Nicholas Brendon, best known for playing Xander Harris on all seven seasons of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” has died at the age of 54, according to a statement posted via Instagram Friday.
“We are heartbroken to share the passing of our brother and son, Nicholas Brendon. He passed in his sleep of natural causes,” his family wrote, noting that “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 statement continued. “Nicky loved to share his enthusiastic talent with his family, friends and fans.
The statement added that Brendon 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. While it’s no secret that Nicholas had struggles in the past, he was on medications and treatment to manage his diagnosis and he was optimistic about the future at the time of his passing.”
The family concluded by asking for privacy as they “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.”
Co-star Alyson Hannigan, who played Willow Rosenberg for all seven seasons on “Buffy,” “liked” the social media statement on Friday afternoon and shared a heartbreaking Season 6 still from the series on her own account.
“My Sweet Nicky, thank you for years of laughter, love and Dodgers,” she captioned the upload. “I will think of you every time I see a rocking chair. I love you. RIP 💔😢”
Brendon starred in the beloved vampire series alongside Sarah Michelle Gellar, Charisma Carpenter, David Boreanaz, Seth Green, Anthony Stewart Head and Hannigan from 1997 to 2003.
In 2022, Brendon revealed he experienced a heart attack and was subsequently diagnosed with a congenital heart defect.
The actor also battled cauda equina syndrome, for which he underwent multiple spinal surgeries.
Born Nicholas Brendon Schultz in 1971 in Los Angeles — an identical twin to brother Kelly Donovan — the actor’s TV stints included appearances on “Criminal Minds,” “Private Practice,” “Married…With Children,” and “Kitchen Confidential,” among others.
His movies included “Psycho Beach Party,” “Coherence” and “The Nanny.” His most recent role was in 2021’s “Wanton Want.”
In a 2017 interview with The A.V. Club, Brendon said “‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer,’ however, just felt like it was some sort of blessed, ordained project.”
“There were so many times I’d just be on set and in this place of wonder, saying, ‘Oh my god. I can’t believe I’m a part of this show,’” he recalled. “It was like a dream.”
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