Sarah Michelle Gellar Leads Buffy Cast's Tributes To Cast Member Nicholas Brendon
The stars of Buffy The Vampire Slayer have been paying their respects following the death of cast member Nicholas Brendon.
Over the weekend, it was announced that Nicholas – best known to Buffy fans for his portrayal of Xander Harris in the supernatural series – had died at the age of 54.
His family told CNN that the actor had died in his sleep, of natural causes.
In a statement, they said: “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.”
His spokesperson later clarified: “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.”
Following the news, his Buffy co-stars paid tribute, with Sarah Michelle Gellar sharing a quote from the show alongside the message: “I saw you Nicky. I know you are at peace, in that big rocking chair in the sky.”
David Boreanaz wrote: “There are people you work with and then there are people you share time with. Nick was the latter.
“Some moments stay small on paper, a laugh between takes, a look that says ‘we got this’, the quiet understanding of showing up and doing the work together. But those are the things that last.
“He carried something real, not perfect, not polished, just real. And in this business that matters more than most things.”
Alyson Hannigan also thanked her late co-star for “years of laughter, love and Dodgers”, while Charisma Carpenter said: “I will miss the version of the man I once knew – someone who was so warm and loving. He was cuddly, funny, silly, self-deprecating, and supremely talented. I loved every scene we had together back in the day.”
Outside of Buffy, Nicholas played Kevin Lynch in Criminal Minds, as well as appearing in shows like Private Practice and Faking It.