Nicholas Brendon, known for being part of the Scooby gang on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, has died. He was 54.
A former castmate confirmed the news to Deadline. Brendon’s family issued a statement saying that the actor had died on Friday, March 20, “in his sleep of natural causes.”
“We are heartbroken to share the passing of our brother and son, Nicholas Brendon. He passed in his sleep of natural causes,” read a statement from Brendon’s family to THR. “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.”
The statement continued, “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. 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 was a series regular on Buffy the Vampire Slayer opposite Sarah Michelle Gellar. The actor played Xander Harris across the show’s seven seasons on The WB and UPN.
Following the end of Buffy in 2003, Brendon went on to star in Kitchen Confidential as pastry chef Seth Richman alongside Bradley Cooper and Jaime King. He would go on to have a recurring role in Criminal Minds, Private Practice, and Faking It.
In film, Brendon starred in the 2000s comedy horror film Psycho Beach Party alongside Lauren Ambrose. Other films he starred in included Demon Island (2002), Unholy (2007), Blood on the Highway (2008), Big Gay Love (2013), and Coherence (2013), to name a few.
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