Nicholas Brendon, the actor who portrayed Xander Harris on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, has died at the age of 54.
Brendon’s family announced the actor’s death Friday night in a statement, adding that he died in his sleep of natural causes.
“We are heartbroken to share the passing of our brother and son, Nicholas Brendon,” the actor’s family wrote. “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. Nicky loved to share his enthusiastic talent with his family, friends and fans. He 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.”
We are heartbroken to share the passing of our brother and son, Nicholas Brendon. He passed in his sleep of natural causes. pic.twitter.com/DqVQfVL8Xk
— Nicholas Brendon (@NicholasBrendon) March 21, 2026
The Los Angeles-born Brendon struggled to make his mark in Hollywood before landing the role of Xander Harris in the TV series based on the 1992 film Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Brendon portrayed the sarcastic, self-proclaimed nerd in Buffy’s “Scooby Gang” throughout the series’ beloved seven-season run, emerging as a fan favourite character.
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Buffy star Sarah Michelle Gellar remembered Brendon on social media Saturday, “‘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.”
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Actress Alyson Hannigan, who co-starred with Brendon on Buffy, paid tribute to the actor on social media. “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,” she wrote.
Following Buffy, Brendon co-starred with Bradley Cooper on the short-lived Fox sitcom Kitchen Confidential and had reoccurring roles on shows like Criminal Minds and Private Practice. On the big screen, Brendon appeared in offbeat horror films like 2000’s Psycho Beach Party, 2002’s Demon Island, and 2013’s Coherence.
However, Brendon’s later career was marred by both physical and mental health issues; the actor underwent spinal surgeries in 2021, followed a year later by a heart attack caused by a congenital heart defect. Brendon’s drug and alcohol issues led to legal issues over the past 15 years, including arrests for felony domestic violence, robbery, vandalism, and resisting arrest.
“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,” Brendon’s family added Friday. “Our family asks for privacy during this time as we 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.”
Brendon’s death comes less than a week following the news of the now-cancelled Buffy the Vampire Slayer revival, though the actor wasn’t involved in the project.
From Rolling Stone US
