U.S. actor Nicholas Brendon, renowned for his starring role in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, has passed away at 54.
US actor Nicholas Brendon, famous for portraying Xander Harris in the TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer, died at age 54, according to a family statement on social media. The statement indicated he passed away in his sleep due to natural causes.
Brendon's Career in Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Brendon played Xander Harris, the best friend of the main character, across seven seasons of Buffy the Vampire Slayer from 1997 to 2003. He received three Emmy nominations for his performance, including two for best TV actor and one for best TV supporting actor.
His twin brother, Kelly Donovan Schultz, served as his body double in two episodes of the series. A planned reboot of Buffy was canceled, as announced by co-star Sarah Michelle Gellar on Instagram earlier this month.
Tributes and Later Career
Alyson Hannigan, who starred alongside Brendon in Buffy, paid tribute on Instagram, describing him as a source of laughter and love. She 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."
After Buffy, Brendon appeared in various TV shows such as Criminal Minds, Private Practice, and Kitchen Confidential. His film roles included Psycho Beach Party, Big Gay Love, and Redwood.
Brendon was open about his health challenges, including a heart attack and two spinal surgeries for cauda equina syndrome, a condition affecting movement and bodily functions. He also advocated for stutter awareness as a spokesperson for the Stuttering Foundation of America and discussed his struggles with substance addiction and mental health.
His family noted in their statement to the Hollywood Reporter that Brendon was on medication and treatment for his conditions and remained optimistic about the future at the time of his passing. Brendon had recently pursued painting as a passion.
