Nicholas Brendon, best known for his role on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, has died at the age of 54, prompting an outpouring of reactions from former co-stars and fans. Tributes quickly followed, with several cast members sharing messages reflecting on their time working with him.
Nicholas Brendon dies at 54
Nicholas Brendon, known for playing Xander Harris on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Kevin Lynch on Criminal Minds, died in his sleep of natural causes, according to a statement from his family. He was 54.
His family said, “We are heartbroken to share the passing of our brother and son, Nicholas Brendon. He passed in his sleep of natural causes.”
The statement added, “Most people know Nicky for his work as an actor and for the characters he brought to life over the years… 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.”
Brendon rose to prominence as Xander Harris, a close friend of Buffy, and appeared in other projects including Psycho Beach Party. After Buffy ended in 2003, he publicly struggled with addiction and mental illness and entered rehabilitation in 2004. He later appeared in 21 episodes of Criminal Minds.
He faced multiple arrests between 2010 and 2021, including charges related to assault and prescription fraud. In 2023, he shared that he had undergone two spinal surgeries and experienced a heart attack in 2022.
Sarah Michelle Gellar, David Boreanaz and more pay tribute to Nicholas Brendon
Sarah Michelle Gellar shared a tribute referencing a quote, writing, “I saw you Nicky. I know you are at peace, in that big rocking chair in the sky.”
David Boreanaz wrote, “There are people you work with and then there are people you share time with… Nick was the latter… And he was …Rest easy Brother.”
Alyssa Milano commented, “I am so sorry for your loss.”
Fans and colleagues also shared messages, including, “We are so sorry for your loss. Thinking of his family and friends,” and personal recollections of interactions with Brendon.
