STARS from Buffy the Vampire Slayer are paying heartfelt tribute to Nicholas Brendon following his passing at the age of 54.
The actor, best known for playing Xander Harris in the much loved TV series, passed away on Friday peacefully in his sleep, of natural causes.
His devastated family said in a statement: “We are heartbroken to share the passing of our brother and son, Nicholas Brendon. He passed in his sleep of natural causes.”
They shared the message alongside a group photo of the star with four relatives.
Tributes quickly flooded in from Brendon’s former co-stars, led by Sarah Michelle Gellar.
The actress, who played Buffy Summers, posted an emotional message about her late friend.
She shared the quote: “They’ll never know how tough it is to be the one who isn’t chosen. To live so near to the spotlight, and never step in it.
“But I know. I see more than anybody realizes, because nobody’s watching me”
The quote is taken from one of Xander’s most iconic Buffy speeches about feeling overlooked and living in the shadows.
Alongside the quote, the star wrote: “I saw you Nicky. I know you are at peace, in that big rocking chair in the sky.”
Co-star Alyson Hannigan, who played Willow Rosenberg, also paid tribute to her former co-star with a heartfelt message on Instagram.
She wrote: “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.”
The “rocking chair” reference is a nod to a long-running in-joke about Xander being the overlooked outsider of the group
Emma Caulfield, who played Anya Jenkins, said: “My heart is heavy. I can’t put into words just how this has hit me… Rest Nicky. Rest. I love you.”
Meanwhile, Greg Vaughan, who appeared in Buffy’s second season, wrote: “Heavy hearts… Nick, you were beyond kind, tremendously funny and everyone loved you… R.I.P brotha.”
Brendon played Xander for seven years and appeared in all but one of the show’s 144 episodes.
His character was beloved among fans, remembered for his warmth, wit, and fierce loyalty.
Following the success of Buffy the Vampire Slayer he had a recurring part as Kevin Lynch in Criminal Minds from 2007 – 2014.
The TV star’s family also shared a further tribute following his death.
They told The Hollywood Reporter: “We are heartbroken to share the passing of our brother and son, Nicholas Brendon.
“He passed in his sleep of natural causes. Most people know Nicky for his work as an actor and for the characters he brought to life over the years.”
They added: “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 married actress Tressa DiFiglia in 2001 before they split in 2006.
He later married Moonda Tee in 2014 just one week after proposing, but the couple separated five months later.
The actor had multiple arrests and struggled with depression and alcoholism.
In 2015, he was arrested for strangling his girlfriend in Saratoga Springs, New York, and was charged with third-degree robbery, criminal mischief and obstruction of breathing.
He pleaded guilty and agreed to undergo rehabilitation, but was arrested again in 2017 and 2021.
