Deadline reports that an actor that played an important role in Buffy The Vampire Slayer has passed away. A former cast member of the show confirmed the awful news to Deadline that Nicholas Brendon (Criminal Minds, Once More, With Feeling) was only 54 when he passed away in his sleep peacefully of natural causes, after many struggles.
“We are heartbroken to share the passing of our brother and son, Nicholas Brendon. He passed in his sleep of natural causes,” a statement from Brendon’s family was released to THR reports Deadline. “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 statement to THR reports Deadline continued by saying, “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.”
According to Deadline, Brendon was on Buffy the Vampire Slayer in many episodes parallel Sarah Michelle Gellar (I Know What you Did Last Summer, Ready Or Not 2: Here I Come) who played the lead character, Buffy. Brendon played Xander Harris, the ‘Shaggy’ across all the Buffy The Vampire Slayer seven seasons which aired on The WB and UPN.