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Nicholas Brendon, the actor fondly remembered for his role as Xander Harris on the iconic series “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” has died at the age of 54. His passing occurred on March 20, leaving fans and loved ones in mourning.
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In a heartfelt statement shared with The Hollywood Reporter, Brendon’s family expressed their grief: “We are heartbroken to share the passing of our brother and son, Nicholas Brendon.” They revealed that he died peacefully in his sleep from natural causes. Acknowledging his past struggles, the family noted that Nicholas was receiving treatment and was hopeful about the future. “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,” they added, thanking everyone who has offered support and love.
Earlier in 2023, Brendon disclosed that he had suffered a heart attack, during which doctors discovered a congenital heart defect. His health challenges also included cauda equina syndrome, necessitating multiple spinal surgeries.
Beyond his memorable stint as Xander in all seven seasons of “Buffy,” Brendon carved out a niche in cult classics and television. He charmed audiences as the dashing surfer Starcat in the quirky horror-comedy “Psycho Beach Party,” sharing the screen with Lauren Ambrose and a then-up-and-coming Amy Adams. His television credits include a recurring role as Kevin Lynch on “Criminal Minds,” a stint on “Kitchen Confidential” as Seth, and voice work as Huntsboy #89 in “American Dragon: Jake Long.”
Brendon’s final credited appearance was in the 2024 film “Christmas Slasher,” portraying Mr. Gregory. In recent years, he had embraced roles in numerous B-movies, particularly within the horror genre, while also channeling his creativity into art and painting. He is survived by his twin brother, Kelly, and other family members. Nicholas Brendon will be dearly missed by the “Buffy” fandom, remembered for bringing to life a character who could alternately be endearing and exasperating, capturing the complexities of the human spirit.
Nicholas Brendon also appeared in cult films and became an artist later in life
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Besides playing Xander in all seven seasons of “Buffy,” Nicholas Brendon had several popular cult roles on his resume. He was handsome surfer Starcat to Lauren Ambrose’s tomboyish Chicklet in the wild surf-comedy-horror picture “Psycho Beach Party,” a cult classic which also featured an early role for Amy Adams. He also played Kevin Lynch in 21 episodes of “Criminal Minds,” Seth in the short-lived show “Kitchen Confidential,” and voiced Huntsboy #89 in “American Dragon: Jake Long.”
Brendon’s last credited role was in 2024’s “Christmas Slasher,” where he played Mr. Gregory. In recent years he’d been appearing in a healthy number of B-movies, mainly horror films, and had also become dedicated to art and painting. He’s survived by his twin brother, Kelly, among other relatives, and will be missed by “Buffy” fans far and wide for the way he brought a character who was both lovable and also easily hateable — depending on the episode and fans’ moods — in equal measures.