The passing of Nicholas Brendon came as a shock to many, including his co-stars in Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Nicholas played the character of Xander Harris in the popular American supernatural horror drama television series, which aired from 1997 to 2003.
The 54-year-old actor was reported dead on Friday night, March 20, 2026 (U.S. time), with his family issuing a public statement on the same day.
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FAMILY'S STATEMENT ON NICHOLAS BRENDON'S DEATH
In the statement, Nicholas' family said that the actor died in his sleep and "of natural causes."
Although widely recognized for his acting, Nicholas, fondly called Nicky by his family, had, in recent years, developed a deep love for painting and the visual arts.
"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," said the statement.
The actor’s personal struggles were no secret.
He made headlines for multiple brushes with the law, including charges of robbery, public intoxication, and allegations of strangling his girlfriend, among others.
His family mentioned that Nicholas was undergoing treatment and medications to "manage his diagnosis" and that "he was optimistic about the future."
It wasn't specified what kind of medical issues the actor was facing, although it had been reported years ago that Nicholas had multiple back surgeries before suffering a heart attack in 2022.
"Our family asks for privacy during this time as we grieve his loss and celebrate the life of a man who lived with intensity, imagination, and heart," the statement said in closing.
"Thank you to everyone who has shown love and support."
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BUFFY CO-STARS IN MOURNING
It didn't take long for the stars of Buffy the Vampire Slayer to pay tribute to their fallen colleague after news of his death spread online.
David Boreanaz, who played Angel in the series, wrote on Instagram: “There are people you work with and then there are people you share time with. Nick was the latter.
"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.”
Meanwhile, Emma Caulfield Ford, who played Anya Jenkins, reflected on their time together while attending a Comic-Con event as part of a panel.
"Damn Nicky, you made me laugh. From day one, you welcomed me. You made keeping a straight face a nearly impossible task. Thank you. Love you. Rest in piece old friend," mused Emma.
Alyson Hannigan Denisof, a.k.a. Willow Rosenberg, addressed the late actor “My Sweet Nicky" before thanking him "for years of laughter, love, and Dodgers."
She added, "I will think of you every time I see a rocking chair. I love you. RIP.”
The mention of the rocking chair traces back to the show’s trailer, where it appears in a scene featuring Nicholas.
The show's lead star, Sarah Michelle Gellar, also made the same reference in her farewell message to Nicholas.
“I saw you Nicky. I know you are at peace, in that big rocking chair in the sky," penned Sarah.