints, The Strip, Packed to the Rafters and McLeod's Daughters. He gained his first prominent role in the Australian supernatural film Gabriel.

Still working his day job as an engineer, he sought a part as a Roman gladiator in ‘Spartacus: Blood and Sand’ and landed the lead role.

Whitfield starred in the 2010 television series Spartacus: Blood and Sand, which is filmed in New Zealand. He plays the part of Spartacus, a soldier condemned to fight as a gladiator and who ultimately leads a rebellion against the Romans. Whitfield also appears in the upcoming Australian thriller The Clinic starring opposite Tabrett Bethell (of Legend of the Seeker fame), set for release in 2010, which was shot in Deniliquin.

In March 2010, Whitfield was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, beginning treatment immediately in New Zealand. This delayed production of season two of Spartacus: Blood and Sand. Whitfield expects to return for a second season.

In June 2010 it was announced that Whitfield completely finished with his treatment, has a clean bill of health and is expected to be back on the set of Spartacus: Blood and Sand by October.

s Robert and Pat Whitfield then moved to Australia in 1999 with his sibling Laura.

Moved to Sydney, Australia after graduating the University of Sheffield, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England for Engineering.

He started acting and modeling while working as an engineer and building inspector for a consulting agency.

In 1999, Andy Whitfield married Vashti Whitfield and is the mother of two wonderful children.

He attended Screenwise Film & TV School for Actors, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

He has appeared in several Australian television series, such as Opening Up, All Saints, The Strip, Packed to the Rafters and McLeod's Daughters. He gained his first prominent role in the Australian supernatural film Gabriel.

Still working his day job as an engineer, he sought a part as a Roman gladiator in ‘Spartacus: Blood and Sand’ and landed the lead role.

Whitfield starred in the 2010 television series Spartacus: Blood and Sand, which is filmed in New Zealand. He plays the part of Spartacus, a soldier condemned to fight as a gladiator and who ultimately leads a rebellion against the Romans. Whitfield also appears in the upcoming Australian thriller The Clinic starring opposite Tabrett Bethell (of Legend of the Seeker fame), set for release in 2010, which was shot in Deniliquin.

In March 2010, Whitfield was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, beginning treatment immediately in New Zealand. This delayed production of season two of Spartacus: Blood and Sand. Whitfield expects to return for a second season.

In June 2010 it was announced that Whitfield completely finished with his treatment, has a clean bill of health and is expected to be back on the set of Spartacus: Blood and Sand by October.

Spartacus: Gods of the Arena Prequel to Spartacus: Blood and Sand

Spartacus: Gods of the Arena Prequel to Spartacus: Blood and Sand

'Spartacus': Andy Whitfield feels 'better than ever,' like he's '10 years younger' - From Inside the Box - Zap2it

'Spartacus': Andy Whitfield feels 'better than ever,' like he's '10 years younger' - From Inside the Box - Zap2it

'Spartacus' Star Andy Whitfield Thanks Fans For Cancer Support

'Spartacus' Star Andy Whitfield Thanks Fans For Cancer Support

'Spartacus' Star Andy Whitfield Is Cancer-Free & Ready To Return To The Starz Series

'Spartacus' Star Andy Whitfield Is Cancer-Free & Ready To Return To The Starz Series