‘Buffy’ Star Nicholas Brendon Has Handed Away at Age 54

Nicholas Brendon, who performed Xander Harris on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, died on Friday. He was 54 years previous.

In a press release to the Hollywood Reporter, Brendon’s household revealed he handed in his sleep from “pure causes.” In 2023, he disclosed surviving a coronary heart assault and being identified with a congenital coronary heart defect. Previous to that, he’d been identified to have a number of spinal surgical procedures resulting from his cauda equina syndrome.

Born April 12, 1971, Nicholas Brendon left his desires of being a basketball participant behind to pursue appearing to assist handle his stuttering. He auditioned for Buffy after determining Xander was primarily based partially on creator Joss Whedon’s highschool experiences and have become a fan favourite. As one among Buffy’s greatest mates, he seems in all however one episode, and was nominated for 3 Saturn Awards through the present’s run. After it ended, he was concerned in a number of Xander-focused comics and remained lively with the Buffy neighborhood.

We’re heartbroken to share the passing of our brother and son, Nicholas Brendon. He handed in his sleep of pure causes. pic.twitter.com/DqVQfVL8Xk

— Nicholas Brendon (@NicholasBrendon) March 21, 2026

He additionally appeared within the exhibits Kitchen Confidential, Felony Minds, and Non-public Follow. All through the 2010s, Brendon had a number of arrests and convictions, which his household acknowledged. In response to them, he’d been present process remedy and drugs previous to his passing and was “optimistic in regards to the future … In recent times Nicky has discovered his ardour in portray and artwork.”

“Nicky cherished to share his enthusiastic expertise along with his household, mates and followers. He was passionate, delicate, and endlessly pushed to create,” his household continued. “[We] ask for privateness throughout this time as we grieve his loss and rejoice the lifetime of a person who lived with depth, creativeness, and coronary heart. Thanks to everybody who has proven love and assist.”

Some Buffy alums have commented on his passing, with Alyson Hannigan (who performed Willow) thanking Brendon “for years of laughter, love and Dodgers. I’ll consider you each time I see a rocking chair. I like you.” On her Instagram Tales, Anya actor Emma Caulfield wrote: “Relaxation, Nicky. My coronary heart is heavy, I can’t put into phrases simply but how this has hit me. I like you.”

“Very sorry to listen to about Nicky Brendon,” wrote Jane Espenson, a former author on the present. “Daybreak and Xander each gone?! Doesn’t appear doable.” Brendon is the second Buffy actor to go away, preceded by Michelle Trachtenberg in 2025.

And at last, from Buffy lead Sarah Michelle Gellar: “‘They’ll by no means understand how robust it’s to be the one who isn’t chosen. To dwell so close to to the highlight, and by no means step in it. However I do know. I see greater than anyone realizes, as a result of no person’s watching me.’ I noticed you Nicky. I do know you might be at peace, in that large rocking chair within the sky.”

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