Nicholas Brendon, best known for playing Xander Harris in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, has died at the age of 54. His family confirmed he passed away on Friday 'in his sleep of natural causes'.
In a statement, his family said: 'Most people know Nicky for his work as an actor... In recent years, Nicky found his passion in painting and art. He was passionate, sensitive, and endlessly driven to create.'
Tributes poured in from his Buffy co-stars. Alyson Hannigan, who played Willow, wrote: 'My Sweet Nicky, thank you for years of laughter, love and Dodgers... I love you. RIP.' Emma Caulfield, who played Anya, shared a video on Instagram with a broken heart emoji and the caption 'I love you Nicky.'
Brendon's acting career included roles in Criminal Minds, Private Practice and Kitchen Confidential, as well as films such as Demon Island and Psycho Beach Party. He also spoke openly about his stammer and was a spokesperson for the Stuttering Foundation of America.
In 2023, Brendon revealed he had been diagnosed with a congenital heart defect and had suffered a heart attack; he also had cauda equina syndrome. His family noted he was on medication and optimistic about the future at the time of his death.
