Buffy star Nicholas Brendon is dead: Sarah Michelle Gellar & Co. react with statements

"Buffy" star Nicholas Brendon is dead. The actor was only 54 years old, according to several media outlets. As his family announced on social media, he passed in his sleep of natural causes. Brendon was known to audiences around the world for his role as Xander Harris in the TV series "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." Several "Buffy" co-stars have reacted to the death of Nicholas Brendon.

Sarah Michelle Gellar & Co. comment on the death of Nicholas Brendon

Sarah Michelle Gellar, who played the chosen vampire slayer Buffy Summers in the series, remembered the late actor with a quote from Xander:

"'They'll never know how tough it is to be the one who isn't chosen. To live so near to the spotlight, and never step in it. But I know. I see more than anybody realizes, because nobody's watching me.' I saw you Nicky. I know you are at peace, in that big rocking chair in the sky."

Alyson Hannigan: "Thank you for years of laughter"

Alyson Hannigan is another "Buffy" star who, like Sarah Michelle Gellar and Nicholas Brendon, has been one of the main characters in the series from the very beginning. She posted a scene on social media in which her character Willow Rosenberg finds comfort in the arms of her longtime friend Xander. She wrote:

"My Sweet Nicky, thank you for years of laughter, love and Dodgers. I will think of you every time I see a rocking chair. I love you. RIP."

Charisma Carpenter: "He always kept me on my toes"

Charisma Carpenter and Emma Caulfield also responded with statements. Caulfield played Xander's girlfriend Anya Jenkins in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer". The actress commented on the death of her co-star in an Instagram story: "My heart is so heavy. I can't put into words just yet how this has hit me." Carpenter, who in turn had played Xander's high school girlfriend Cordelia Chase, wrote on social media:

"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. He always kept me on my toes, never delivering a line the same way twice, forcing me to become a better actor by listening. I will always remember him in my mind's eye, in his trailer with the door wide open, in his rocking chair, smoking a cigarette and listening to music."

David Boreanaz: "Rest easy Brother"

David Boreanaz, who starred as vampire Angel in the series, said goodbye with the words "Rest easy Brother." He also wrote the following words to accompany a photo of himself and Brendon:

"There are people you work with and then there are people you share time with. Nick was the latter.."

James Marsters: "He was a brilliantly talented actor"

James Marsters, who played vampire Spike in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer", explained on social media:

"I'm sad hearing the news of Nick's passing. He was a brilliantly talented actor, and it was a joy to work with him on a show that was a high point in both of our lives. I hope his family gets the space they need to grieve."

Statement from Brendon's family

Brendon's family had already released a statement on social media:

"We are heartbroken to share the passing of our brother and son, Nicholas Brendon. He passed in his sleep of natural causes. 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. 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."

Brendon's time after Buffy

The actor was born Nicholas Brendon Schultz on April 12, 1971 in Los Angeles. He celebrated his international breakthrough as one of the main actors in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer". As Xander Harris, he played Buffy and Willow's best friend in the series, which aired from 1997 to 2003. The initially somewhat insecure teenager developed more and more self-confidence over time and became one of the most important comrades-in-arms in Buffy's fight against the forces of darkness.

After the end of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer", Brendon was no longer able to build on the success of the series. In addition to mental problems, he struggled with alcohol addiction. He was also arrested several times, including for allegedly assaulting two girlfriends. According to his own statements, he had a heart attack in recent years and had to undergo spinal surgeries.

With Nicholas Brendon, another leading actor from "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" has now died within a short space of time. Michelle Trachtenberg, who played Buffy's younger sister Dawn in the series, died in February last year at the age of just 39 from complications of diabetes.