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 earlier this week 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."
Among those who have paid tribute to the late actor is former co-star Manu Bennett, who had played Crixus in the Spartacus franchise, which had been broadcast by Starz.
He wrote in a post on his Instagram account a few days ago: "John had a long battle with cancer but faced that fight with dignity and 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.
"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!'"
Bennett concluded by writing: "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."
There were numerous tributes on the Facebook page for John, with one person writing this week: "A humble man with the biggest heart. Gone but never forgotten."
"A truly great man who touched so many people. Will be remembered for his strength and his unshakeable positivity. I will miss you brother," read another post about him.
Another person wrote in a tribute: "You will be sorely missed. [From] your big smile that always made everyone feel so welcomed to your contagious laughter."
John is said to have worked as a corrections officer and as a personal trainer in his career. Former colleagues are understood to have been among those paying tribute.
Updates had been shared on the page following John's diagnosis earlier this year, with videos and posts by John having been posted on the platform over recent months.
A post, believed to have been written by John, read last month: "Still fighting strong. [...] We are still in the eye of this storm and riding it out until the beast runs out of puff."
