Buffy the Vampire Cast Reacts to Nicholas Brendon’s Death

Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s the actors respect him Nicholas Brendon after his death at the age of 54.

The actor’s family announced in a statement they shared Us Weekly On Friday, March 20, that Brendon died “in his sleep of natural causes.”

“We are saddened by the passing of our brother and son, Nicholas Brendon. He died in his sleep of natural causes,” the statement read. “Many people know Nicky for his work as an actor and the characters he has brought to life over the years. In recent years Nicky found his passion for painting and art. Nicky loved sharing his talent and passion with his family, friends and fans.”

Describing Brendon as “passionate, empathetic, and endlessly inspired to create,” the family added that “those who really knew him understood that his art was part of who he was.”

Noting that “it’s no secret that Nicholas has had problems in the past” the family added that Brendon “was taking medication and treatment to be able to diagnose his disease, and he had hope for the future when he passed away.”

Brendon shared in 2023 that he had suffered a heart attack and was diagnosed with congenital heart disease, as well as cauda equina disease. Before his death, the actor had several spinal surgeries.

Thanking everyone for their support after Brendon’s death, the statement concluded, “Our family requests privacy during this time as we grieve his loss and celebrate the life of someone who lived with determination, thought and heart.”

Brendon was best known for playing Xander Harris on Buffy from 1997 to 2003.

In a 2015 interview KLZ eventsBrendon showed his magical knowledge to Buffy.

“The first season was like ‘Wow, what’s going on?’ It was really good,” said Brendon.

He continued, “It helps people when they’re at the lowest level and it’s fun because we’ve all been there. And I feel honored to be a part of helping pick them up. And give them hope. Because life can be hard sometimes.”

Keep scrolling to find the Buffy The cast’s heartfelt message to their late costar:

Sarah Michelle Gellar

Sarah Michelle Gellar started his social media tribute by quoting one of Nicholas Brendon’s lines Buffy, “They won’t know how hard it is to be the unchosen. To live so close to the limelight, and never step into it. But I know. I see more than anyone notices, because no one is watching.”

He added, “I saw you Nicky. I know you’re at peace, in that big rocking chair in the sky.”

Alyson Hannigan

Alyson Hannigan he was the first Buffy costar to publicly mourn Brendon’s death.

The actress, who played Willow Rosenberg’s best friend Xander in the series, paid tribute by sharing it with the rest of the cast via Instagram.

“My sweet Nicky, thank you for the years of laughter, love and the Dodgers,” she captioned the post. “I will think of you every time I see a rocking chair. I love you RIP 💔”

David Boreanaz

David Boreanaz, who started Buffy as Angel, wrote a tribute on social media for the death of Nicholas Brendon.

“There are people you work with and then there are people you spend time with, Nick was the latter,” Boreanaz wrote on Instagram. “Sometimes it’s small on paper, the laugh between takes, the look that says we’ve got this, the quiet understanding of showing up and doing the work together. But those are the things that last. He had something real, imperfect, unpolished, real.”

He continued, “And in this most important business there are many things. We can’t always choose how long a person stays in a story, only that he was here. And he was … Rest easy, Brother. Some people leave a mark without trying.

Emma Caulfield

Emma Caulfield, who does the opposite of Brendon Buffy as he is also, late love interest Anya Jenkins, also paid tribute to Nicholas Brendon.

Posting on her Instagram Stories on March 20, the actress shared a 2017 clip of Brendon talking to her. Entertainment Weekly about Buffy’an iconic piece of music.

“There is no word[s] at the moment. I love you Nicky. Let this piece of our best be a stand-in. Take a rest. Nicky. Rest,” she wrote, signing off with a broken heart emoji and her character Buffy’s name.

Greg Vaughn

“Heartbreak for anyone he knows, works with and talks about,” Greg Vaughnknown as Richard Anderson on the show, wrote on Instagram. “Nick, you were so kind, so funny and loved by everyone! You’ve earned your wings because you couldn’t be less of an Angel! RIP brotha.”

Charisma Carpenter

Charisma Carpenterwho played Cordelia in the first three seasons of Buffy, remembered Nicholas Brendon on social media after his death.

“I will miss the version of the man I knew, someone who was warm and loving,” she wrote on Instagram. “He was charming, funny, silly, self-deprecating and extremely talented. I loved every scene we had during the day. He always kept me on my toes, never delivering the same line twice, forcing me to be a better actor by listening.”

Carpenter added, “I will always remember him in my mind, in his car with the door wide open, in his rocking chair, smoking a cigarette and listening to music. From his car, my window facing the lot, I could hear all the iconic bands of the 90s but also, for me, tied to the memory of Nicky, The Hot Peppers, The ST. Fighters, OMC, Green Day, Nirvana, Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, Sublime, Creed, Barenaked Ladies, Green Day, Smashing Pumpkins, The Cranberries, Lauryn Hill, Blink-182, 311, Blur, Garbage, Counting Crows [and the] Goo Dolls. I miss those days and hold on to those memories of him today.”

Carpenter also expressed his condolences to Brendon’s family and friends “who were with him until the end,” adding, May he rest in peace now.

James Leary

“Godspeed, laugh and joke your way through the Hellmouth to salvation,” James Leary, who played Clem, wrote on his Instagram. “I hope you have found peace my friend.”