Actor Nicholas Brendon, best known for playing Xander Harris on all seven seasons of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” passed away on March 20 at the age of 54. His family released a brief statement following his passing, telling fans that he passed away from natural causes. They also asked for privacy as they mourn his passing.
Nicholas Brendon’s Family Reveals The Beloved Actor Has Died
News of the actor’s passing made headlines on Friday, March 20. In a brief statement shared with The Hollywood Reporter, his family revealed that he passed away in his sleep and attributed his death to natural causes.
“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,” they wrote in a statement. “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. 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,” they continued. “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.”
Nicholas Brendon Was Involved In A Lawsuit Before His Death
Less than a week before he passed, a contractor claimed that Brendon “threw objects” at workers and even tracked a contractor by placing an Apple AirTag in his bag. According to court documents obtained by Us Weekly, Brendon sued his former contractor, Stephen Britton, for more than $120,000, claiming that Britton failed to perform work on his Ohio home.
However, Britton claimed that he had terminated their contract after he and his employees were “subjected to harassment by [Brendon] swearing at them and throwing objects.” The contractor allegedly “became worried for his safety and his workers’ safety,” and claimed that the former actor placed an AirTag in his work bag to track him.
Brendon Admitted To Putting The AirTag In His Bag
“I’ve never had this happen to me before, and it was alerted for probably three days prior that my iPhone picked it up,” Britton alleged, claiming that his “privacy was infringed” when the tracker was put in his tool bag.
Brendon admitted to putting the AirTag in his bag, but claimed that he had found it on the floor of his garage in the construction area and did not know what it was. “I put it in Steve’s bag ’cause it was close to his bag. When [my assistant] first got [them] like, eight months ago, I’ve never used it, so, no, I had no clue what it was,” the actor alleged.
In a separate court filing, Brendon claimed that a past spinal injury and a heart attack had led him to purchase the Ohio home in order to attend to his needs. In 2022, he was taken to a local hospital due to a cardiac incident.
Brendon Suffered A Cardiac Incident In 2022
“Nicky sends his love and wanted me to apologize that he hasn’t been going live as much lately and to give everyone an update,” read a note shared on his Instagram account at the time. “Nicky is doing fine now but he had to be rushed to emergency about two weeks ago because of a cardiac incident (tachycardia/arrhythmia).”
In February and October 2021, the “Criminal Minds” alum had underwent two procedures in order to treat Cauda Equina syndrome, which occurs when there is a problem with multiple nerve roots at the end of the spinal cord.
“If you’re somewhere impacted with ice, be careful. With a rare condition and a slip a week ago, I’m having spinal surgery in 1 hour,” he wrote on Instagram at the time, telling fans, “May you be happy, may you be healthy, and may you be safe.”
‘Buffy’ Costar Alyson Hannigan Pays Tribute
“Buffy the Vampire Slayer” costar Alyson Hannigan, who played Willow on the series, took to Instagram in the hour after news of his death broke in order to pay tribute. She shared a screenshot from one of the show’s more emotional episodes, showing Willow crying in Xander’s arms.
“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,” she wrote in the caption as fans filled the comments with their condolences.