Sarah Michelle Gellar has led the cast tributes to her Buffy the Vampire Slayer co-star Nicholas Brendon following his death on March 20. He was 54. The actor was best known for playing Xander Harris on the beloved WB sci-fi series from 1997 to 2003. His family shared the news of his death on Friday in an emotional statement on social media.
Gellar shared her heartbreak alongside a smiling photo of herself and Brendon on Instagram. She wrote: "'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."
David Boreanaz, who played Angel, broke his social media ban for Lent to pay tribute, writing: "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. And in this business that matters more than most things... Rest easy Brother."
Alyson Hannigan, who played Willow Rosenberg, shared a photo of their characters in an emotional embrace 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." Emma Caulfield, who played Anya, said on Instagram: "My heart is heavy. I can't put into words just how this has hit me. Let this clip of us giving it our all be a placeholder. Rest Nicky. Rest. I love you."
Charisma Carpenter, who played Cordelia Chase, offered a lengthy tribute, recalling Brendon's warmth and talent. James Marsters, who played Spike, wrote: "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... I hope his family gets the space they need to grieve." James C. Leary, who played Clem, also paid tribute. Brendon's family revealed he died in his sleep of natural causes.
