Nicholas Brendon, best known as Xander Harris on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, passed away on March 20 from natural causes, his family confirmed.
In a statement, they said he died peacefully in his sleep and remembered him as a passionate, sensitive artist who, in recent years, found joy in painting and sharing his creativity. Despite past struggles with addiction and mental health, he was receiving treatment and felt hopeful about the future.
Brendon appeared in all seven seasons of Buffy and continued acting until 2021. Off-screen, he faced legal issues and health problems, including a heart attack, a congenital heart defect, and cauda equina syndrome, which required multiple surgeries.
His former co-star Sarah Michelle Gellar paid tribute with a heartfelt message, saying she believed he had found peace.
Rest in peace, Nicholas Brendon.