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The star of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”, Nicholas Brendon died on Friday, March 20 at the age of 54.
His family confirmed his death in a statement sent to The Hollywood Reporter, telling the media that, “We are saddened by the passing of our brother and son, Nicholas Brendon.”
“He passed away in his sleep due to natural causes,” the statement read. “Many people know Nicky for his work as an actor and the characters he brought to life over the years. In recent years Nicky found his passion for painting and art. Nicky loved to share his passionate talent with his family, friends and fans. He was loving, compassionate, and endlessly driven to create.”
The statement continued: “Those who really knew him understood that his art was one of the purest aspects of who he was. Although it is no secret that Nicholas had a troubled past, he was using medication and therapy to manage his diagnosis and was optimistic about the future at the time of his passing.”
Brendon died on Friday, March 20. (Gilbert Carrasquillo/Getty Images)
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They ended their statement by asking the public for “privacy at this time,” as they take time to “grieve his loss and celebrate the life of a man who lived with energy, vision, and heart.”
“I thank everyone who showed love and support,” they concluded.
In 2022, a post on his Instagram account shared with fans that the actor was rushed to the hospital following a heart attack, adding that he was diagnosed with congenital heart disease.
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He then shared on Instagram in 2023 that he had a heart attack and multiple spinal surgeries. The actor previously revealed that he was diagnosed with cauda equina syndrome, which the Cleveland Clinic describes as “compression of a group of nerve roots” that are located “at the bottom of your spine” and control your ability to “move and feel sensation in your legs and bladder.”
Brendon rose to fame as the star of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” (Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Brendon broke into the entertainment business, starring as Xander Harris in all seven seasons of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” from 1997 to 2003.
During that time he also appeared in films such as “Psycho Beach Party,” “Hard Ground” and “Survivor Island,” and later appeared in popular TV shows such as “Private Practice” and “Criminal Minds.”
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“I love that so many of you have connected with the show and the cast,” she wrote on Instagram for “Buffy’s” 25th anniversary. “And despite the painful memories, I will always be very grateful that I got the chance to play Xander and that it gave me the opportunity to meet so many of you.”
Brendon struggled with substance abuse and mental health in his 30s, and was arrested multiple times for crimes.
Brendon has previously struggled with substance abuse and mental health issues. (David Livingston/Getty Images)
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