Spartacus star Ioane ‘John’ King spent his final days surrounded by his family before losing his battle with cancer this week.
The actor died on Monday at the age of 49 from adenocarcinoma cancer, which spread to his pancreas and other organs.
The New Zealand star took to social media on August 11, just four days before his death, to share footage of him having lunch with his mother and sister.
Spartacus star Ioane ‘John’ King spent his last days surrounded by his family before losing his battle with cancer on Monday.
In the footage, a cheerful Ioane is seen saying how much he appreciated “another beautiful day” in his hometown before turning the camera to show his mussel fritter toast.
Ioane was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma cancer in January this year and it quickly spread to his pancreas and other organs.
Although the diagnosis was terminal, the New Zealand actor had started chemotherapy in March in a bid to slow the progression.
The New Zealand star took to social media on August 11, just four days before his death, to share footage of him having lunch with his mother and sister.
In the footage, a cheerful Ioane is seen saying how much he appreciated “another beautiful day” in his hometown before turning the camera to show his mussel fritter toast.
King played the gladiator Rhaskos in Starz’s popular Spartacus franchise.
He originally started out as an extra, but his role gradually expanded and he eventually ended up speaking and became popular with fans.
Tributes have poured in from his co-stars and friends since his death, including an emotional post from Manu Bennett, who played Crixus in Spartacus.
The Spartacus star died on Monday after a seven-month battle with cancer. King photographed in a promo for the Starz series
King was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma cancer in January this year and it quickly spread to his pancreas and other organs.
King (left) played the gladiator Rhaskos in the popular Starz franchise Spartacus.
“John had a long battle with cancer, but he faced it with dignity and a constant resolve not to be defeated,” Manu wrote.
“In Spartacus, John was cast as an extra, but with a powerful presence and ever-positive attitude among cast and crew, he earned the role of Rhaskos,” he continued.
“I remember John most fondly for his huge smile and the twinkle in his eyes as he welcomed me and others onto the set each day by offering the gladiatorial forearm handshake and acknowledging in his deep, raspy voice. : ‘Brother!’
“He was one of the guys who kept the team together and wore the House Of Batiatus B-mark on his forearm with such pride. Ioane (John) King was truly one of the brothers.’
Tributes have poured in from his co-stars and friends since his death, including an emotional post from Manu Bennett (pictured), who played Crixus in Spartacus.
“John had a long battle with cancer, but he faced it with dignity and a constant resolve not to be defeated,” Manu wrote.
His family also issued an emotional statement on Facebook after his death.
‘With sadness we share that John’s fight ended today. He passed away in the company of loving friends and family,” they wrote.
‘John leaves a huge void in this world, having been a wonderful husband, father, son, brother, friend and human being. Those of us who are lucky enough to have known him will carry on his legacy of kindness, positive influence, hard work and love.”
King’s service was held Friday at a funeral home in Papakura, a suburb of Auckland.
Before his death, some of King’s family members organized an online fundraiser to raise money to complete the house he bought with his wife Christelle.
King appears in April, after starting chemotherapy to slow the progression of his cancer.
The couple had bought the house just six weeks before King was diagnosed with cancer.
“They put their life savings into building a new house and intended to continue working on it for years to come,” the fundraiser said.
‘But the pride and happiness that surrounded this project were shot down. Six weeks after moving into his home, total devastation struck with John’s diagnosis. They have had to completely re-evaluate his priorities,” he continued.
‘To his family, John is our golden boy. To his friends, he is the most amazing and selfless soul we know. To everyone else, John is a wonderful stranger who makes this world better just by being who he is.’
In addition to acting, the Kiwi star worked as a personal trainer and prison officer.
The New Zealand actor is pictured flashing a shaka sign as he receives treatment. The friendly gesture means taking things slow and not getting too stressed.
King isn’t the only Spartacus cast member to have lost his life to cancer.
The show’s lead, Welsh actor Andy Whitfield, was diagnosed with stage IV non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2010 and died 18 months later on September 11, 2011, at age 39.
His career and battle with cancer were captured in the 2015 documentary, Be Here Now: The Andy Whitfield Story.
The film also focused on his relationship with his wife Vashti and their two children.
The late star is pictured with his wife Christelle. They had bought their first house together just a few weeks before he was diagnosed with cancer.
The Spartacus star poses for a smiling selfie with his wife Christelle before falling ill
Vashti spoke to Daily Mail Australia in 2016 about watching the documentary, saying, “We get to hang out again for two hours and I get to see him as a father and the moments I shared with the love of my life.”
She added, “Andy and I wanted to make the movie to show people that no matter what happens, it’s an opportunity to grow and seize the moment.”
Spartacus premiered on Starz in 2010 and ran for four seasons.
It became popular with critics and audiences alike, and has since spawned comics, novels, and a video game.
Spartacus premiered on Starz in 2010 and ran for four seasons.
Welsh actor Andy Whitfield, who played the title role in the first season of Spartacus, was diagnosed with stage IV non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2010 and died 18 months later on September 11, 2011, at age 39. Whitfield appears in the series.
