Ioane “John” King, who starred as the gladiator Rhaskos in Starz’s “Spartacus”Series, his battle with cancer has ended, his family announced via Facebook. He was 49.
The actor starred as the star in “Spartacus”From 2010 to 2013, he reprised his role as a prequel miniseries star. “Spartacus: Stars of the Arena.” The Stephen S. DeKnight show chronicles Spartacus’ journey from Roman gladiator to rebellion leader.
His family posted on Facebook that he had died. “passed in the company of loving friends and family.”
“John leaves a big hole in this world, having been a wonderful husband, father, son, brother, friend and human being,”The post continues. “Those of us lucky to have met him will carry on with his legacy of kindness, positive influence, hard work and love.”
In January, the actor announced that he was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma. The cancer spread to his pancreas, liver, and other organs. He began chemotherapy in March. His family created a fundraising page to help him. He was told of his terminal diagnosis six week after Christelle and the couple moved into a new house.
His “Spartacus”Manu Bennett, the co-star who played Crixus with Manu Bennett, was also a star. PostedAn Instagram tribute in love to King.
“John had a long battle with cancer but faced that fight with dignity & a constant resolve not to be defeated,”This is the beginning of the post. “On Spartacus John was hired as an extra but with a powerful presence & ever positive attitude amongst the cast & crew, won himself the speaking role of Rhaskos. Fans may remember Rhaskos leading the song “My cock rages on!” a defiant tune sung by gladiators after surviving the games.”
He continued, “I remember John most fondly for his huge grin & sparkle in his eye when he would welcome me & others onto set each day offering the Gladiatorial forearm handshake & acknowledging in his deep raspy voice, ‘Brother!’”
King’s death comes about a decade after Andy Whitfield, who starred as “Spartacus,”Age 39, died of non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.
According to the Daily MailFriday, November 5, was a funeral service in Auckland.
