Nicholas Brendon, the actor beloved for his role as Xander Harris on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, died on March 20, at age 54, according to a family statement.
“We are heartbroken to share the passing of our brother and son, Nicholas Brendon,” the statement shared with NewsPlop read. “Most people know Nicky for his work as an actor and for the characters he brought to life over the years.”
The statement confirmed that Brendon died in his sleep of “natural causes.”
They added, “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.”
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Coroner Confirms No Foul Play
Putnam County Coroner Todd Zeiner shared additional details in a statement obtained by NewsPlop on March 25. Brendon was found dead at a residence in west-central Putnam County.
“On Friday, March 20, I was notified of a deceased individual at a residence in west-central Putnam County,” Zeiner stated. “Upon arrival, I observed an adult male positioned as if asleep, who had been pronounced deceased by medical personnel prior to my arrival.”
Zeiner added, “There were no signs of foul play, and nothing at the scene indicated the death was anything other than natural. [Brendon] resided alone and was discovered by a longtime friend who had been staying overnight to provide care.”
Sarah Michelle Gellar Mourns Her Costar
Sarah Michelle Gellar, who starred alongside Brendon on Buffy the Vampire Slayer for seven seasons from 1996 to 2003, responded publicly on multiple occasions following his passing.
One day after Brendon’s death, Gellar shared a moving tribute via Instagram that quoted one of Brendon’s most memorable lines as Xander Harris.
“I saw you Nicky,” she added. “I know you are at peace, in that big rocking chair in the sky.”
Gellar later spoke about the loss during a Rome press conference for her movie, Ready or Not 2: Here I Come.
“It’s a tragedy. It’s a tragedy when you lose anyone at any point,” Gellar said. “It’s a bigger tragedy when you lose someone way sooner than needs to be.”
‘Buffy’ Cast Share Tributes to Costar Nicholas Brendon After His Death at 54
Other ‘Buffy’ Costars Speak Out
Alyson Hannigan was the first Buffy costar who spoke out publicly, writing, “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.”
David Boreanaz also weighed in with a social media tribute of his own.
“There are people you work with and then there are people you share time with, Nick was the latter,” the actor wrote. “Some moments stay small on paper, a laugh between takes, a look that says we got this, the quiet understanding of showing up and doing the work together. But those are the things that last. He carried something real, not perfect, not polished, just real.”
He added, “And in this business that matters more than most things. We don’t always get to choose how long someone stays in the story, only that they were here. And he was … Rest easy, Brother. Some people leave a mark without trying.”
James Marsters, Charisma Carpenter and Emma Caufield also shared their condolences.
Prior Health Struggles
Brendon had a documented history of health issues. The actor was previously hospitalized following a “cardiac incident” in 2022. The actor revealed the following year that he suffered a heart attack and was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect along with cauda equina syndrome.
Prior to his death, Brendon underwent several spinal surgeries.