Buffy star Nicholas Brendon, who played Xander, dies aged 54

Nicholas Brendon as Xander Harris in the tv series, Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer star Nicholas Brendon has died. He was 54.

“We are heartbroken to share the passing of our brother and son, Nicholas Brendon. He passed in his sleep of natural causes,” his family wrote on Instagram.

Born in 1971, Brendon played Xander Harris in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, which aired from 1997 to 2003.

In 2023 the actor revealed he suffered a heart attack and was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect. He had also undergone multiple surgeries to release pressure on his spine after he developed a rare condition called cauda equina syndrome.

“Most people know Nicky for his work as an actor and for the characters he brought to life over the years,” the family continued.

“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.”

A year after Buffy the Vampire Slayer finished Brendon checked into a rehab clinic for alcohol addiction, reported People.

“After realizing that I had a disease that was taking control of my life, I decided that the best way for me to regain my health was to enter a treatment facility,” he said at the time.

In his 30s, he had troubles with substance abuse, mental illness and the law. In 2015 he was arrested four times for damage to property after damaging a hotel room and domestic violence after fighting with his girlfriend, according to People.

His family knew about his issues but said he was working on getting better.

“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,” the family said.

“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.”