Sarah Michelle Gellar has led tributes to her Buffy the Vampire Slayer co-star Nicholas Brendon, who died at age 54. The actress, who played Buffy Summers, quoted one of Xander's lines on Instagram: "'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 Willow Rosenberg, wrote: "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." Emma Caulfield, who played Anya, shared a video of Brendon discussing their duet 'I'll Never Tell' from the musical episode, adding: "My heart is heavy. I can't put into words just how this has hit me. Rest Nicky. Rest. I love you."
Charisma Carpenter, who played Cordelia Chase, wrote a lengthy tribute, recalling Brendon's warmth and talent. "I will miss the version of the man I once knew – someone who was so warm and loving," she said. "I will always remember him in his trailer with the door wide open, in his rocking chair, smoking a cigarette and listening to music." David Boreanaz, who played Angel, noted: "There are people you work with and then there are people you share time with. Nick was the latter. He carried something real, not perfect, not polished, just real."
James Marsters, who played Spike, said: "I'm sad hearing the news of Nick's passing. He was a brilliantly talented actor, and it was a joy to work with him." Brendon's family confirmed he died in his sleep of natural causes, adding: "Most people know Nicky for his work as an actor... In recent years Nicky has found his passion in painting and art."
