Andy Whitfield, the 39-year-old rising star of cable series Spartacus: Blood And Sand, has died in Sydney after a battle with non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

In a statement, Whitfield's wife Vashti paid tribute to her husband - a "beautiful young warrior".

"On a beautiful sunny Sydney ... 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," she said.

Whitfield was born in Wales but lived in Australia.

He was a virtual unknown when he was cast as the title hero in Starz's Spartacus, a hit original TV series that made waves because of its graphic violence and sexuality.

Whitfield was preparing for the second season when he was diagnosed 18 months ago.

Australian actor Liam McIntyre took over the role earlier this year.

Starz president and CEO Chris Albrecht said he was "deeply saddened" by Whitfield's death.

"We were fortunate to have worked with Andy in Spartacus and came to know that the man who played a champion onscreen was also a champion in his own life," Mr Albrecht said in a statement.

"Andy was an inspiration to all of us as he faced this very personal battle with courage, strength and grace."

Whitfield's other credits included the 2010 film The Clinic and 2007's Gabriel.

ABC/wires