Ioane ‘John King’, star of Starz’ ‘Spartacus’, has died aged 49.

John “John” King, who began his career as an extra in the historical drama Spartacus Before being cast again in the fan-favorite role, Raskos died on August 15. He was 49 years old.

About the death of the actor, his family posted on the Facebook page, which is dedicated to the fight against adenocarcinoma cancer. The message says the New Zealander died surrounded by friends and family.

His family started a fundraising page in March to help cover medical expenses. The website noted that King was diagnosed with cancer in January, the disease was found in his pancreas and other organs, and that he started chemotherapy in March.

Spartacus Alumnus Manu Bennett paid tribute to his former co-star on Instagram, praising King for facing cancer with “dignity and a steadfast determination not to be defeated.” Bennett went on to say that although King was hired as an extra on the series Gladiator, he took on the speaker role with a “powerful presence and positive attitude among the cast and crew”.

Bennett continued: “I remember most fondly of John for his huge smile and the sparkle in his eyes when he would meet with me and others on set every day, shaking hands with the gladiators and his deep, booming voice saying ‘Wow! ! Brother!’

beyond your role SpartacusKing was fired in 2013 after three seasons and a prequel miniseries, and he also worked as a personal trainer and corrections officer.

A funeral was held in Papakura, a suburb of Auckland, New Zealand. He leaves his wife Kristel.