Nicholas Brendon, best known for his role as lovable underdog Xander Harris in all seven seasons of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, died on Friday. He was 54.
His family confirmed Brendon’s death in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter: “We are heartbroken to share the passing of our brother and son, Nicholas Brendon. He died of natural causes in his sleep. Most people recognise Nicky for his work as an actor and the roles he has brought to life over the years.
In recent years, Nicky has discovered his passion for painting and art. Nicky enjoyed sharing his enthusiastic talent with his family, friends, and fans. He was passionate, compassionate, and constantly inspired to create.
Those who actually know him recognised that his art was a perfect reflection of who he was. While it is no secret that Nicholas struggled in the past, he was on meds and receiving treatment to manage his disease, and he was optimistic about the future when he died.
Our family respectfully requests privacy during this time as we mourn his passing and celebrate the life of a man who lived with intensity, imagination, and compassion. Thank you to everyone who has expressed their love and support.”
In 2023, Nicholas Brendon disclosed he had a heart attack and was diagnosed with a congenital heart condition. The cast of ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ paid tribute. He also suffered cauda equina syndrome, which required multiple spinal surgeries.
Even though Buffy was undoubtedly the pinnacle of Brendon’s acting career, he continued to perform in films and on television until 2021. During breaks from Buffy, he appeared in genre films like Demon Island and Unholy.
In 2000, he appeared alongside Lauren Ambrose and Amy Adams in the Sundance film Psycho Beach Party. It became a cult classic after being adapted from drag artist Charles Busch’s off-Broadway satire of 1960s beach films.
His most notable other television credits included a recurring role on Criminal Minds and a one-season Fox sitcom Kitchen Confidential, which was based on Anthony Bourdain’s memoir of the same name and starred Brendon alongside Bradley Cooper.
Beginning in his 30s, Brendon struggled publicly with substance abuse and mental illness. He was detained several times beginning in 2010 and charged with felony vandalism, resisting or obstructing officers, criminal mischief, and felony corporal injury to a spouse.
The latter, his most prominent, resulted in a plea agreement that included three years of probation. Throughout his tribulations, he issued apologies and even appeared on an episode of Dr. Phil to discuss his alcoholism and mental health struggles.
Those in Brendon’s orbit were believed to be positive about his current outlook and attitude, believing he had finally turned a corner.
Kelly Donovan, Brendon’s identical twin brother, is among those who survive him. They were born three minutes apart, and despite Donovan’s lack of serious acting ambitions, the two appeared together on two episodes of Buffy.
That includes 2000’s “The Replacement,” in which Xander is divided into two people: one with all of his wonderful attributes (Donovan) and one with all of his flaws (Brendon).
Following the first publication of this story, the family updated the message on X alongside a set of photos of Brendon, followed by images of Brendon’s most recent paintings.
We are heartbroken to announce the death of our brother and son, Nicholas Brendon. He died of natural causes in his sleep.
