Nicholas Brendon, best known for portraying Xander Harris on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, has passed away. He was only 54.
His family broke the news in an Instagram post on Friday, revealing that he died in his sleep from natural causes. They wrote:
“We are heartbroken to share the passing of our brother and son, Nicholas Brendon. He passed in his sleep of natural causes. Most people know Nicky for his work as an actor and for the characters he brought to life over the years. In recent years Nicky has found his passion in painting and art. Nicky loved to share his enthusiastic talent with his family, friends and fans.”
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The family went on to say that Nicholas was “passionate, sensitive, and endlessly driven to create,” adding:
“Those who truly knew him understood that his art was one of the purest reflections of who he was. While it’s no secret that Nicholas had struggles in the past, he was on medications and treatment to manage his diagnosis and he was optimistic about the future at the time of his passing.”
For those who don’t know, the actor has suffered from health problems over the years. In 2022, Nicholas experienced a heart attack and was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect. He also battled cauda equina syndrome, for which he underwent multiple spinal surgeries. Additionally, he struggled with substance abuse in the past. Oof.
Concluding the post, the family asked for privacy as they “grieve his loss and celebrate the life of a man who lived with intensity, imagination, and heart”:
“Thank you to everyone who has shown love and support.”
See the entire tribute, which included pictures of Nicholas and his artwork (below):
How sad…
Following the heartbreaking announcement, several of Nicholas’ Buffy castmates took to social media to mourn his sudden loss. Sarah Michelle Gellar, who played his friend Buffy Summers, posted a throwback photo of them and wrote one of his most famous quotes in the caption on Saturday morning:
“‘They’ll never know how tough it is to be the one who isn’t chosen. To live so near to the spotlight, and never step in it. But I know. I see more than anybody realizes, because nobody’s watching me’ I saw you Nicky. I know you are at peace, in that big rocking chair in the sky.”
Alyson Hannigan, who played his other friend, Willow Rosenberg, on the series, penned an emotional goodbye that read:
“My Sweet Nicky, thank you for years of laughter, love and Dodgers. I will think of you every time I see a rocking chair. I love you. RIP”
David Boreanaz, who portrayed Angel on the show, shared a hearfelt tribute on Saturday, remembering how “real” Nicholas was during their time together:
“There are people you work with and then there are people you share time with
Nick was the latter
Some moments stay small on paper
a laugh between takes
a look that says we got this
the quiet understanding of showing up
and doing the work togetherBut those are the things that last
He carried something real
not perfect
not polished
just realAnd in this business
that matters more than most thingsWe don’t always get to choose
how long someone stays in the story
only that they were hereAnd he was …Rest easy Brother
Some people leave a mark without trying”
Emma Caulfield, Nicholas’s on-and-off again love interest in Buffy, shared a since-deleted post to Instagram Stories that said:
“My heart is heavy. I can’t put into words just yet how this has hit me.”
She also shared a video of her and the Criminal Minds alum “giving it their all” in the Season 6 musical episode, adding:
“Rest Nicky. Rest. I love you.”
We’re sending love to the family and friends during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Nicholas…
[Image via Nikki Nelson/MEGA/WENN, Buffy The Vampire Slayer/20th Century Fox Television]