Nicholas Brendon, star in ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer,’ dies at 54

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Nicholas Brendon, famous for playing the character Xander Harris on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” passed away on Friday at the age of 54. He had been dealing with a heart condition and other health problems for some time, and his death was due to natural causes.

The actor’s family announced his death in a post on his social media. They acknowledged that he had faced challenges previously, but shared that he was receiving treatment and felt hopeful about the future when he passed away.

The family has asked for privacy while they mourn the loss of a man described as passionate, creative, and kind.

The family described him as a passionate, sensitive, and incredibly dedicated artist. They said his work truly showed who he was at his core.

Brendon was born in Los Angeles in 1971 and started acting in the mid-1990s. He gained widespread recognition in 1997 when he landed the role of Harris on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” Throughout the show’s seven seasons, Brendon became a key cast member, playing the relatable, often insecure, but always reliable friend who helped fight against supernatural threats.

In 2000, he made his feature film debut in the indie movie “Psycho Beach Party,” where he played the character Starcat, the romantic lead. The film has since become a beloved cult classic.

Following the conclusion of “Buffy” in 2003, Brendon continued to appear on television shows like “Without a Trace,” “Private Practice,” and “Kitchen Confidential.” He also had a regular role as Kevin Lynch, an FBI technical analyst, on “Criminal Minds.”

In 2022, Brendon’s family revealed he’d been hospitalized for a rapid heartbeat (tachycardia) and diagnosed with a common heart condition often found in twins. He has an identical twin brother, Kelly Donovan, who sometimes acted as his stand-in on the show “Buffy.”

Shemar Moore, known for his role on “Criminal Minds,” has had several spinal surgeries to address cauda equina syndrome, a rare condition affecting nerves in the lower spine. The problem stemmed from a fall in 2021 that required immediate surgery to avoid paralysis, according to his manager, Theresa Fortier.

He recently discovered a passion for painting and the arts, and loved sharing his artwork with those close to him, according to his family.

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2026-03-21 07:31