Nicholas Brendon, ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ Star, Dies at 54 - 20 March 2026

[Vaderman]

Nicholas Brendon, ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ Star, Dies at 54

Best known for playing the lovable sidekick on the groundbreaking drama, he also had a recurring role in 'Criminal Minds' and starred in the film adaptation of Charles Busch's 'Psycho Beach Party.'

www.hollywoodreporter.com

Nicholas Brendon, the actor best known for playing lovable underdog Xander Harris on all seven seasons of the TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer, died Friday. He was 54.

His family announced news of Brendon’s death in a statement shared with 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. 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.”

 

[Vaderman]

Nicholas Brendon, ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ Star, Dies at 54

Nicholas Brendon, who played Xander Harris on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," died in his sleep Friday, according to a statement. He was 54.

variety.com

Despite deepening personal issues, he appeared on 21 episodes of “Criminal Minds” as the former hacker Kevin Lynch. He was arrested numerous times, beginning in 2010. He was then arrested twice within two months in February and March of 2015, after which he went he went on the Dr. Phil show — but walked off. Later that year, he was arrested again, in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., for strangling his girlfriend. He was charged with felony third-degree robbery, criminal mischief and obstruction of breathing, and, when he pleaded guilty, agreed to enter rehabilitation again. The arrests continued for years: In 2017 — again, for assaulting a different girlfriend — and 2021 (on a prescription fraud charge), which was a violation of his probation.

 

[Vaderman]

‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ cast reacts to Nicholas Brendon’s death: ‘My sweet Nicky’

Brendan died at the age of 54, his family announced on Friday.

pagesix.com

“Buffy the Vampire Slayer” cast members are remembering their co-star Nicholas Brendon following his death at age 54.

Co-star Alyson Hannigan, who played Willow Rosenberg on the beloved series, took to Instagram with a heartfelt goodbye on Friday.

“My Sweet Nicky, thank you for years of laughter, love and Dodgers,” she captioned a still from Season 6 of the series. “I will think of you every time I see a rocking chair. I love you. RIP .”