Ioane 'John' King: LAST VIDEO shows 'Spartacus' star having lunch with family 4 days before death
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND: Ioane ‘John’ King, 49, the actor who starred as the gladiator Rhaskos in Starz’s ‘Spartacus’ series died on August 15. The actor had been battling adenocarcinoma cancer since January 2022. King's last video, which he shared just four days before dying, shows a happy but frail Ioane having lunch with his mother and sister, and saying how much he appreciated “another beautiful day.”
The family of the New Zealand actor, who was diagnosed with cancer which very quickly spread to his pancreas and other organs, announced the news of the death via a Facebook post that read, "With sadness we share that earlier today John's fight ended. He passed in the company of loving friends and family." The post further read, "John 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."
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Manu Bennett, who played Crixus in 'Spartacus,' also took to Instagram to pay his tribute. He wrote, "Saddened by the passing of Ioane (John) King who played the role of Rhaskos on Spartacus. 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." He added, "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."
The heartbreaking last video
Ioane, who is survived by his wife Christelle, used to share updates on the page 'Rhaskos: A Spartan's Great Battle,' from his hospital visits to spending time with his children. He was often witnessed writing about not taking the small things in life for granted. His last video, on August 11, showed him having lunch with his mother and sister in his hometown. In the video, he also turns the camera to give a peek of his mussel fritter toast while saying that he appreciates "another beautiful day.”
His family had launched a fundraising page in March to cover medical expenses and to support Christelle. The couple had spent their life savings on a home six weeks before the actor was diagnosed with cancer in January. The page read, "John and his wife Christelle sacrificed a lot over the past years in pursuit of a dream. Six weeks after moving into their home total devastation hit with John's diagnosis."