One of the stars of the popular historical drama Spartacus has died at the age of 49 after a long battle with cancer.
Ioane “John” King was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma in January this year, which quickly spread to his pancreas and other organs.
Although the diagnosis was terminal, the Kiwi actor had started chemotherapy in March to slow its progression.
Spartacus star Ioane King died Monday after a seven-month battle with cancer. King pictured in a promo for the Starz series
King played the gladiator Rhaskos in the popular Starz franchise Spartacus.
He originally started out as an extra, but his role gradually expanded, eventually ending up in speaking roles and becoming popular with fans.
Since his death, tributes have come in from his co-stars and friends, including an emotional contribution from Manu Bennett, who played Crixus in Spartacus.
“John had a long battle with cancer but faced that battle with dignity and an abiding determination not to be defeated,” Manu wrote.
King was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma in January this year, which quickly spread to his pancreas and other organs
King (left) played the gladiator Rhaskos in the popular Starz franchise Spartacus
“John was brought on as an extra on Spartacus, but with a strong presence and always positive attitude towards the cast and crew, he won the speaking role of Rhasco,” he continued.
“I remember John fondly for the big grin and twinkle in his eyes as he welcomed me and others to set each day by offering a gladiator’s forearm handshake and saying, ‘Brother!’ in his deep, raspy voice. confirmed.
“He was one of the guys who held the team together and wore the B mark for the House Of Batiatus on his forearm with so much pride. Ioane (John) King really was one of the brothers.”
Before his death, some of King’s family members set up an online fundraiser to raise money to complete the home he had bought with his wife Christelle.
Since his death, tributes have come in from his co-stars and friends, including an emotional contribution from Manu Bennett (pictured), who played Crixus in Spartacus
“John had a long battle with cancer but faced that battle with dignity and an abiding determination not to be defeated,” Manu wrote
The couple had bought the home just six weeks before King was diagnosed with cancer.
“They have put their life savings into building a new home and intend to continue working on it for the next few years,” the fundraiser reads.
“But the pride and joy that surrounded this project was crushed. Six weeks after moving into their home, John’s diagnosis met total devastation. They had to completely reevaluate their priorities.”
“To his family, John is our golden child. To his friends, he is the most amazing, selfless soul we know. To everyone else, John is a wonderful stranger who makes this world a better place just by being who he is.”
King is pictured in April after beginning chemotherapy to slow the progression of his cancer
King isn’t the only Spartacus cast member to have lost his life to cancer.
The show’s lead actor, Welsh actor Andy Whitfield, was diagnosed with stage IV non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2010 and died 18 months later on 11 September 2011, aged 39.
His career and battle with cancer was chronicled in the 2015 documentary Be Here Now: The Andy Whitfield Story.
The film also focused on his relationship with Ms. Vashti and their two children.
The late actor is pictured with his wife Christelle. They had bought their first home together just weeks before he was diagnosed with cancer
Speaking to Chron Australia in 2016 about watching the documentary, Vashti said: “We get to hang out for two hours again and I see him as a father and the moments I’ve shared with the love of my life.”
She added, “Andy and I wanted to make the film to show people that whatever happens, it’s an opportunity to grow and seize the moment.”
Spartacus premiered on Starz in 2010 and ran for four seasons.
It became popular with critics and audiences alike, and has since spawned comics, novels, and a video game.
Welsh actor Andy Whitfield, who played the lead in the first season of Spartacus, was diagnosed with stage IV non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2010 and died 18 months later on September 11, 2011, at the age of 39. Whitfield is pictured in the series