‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ star Nicholas Brendon is dead

US actor Nicholas Brendon, best known for his role as Xander Harris in the cult TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer, has died at the age of 54.

Brendon’s family confirmed his passing in a statement on social media, saying he “passed in his sleep of natural causes.” They described him as “passionate, sensitive, and endlessly driven to create,” adding that his art in recent years reflected his true self.

“Most people know Nicky for his work as an actor and for the characters he brought to life over the years,” the statement continued. “In recent years Nicky has found his passion in painting and art.”

Brendon played Xander Harris, the loyal best friend of Buffy Summers, portrayed by Sarah Michelle Gellar, across seven seasons between 1997 and 2003. He received three Emmy nominations for his work on the show: two for Best TV Actor and one for Best TV Supporting Actor.

His twin brother, Kelly Donovan Schultz, also appeared as his body double in two episodes of Buffy.

Following the announcement, co-star Alyson Hannigan shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram: “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.”

Beyond Buffy, Brendon appeared in television series including Criminal Minds, Private Practice, and Kitchen Confidential, as well as films such as Psycho Beach Party, Big Gay Love, and Redwood.

Brendon was open about his personal struggles, including a heart attack and two spinal surgeries for cauda equina syndrome, a rare condition affecting mobility and bodily functions. He also lived with a stutter and advocated for the Stuttering Foundation of America.

His family noted to the Hollywood Reporter: “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.”