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Actor Nicholas Brendon passes away in his sleep
The family of Nicholas Brendon, best known for his role as Xander Harris in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, announced on Saturday that the actor died at the age of 54. Brendon passed away in his sleep from natural causes, according to a statement shared on social media.
A legacy in television and art
Brendon's family described him as a passionate and sensitive individual whose creative spirit was evident in both his acting and his later work as a painter. "Those who truly knew him understood that his art was one of the purest reflections of who he was," the statement read.
While Brendon gained fame for his portrayal of Xander Harris in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, a role he played across seven seasons from 1997 to 2003, his family noted that in recent years, he had found a new passion in painting.
Iconic role and industry recognition
Brendon's performance as Xander Harris, the loyal best friend of Sarah Michelle Gellar's titular character in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, earned him three Saturn Award nominations-two for Best TV Actor and one for Best TV Supporting Actor. His twin brother, Kelly Donovan Schultz, also appeared in the series as Brendon's body double in two episodes.
Earlier this month, Gellar announced on Instagram that a planned reboot of Buffy the Vampire Slayer had been canceled.
Tributes from co-stars and colleagues
Alyson Hannigan, who starred alongside Brendon in Buffy, paid tribute to him on Instagram, 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."
Career beyond Buffy
After Buffy the Vampire Slayer concluded, Brendon appeared in several television series, including Criminal Minds, Private Practice, and Kitchen Confidential. His film credits included Psycho Beach Party, Big Gay Love, and Redwood.
Personal struggles and advocacy
Brendon was open about his health challenges, including a heart attack and two spinal surgeries for cauda equina syndrome, a rare condition affecting movement and bodily functions. He also lived with a stutter and later became a spokesperson for the Stuttering Foundation of America.
The actor had also spoken publicly about his battles with substance addiction, alcoholism, and mental health issues. His family told The Hollywood Reporter that while Brendon had faced struggles in the past, he was on medication and undergoing treatment to manage his conditions. "He was optimistic about the future at the time of his passing," they said.
