Three Veteran Actors, 'Spartacus' Star Have Died Since Thursday

Hollywood has lost three of its brightest stars over the weekend, along with a New Zealand actor who starred in the hit historical series "Spartacus." Fans are mourning the actors, actresses, and filmmakers who made an impact on the industry.

Below is the list of the stars whose talents and conrtibutions would be remembered.

1. Leon Vitali

Leon Vitali, the long-time collaborator of deceased veteran filmmaker Stanley Kubrick, peacefully passed away Saturday night. He was 74.

A post shared on Vitali's official Twitter account announced his demise, saying, "It is with the greatest of sadness that we have to tell you that the mainstay of a vast number of Kubrick's films, Leon Vitali, passed away peacefully last night. Our thoughts are with his family, and all that [knew] and loved him. 26 July 1948 - 20 August 2022." Attached was a black-and-white photo of the late English actor.

Vitali was known as a film worker who continued to work in legendary films of Kubrick, even after his death in 1999, including the Golden Globe-nominated "Eyes Wide Shut," Oscar-nominated "Full Metal Jacket," and psychological horror film "The Shining." He also had his fair share of acting roles back in the 1970s on hit TV shows like "Z Cars," "Van der Valk," and "Dixon of Dock Green." He also secured a regular role as Peter Craven on "The Fenn Street Gang."

2. Virginia Patton

Virginia Patton was one of the most promising actresses in Hollywood, known for her iconic role as Ruth Dakin Bailey in the Frank Capra Christmas film "It's a Wonderful Life" in 1946.

The veteran actress first signed with Warner Bros. Pictures and debuted in the musical "Thank Your Lucky Stars" in 1943, which featured a star-studded cast, including Eddie Cantor, Humphrey Bogart, and Bette Davis. After marrying automotive executive Cruse Moss in 1949, she moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan, and left Hollywood for good.

Sadly, she passed away Thursday at The Phoenix at Albany, an assisted living facility. The news was shared by Matthews Funeral Homes on its website. She was 97. The cause of death and funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.

3. Josephine Tewson

Josephine Tewson, who was best known for her role on "Keeping Up Appearances" as the sensible Elizabeth Warden, passed away on Thursday night, her agent confirmed.

"It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Josephine Tewson. Josephine passed away peacefully last night at Denville Hall at the age of 91," agent Jean Diamond of Diamond Management said in a statement, according to The Guardian.

The British sitcom star also had her fair share of iconic roles in Hollywood, including Edna Hawkins from the ITV sitcom "Shelley," which aired in the 1980s to the early 90s.

4. Ioane "John" King

The "Spartacus" cast is mourning their beloved co-star Ioane "John" King, who played the fan-favorite gladiator Rhaskos in 2010. The New Zealand actor died on Aug. 15 due to adenocarcinoma, a condition he had announced back in January. He was 49.

In a post shared on Facebook, through the page Rhaskos: A Spartan's Great Battle, his family made the announcement that he "passed away in the company of loving friends and family."

"John leaves a big hole in this world, [has] 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. Please, if you can, continue to support John's family through their own fight in this difficult period," the post read.

"Spartacus" co-star Manu Bennett, who played Crixus in the historical series, paid homage to the actor through a heartwarming message on Instagram.

"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 & a constant resolve not to be defeated," Bennett wrote.

He continued, "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! He was one of the boys who held the team together & 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."