One of the stars of the drama Spartacus has died aged 49 after announcing in January that he had cancer.
Ioane ‘John’ King was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma cancer which quickly spread to his pancreas and other organs.
The New Zealand actor played gladiator Rhaskos in the Starz franchise Spartacus.
Manu Bennett, who played Crixus in the show, paid tribute to his co-star on Instagram.
“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,” he said. “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!’”