Actor Nicholas Brendon, who’s best known for enjoying Xander Harris on all seven seasons of the unique “Buffy The Vampire Slayer” series. Based on a press release released by his family, the actor passed away from natural causes on the age of 54. He had been affected by health issues in recent times, including a cardiac incident in 2022.
Nicholas Brendon’s Family Asks For Privacy After His Passing
On Friday, March 20, the late actor’s family confirmed his passing in a temporary statement shared with The Hollywood Reporter.
“We’re heartbroken to share the passing of our brother and son, Nicholas Brendon. He passed in his sleep of natural causes,” they wrote in a temporary statement, happening to say: “Nicky loved to share his enthusiastic talent together with his family, friends and fans. He was passionate, sensitive, and endlessly driven to create. Those that truly knew him understood that his art was considered one of the purest reflections of who he was.”
“While it’s no secret that Nicholas had struggles previously, he was on medications and treatment to administer his diagnosis and he was optimistic concerning the future on the time of his passing,” they continued. “Our family asks for privacy during this time as we grieve his loss and have a good time the lifetime of a person who lived with intensity, imagination, and heart.”
Within the hours after the news broke, his “Buffy The Vampire Slayer” costars took to social media to pay tribute.
Sarah Michelle Gellar Mourns Nicholas Brendon’s Death With Poignant ‘Buffy’ Quote
Actress Sarah Michelle Gellar, who played the titular Buffy Summers, took to Instagram to pay tribute to her late costar with a quote that Xander said through the show’s seventh and final season.
“They’ll never understand how tough it’s to be the one who isn’t chosen. To live so near to the highlight, and never step in it. But I do know. I see greater than anybody realizes, because no one’s watching me,” she quoted.
“I saw you Nicky,” she added. “I do know you’re at peace, in that big rocking chair within the sky.”
Alyson Hannigan Also Pays Tribute With A ‘Buffy’ Photo
Similarly, Alyson Hannigan, who played the witchy Willow, took to Instagram to share a screenshot of Xander holding a crying Willow during considered one of the show’s most emotional episodes.
“My Sweet Nicky, thanks for years of laughter, love and Dodgers. I’ll consider you each time I see a rocking chair. I really like you. RIP,” she wrote alongside the photo.
David Boreanaz Also Pays Tribute To Nicholas Brendon
Actor David Boreanaz played the vampire Angel through the early seasons of “Buffy The Vampire Slayer” before moving to his own spin-off show, “Angel.”
In a lengthy caption, the “Bones” actor began by writing, “There are people you’re employed with
after which there are people you share time with. Nick was the latter.”
He praised Nicholas Brendon as someone who “carried something real,” though he wasn’t “perfect” or “polished” and noted how, within the entertainment industry, “that matters greater than most things.”
“We don’t at all times get to decide on how long someone stays within the story, only that they were here,” he wrote, concluding, “Some people leave a mark without trying.”
More ‘Buffy The Vampire Slayer’ Costars Pay Tribute
Emma Caulfield Ford, who played the demon turned Xander’s love interest, Anya Jenkins, took to her Instagram Stories to share a clip of the late actor giving an interview concerning the show’s final season.
In a text box placed over the photo, she wrote, “My heart is so heavy. I can’t put into words just yet how this has hit me.” She shared a clip of Brendon on the series, adding, “Let this clip of us giving it our all be a spot holder. Rest Nicky. Rest. I really like you.”
Charisma Carpenter, who played Cordelia Chase, a love interest of Xander on “Buffy” before moving over to “Angel,” also took to Instagram to share her condolences in a lengthy tribute.
“I’ll miss the version of the person I once knew – someone who was so warm and loving. He was cuddly, funny, silly, self-deprecating, and supremely talented. I loved every scene we had together back within the day. He at all times kept me on my toes, never delivering a line the identical way twice, forcing me to turn into a greater actor by listening,” she wrote alongside a carousel of photos of the 2 together.
“I’ll at all times remember him in my mind’s eye, in his trailer with the door wide open, in his rocking chair, smoking a cigarette and listening to music. From his trailer, which my window faced on the lot, I could hear all of the bands that exemplify the 90s but are also, for me, tied up within the memory of Nicky,” she continued, listing bands like Creed, Alice in Chains, Green Day, and Nirvana.
“I miss those days and cling to those memories of him today. I offer my condolences to his family, his closest friends – who were with him to the tip – and to the fans around the globe who found comfort in his work,” she continued, adding, “May he be at peace now.”