Sarah Michelle Gellar has led the cast tributes to her Buffy the Vampire Slayer co-star Nicholas Brendon following his death on March 20. He was 54.
The actor was best known for playing Xander Harris on the beloved WB sci-fi series from 1997 to 2003.
His heartbroken family shared the news of his death on Friday in an emotional statement on social media.
In the wake of his passing, his former co-stars shared their sorrow as they remembered the late actor.
© InstagramSarah Michelle Gellar paid tribute to Nichilas
Sarah Michelle Gellar
Sarah Michelle Gellar shared her heartbreak alongside a smiling photo of herself and Nicholas on Instagram.
She penned: "'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."
© InstagramDavid Boreanaz broke his silence during his social media ban
David Boreanaz
David Boreanaz, who played Angel, broke his social media ban for Lent to pay tribute to Nicholas, writing: "There are people you work with and then there are people you share time with.
"Nick was the latter. Some moments stay small on paper, a laugh between takes, a look that says we got this, the quiet understanding of showing up and doing the work together. But those are the things that last.
"He carried something real, not perfect, not polished, just real. And in this business that matters more than most things. We don't always get to choose how long someone stays in the story only that they were here. And he was …Rest easy Brother. Some people leave a mark without trying."
© Getty ImagesAlyson Hannigan thanked Nicholas for 'years of laughter'
Alyson Hannigan
Alyson Hannigan, who played Xander's best friend, Willow Rosenberg, took to Instagram and shared a photo of their characters in an emotional embrace.
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."
© Getty ImagesEmma Caulfield had 'no words yet' to describe her sadness
Emma Caulfield
Emma Caulfield, who starred as Xander's on-again, off-again love interest Anya, admitted she wasn't yet ready to pay Nicholas the fitting tribute he deserved.
"My heart is heavy," she wrote on her Instagram Story. "I can't put into words just how this has hit me. Let this clip of us giving it our all be a placeholder. Rest Nicky. Rest. I love you."
© InstagramCharisma Carpenter
In a lengthy tribute to her former co-star, Charisma Carpenter, who played Cordelia Chase in the show, said: "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’' eye, in his trailer with the door wide open, in his rocking chair, smoking a cigarette and listening to music. From his trailer, which my window faced on the lot, I could hear all the bands that exemplify the 90s but are also, for me, tied up in the memory of Nicky. Bands like: Oasis, Red Hot Chili Peppers, STP, Foo Fighters, OMC, Green Day, Nirvana, Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, Sublime, Creed, Barenaked Ladies, Green Day, Smashing Pumpkins, The Cranberries, Lauryn Hill, Blink-182, 311, Blur, Garbage, Counting Crows, Goo Goo Dolls. I miss those days and cling to those memories of him today.
"I offer my condolences to his family, his closest friends - who were with him to the end - and to the fans around the world who found comfort in his work. May he be at peace now."
James Marsters
James Marsters, best known for playing lovable villain turned Buffy's love interest Spike, was the last core cast member to pay tribute to Nicholas.
"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," he wrote on Instagram, alongside a photo of the pair from season six of the show.
© Buffy the Vampire SlayerJames C. Leary starred as the friendly demon Clem
James C. Leary
James C. Leary, who played the friendly demon Clem in a recurring role during seasons six and seven, wrote on Instagram: "Godspeed, laugh and joke your way through the Hellmouth to salvation. I hope you have found peace, friend."
© Getty ImagesNicholas Brendon died of 'natural causes'
Cause of death
Nicholas' family revealed that he died in his sleep of "natural causes."
© Getty ImagesNicholas Brendon had several health issues in later life
Health woes
In 2022, he was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect after suffering a "cardiac incident" that led to his hospitalization.
He previously also suffered from cauda equina syndrome, resulting in the nerves in his lower spinal cord being damaged, and underwent multiple spinal surgeries to address partial paralysis in his legs and genitals.
© Getty ImagesNicholas Brendon's family announced his death on social media
Death announcement
"We are heartbroken to share the passing of our brother and son, Nicholas Brendon," the family shared in a statement. "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," it continued.
"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."
It concluded: "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."
