Ioane ‘John’ King dead – Spartacus star dies age 49 just months after devastating cancer diagnosis

ok.co.uk:

Spartacus star Ioane 'John' King has passed away just months after he was diagnosed with cancer. Ioane – who many referred to as John – played the gladiator Rhaskos in the popular Starz franchise Spartacus after first starring as a extra.The late 49 year old was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma cancer in January, and the disease went on to spread to his pancreas and other organs.

New Zealand actor Manu Bennett, Ioane's Spartacus co-star, confirmed the news of his passing on social media. He wrote, as per The Sun: "John had a long battle with cancer but faced that fight with dignity and a constant resolve not to be defeated. "On Spartacus, John was hired as an extra, but with a powerful presence and ever positive attitude amongst the cast and crew, won himself the speaking role of Rhaskos." Manu continued: "I remember John most fondly for his huge grin and sparkle in his eye when he would welcome me and others onto set each day offering the gladiatorial forearm handshake and acknowledging in his deep raspy voice, 'Brother!' "He was one of the boys who held the team together and wore the B brand for the House Of Batiatus upon his forearm with so much pride.

Ioane (John) King was truly one of the Brothers." In the wake of his devastating cancer diagnosis, those close to the late actor created a fundraiser to help pay for his treatment.

Ioane and his wife Christelle had put their live savings into building a new home shortly before his terminal diagnosis.The fundraiser said of Ioane: "You might know him from his role as Rhaskos in the TV show Spartacus.