'Spartacus' star Whitfield dies of lymphoma at 39

Andy Whitfield, who played the title role in the hit cable series "Spartacus: Blood and Sand," has died at age 39, according to representatives and family.

Whitfield died Sunday in Sydney, Australia, 18 months after he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, manager Sam Maydew told the Associated Press.

"On a beautiful sunny Sydney spring morning, surrounded by his family, in the arms of his loving wife, our beautiful young warrior Andy Whitfield lost his 18 month battle with lymphoma cancer," Whitfield's wife Vashti said in a statement. "He passed peacefully surrounded by love. Thank you to all his fans whose love and support have help carry him to this point. He will be remembered as the inspiring, courageous and gentle man, father and husband he was."

Andy Whitfield — who was born in Wales and moved to Australia in 1999 — 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.

The series proved a breakout hit for the Starz network and made waves with its graphic violence and sexuality.

Whitfield appeared in all 13 episodes of the first season that aired in 2010, and was preparing to shoot the second when he was diagnosed with cancer.

While waiting for Whitfield's treatment and expected recovery, the network produced a six-part prequel, "Spartacus: Gods of the Arena," that aired earlier this year with only a brief voiceover from the actor.

But in January after Whitfield's condition grew worse, the network announced that another Australian actor, Liam McIntyre, would take over the role.

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of our dear friend and colleague, Andy Whitfield," Starz President and CEO Chris Albrecht said in a statement Sunday night. "We were fortunate to have worked with Andy in 'Spartacus' and came to know that the man who played a champion on-screen was also a champion in his own life."

 I had such hope that he would return to the franchise and was absolutely pissed that his role was replaced. I was in denial that such a young and strong person could be brought down so early by this disease......If ones time comes and you are fortunate enough to be in the arms of someone who loves you, you have begun the inevitable journey in the best way possible.....we will missed you...!!!!

Angelina Jolie Exhausts Kids!!!!

          

"All of the kids were in the garden to play and she surprised them with a local group of children's entertainers," a source tells Us Weekly of the sunny day.

"Think juggling, game organising, races, that type of thing."

Jolie's treat was just the trick for Shiloh and the gang, the source adds. "The kids laughed and screamed all day. They were exhausted by the time the troupe left!"

Look Angelina is a great MOM....it is obvious.....And it just says there are long days...she did not plant the story, the paparazzi are around her and her kids like bees and honey...they are an interest to the public and they sell tons of mags and all...she always has her kids and is always doing something with them. AND they appear to be very happy and adjusted. If I had 6 kids alone while my husband was away for a long period of time.....I feel sorry for you that you seem to take everything this family does
so personally......:)

Kim, Kourtney, and Khloe Model Their Kardashian Kollection for Sears Ad

In this totally un-altered photo (cough, cough) Kourtney wears a colorful top and matching bottom, Khloe dons a pink lace set with thigh-high stockings, and Kim rocked a black and white two-piece number. The photo shoot happened back in May, and Kim raved on her blog about working with the world renowned photographer, writing"What an amazing day! We shot with the living legend herself, Annie Leibovitz! I swear this was such an eye opening day. She shot our Kardashian Kollection for Sears ad campaign! I can’t give away any details, but we have never been shot like this before and it was soooo fun shooting with Kourtney and Khloe." The Kollection will launch in 400 Sears storefronts this month and is influenced by the individual styles of the sisters. But if you needed any further proof that the photo was altered (thanks Photoshop), then check out the video which shows the sisters getting prepped and pampered prior to the shoot.