Spartacus Star Ioane ‘John’ King Dies Just Seven Months After Cancer Diagnosis

Spartacus Star Ioane ‘John’ King Dies Just Seven Months After Cancer Diagnosis

Spartacus star Ioane ‘John’ King has died aged just 49, seven months after getting a terminal cancer diagnosis.

The actor is understood to have been diagnosed with adenocarcinoma cancer – which forms in glandular tissue – of the pancreas and other organs in January this year.

He’s best known for having played gladiator Rhaskos in the TV series Spartacus from 2010 to 2012, as well as in spin-off Spartacus: Gods of the Arena, which had aired in 2011.

A fundraiser set up for John prior to his death said that he began chemotherapy in March, with it to “slow down the growth” as his cancer diagnosis had been terminal.

It was sadly announced earlier this week that John had passed away surrounded by family and friends, with a funeral held yesterday (August 19) in his native New Zealand.

The tragic news of his passing was shared on a dedicated page for the actor on Facebook, with updates on his health having been issued through the page in recent months.

A post shared on the page read: “With sadness we share that earlier today John’s fight ended. He passed in the company of loving friends and family.

“[He] leaves a big hole in this world, having been a wonderful husband, father, son, brother, friend and human being. Those of us lucky to have met him will carry on with his legacy of kindness, positive influence, hard work and love.”