Buffy the Vampire Slayer Co-Star Nicholas Brendon Passes Away

Nicholas Brendon, best known as playing the character of Xander in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, has passed away. THR reports that Brendon passed away on Friday. Details on his passing have not been revealed; he previously revealed that he had a congenital heart defect and had a heart attack in 2023, and also had to undergo a number of spinal surgeries due to cauda equina syndrome. He was 54 years old.

Brendon’s family issued a statement about his passing, which reads:

“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. In recent years Nicky has found his passion in painting and art. 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.

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. 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. Thank you to everyone who has shown love and support.”

While Brendon had a number of roles over his 30-plus year career, he will forever be known as Xander from Buffy. The “everyman” character among Buffy’s friend group, Xander appeared in the show throughout the series and often served as the comic relief of the show. He began with a crush on Buffy Summers but eventually had a romance with Charisma Carpenter’s Cordelia Chase, then eventually had a long-term relationship with former vengeance demon Anya (played by Emma Caulfield).

Nicholas’ career began in the early 1990s, with his first screen role being in Married… With Children as a gang member. He had a small role in Children of the Corn III: Urban Harvest before landing the role of Xander, which he played for all seven seasons of the show.

Brandon had a number of other television roles after Buffy including a main role in Kitchen Confidential and a recurring role as Kevin Lynch in Criminal Minds. He also had a recurring role on the romantic comedy series Faking It on MTV. His screen resume included roles in 2000’s Psycho Beach Party, 2008’s Blood on the Highway, and 2013’s Coherence

Brendon had a number of public struggles with substance abuse and mental health, and was arrested multiple times on various charges related to those.

On behalf of 411, our condolences to the family, friends, and fans of Nicholas Brendon. He will be missed.