Nicholas Brendon, Anthony Stewart Head, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Charisma Carpenter and Alyson Hannigan in ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’James Sorenson/20th Century Fox Film Corp./Courtesy Everett Collection
As fans and loved ones mourn the death of Nicholas Brendon, his Buffy the Vampire Slayer co-stars are paying tribute.
Following Brendon’s death at age 54, the cast of the WB series (1997-2003) remembered the actor who played Xander.
“My Sweet Nicky, thank you for years of laughter, love and Dodgers,” wrote Alyson Hannigan, who starred as Xander’s best friend Willow Rosenberg. “I will think of you every time I see a rocking chair. I love you. RIP”
Brendon starred on the Joss Whedon-created series’ seven-season run as Xander Harris, the nerdy best friend of the titular slayer (Sarah Michelle Gellar), helping her save the world on multiple occasions with their friend Willow.
Last February, fellow “Scooby gang” member Michelle Trachtenberg died at age 39, after portraying Buffy’s younger sister Dawn Summers on the show.
A co-star of Brendon’s confirmed his death to Deadline on Friday, as his family shared a statement. “We are heartbroken to share the passing of our brother and son, Nicholas Brendon,” they said.
“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.”
The family continued, “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.”
