Nicholas Brendon, known for his role as Xander Harris on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” has died.
His family confirmed his death to TODAY, as well as shared the news on Brendon's social media on March 20, expressing their heartache and love for the actor.
“We are heartbroken to share the passing of our brother and son, Nicholas Brendon. He passed in his sleep of natural causes,” the statement begins. “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.”
The actor’s family states that Brendon “loved to share his enthusiastic talent with his family, friends and fans.”
“He was passionate, sensitive, and endlessly driven to create. Those who truly knew him understood that his art was one of the purest reflections of who he was,” the statement continues, before the family asks for privacy during this time “as we 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,” it concludes.
The statement also included a number of photos of Brendon with his family, including twin brother Kelly Donovan, as well as his photography and art.
Brendon appeared on “Buffy,” starring alongside Sarah Michelle Gellar and Alyson Hannigan, among others, from 1997 to 2003.
Hannigan posted a tribute to “sweet Nicky” following news of his death.
“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,” she wrote on Instagram, next to a photo of the two from “Buffy.”
Emma Caulfield, who portrayed Xander’s love interest on “Buffy” also shared a message on her Instagram story.
“No word yet. I love you Nicky,” she wrote over a video of the actor. “Let this clip of us giving it our best be a placeholder. Rest Nicky, Rest.”
She signed it with a broken heart and her former character’s name, “Anya.”
In 2023, he celebrated the 20th anniversary of the hit show's finale, sharing a cast photo from the final episode and reflecting on its legacy.
“It’s hard to believe Buffy The Vampire Slayer signed off 20 years ago today (in the US),” he wrote in part on Instagram. “I still meet people nearly every day that were fans of the show and it can sometimes feel like we just finished filming and not that two decades have gone by.”
He added that he loved that so many people connected with the show and characters.
“And despite some of the bittersweet memories, I’ll always be so grateful I had the opportunity to play Xander and that it gave me the chance to meet so many of you,” he added. “Thank you for holding a place in your heart for the show for all of these years. I’m just as big a fan as all of you and I miss watching it as much as I miss filming it.”
Brendon’s additional credits included the movies “Celeste in the City, “Relative Chaos,” “Redwood,” “Attack of the Morningside Monster” and “Coherence.” He also appeared on shows like “Faking It,” “Criminal Minds,” “Private Practice” and “Hollywood Heights.”
The actor did face a number of legal troubles over the years amid struggles with drugs and alcohol. He faced multiple arrests including a 2014 incident after a drunken dispute at an Idaho hotel. He was also arrested in 2021 and was charged with felony prescription fraud. A plea agreement was later reached, WTHI reported in 2022.
He spoke about his struggles with substance abuse and depression during a Dr. Phil episode. In 2022, People reported that Brendon was hospitalized for a cardiac issue.
