Nicholas Brendon, best known for playing Xander Harris on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, has died at 54.
His family confirmed the news Friday in a statement posted to Instagram, saying Brendon “passed in his sleep of natural causes.”
Brendon was a core part of Buffy across all seven seasons from 1997 to 2003, playing one of the original members of the Scooby gang alongside Sarah Michelle Gellar’s Buffy Summers and Alyson Hannigan’s Willow Rosenberg. Xander stood out as the everyman of the group, the one without powers, which made the character a fan favorite and gave Brendon a key role in the heart of the series.
Family shares statement
Brendon’s family remembered him not only for his acting career but also for the passion he found in art in recent years.
In the statement, they described him as passionate, sensitive, and driven to create, and said those closest to him saw his artwork as one of the purest reflections of who he was. They asked for privacy as they grieve and celebrate his life.
“We are heartbroken to share the passing of our brother and son, Nicholas Brendon. He passed in his sleep of natural causes,” read the statement. “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. He was passionate, sensitive, and endlessly driven to create.”
Sarah Michelle Gellar and Alyson Hannigan react
Following the news, Sarah Michelle Gellar paid tribute to her Buffy co-star on Instagram by quoting one of Xander’s lines from the series. She ended her message by writing, “I saw you Nicky. I know you are at peace, in that big rocking chair in the sky.”
Alyson Hannigan also shared a tribute, writing, “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 was also among the Buffy cast members who paid tribute after Brendon’s death.
More than Buffy
While Brendon will always be most associated with Xander Harris, Buffy was not his only notable role. He also had a recurring run as Kevin Lynch on Criminal Minds and appeared in projects including Coherence, Kitchen Confidential, Without a Trace, Private Practice, and Psycho Beach Party.
