Ioane “John” King, who played Rhaskos on the Starz historical drama “Spartacus,” died Aug. 15, his family said. He was 49.

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King’s family announced the actor’s death on a Facebook page devoted to his adenocarcinoma cancer, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The New Zealand native was diagnosed with cancer in January as it was discovered in his pancreas and other organs, the entertainment news website reported. He began chemotherapy in March.

According to the National Cancer Institute, adenocarcinoma cancer forms in the glandular tissue, which lines certain internal organs and makes and releases substances in the body, such as mucus, digestive juices, and other fluids

King’s family said that the death of the actor, who appeared in 11 episodes of Spartacus in 2010 and 2011, “leaves a big hole in this world.”

“Those of us lucky to have met him will carry on with his legacy of kindness, positive influence, hard work and love,” they wrote.

King is the second actor from “Spartacus” to die. Andy Whitfield died in September 2011 after an 18-month bout with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, according to Deadline. He was 39.

Manu Bennett, who played Crixus in “Spartacus,” paid tribute to the gladiator in an Instagram post.

“On ‘Spartacus,’ John was hired as an extra. But with a powerful presence & ever positive attitude amongst the cast & crew, won himself the speaking role of Rhaskos,” Bennett wrote. “I remember John most fondly for his huge grin & sparkle in his eye when he would welcome me & others onto set each day, offering the Gladiatorial forearm handshake & acknowledging in his deep raspy voice, ‘Brother!’”“

After “Spartacus” signed off in 2013, King worked as a personal trainer and corrections officer, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

A funeral service was held in the Auckland suburb of Papakura, the entertainment news website reported.

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