His family shared the news in a statement given to The Hollywood Reporter.
They said, “We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our brother and son, Nicholas Brendon. He passed away in his sleep due to natural causes. Most people know Nicky for his acting and the characters he brought to life over the years. In recent years, Nicky found a new passion in painting and art. He loved to share his talent with his family, friends, and fans. He was passionate, sensitive, and driven to create. Those who knew him well understood that his art was one of the purest expressions of who he was. While it’s well known that Nicholas had some difficulties in the past, he was on medication and treatment to manage his condition and was hopeful about the future at the time of his passing. Our family asks for privacy as we grieve and celebrate the life of a man who lived with passion, imagination, and heart. Thank you to everyone who has shown love and support.”
In 2023, Brendon revealed he had suffered a heart attack and was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect.
He also had cauda equina syndrome, which led to several surgeries on his spine.
Although Buffy the Vampire Slayer was perhaps his most famous role, Brendon continued acting in films and TV shows up until 2021.
During breaks from Buffy, he appeared in genre movies like Demon Island and Unholy.
In 2000, he starred with Lauren Ambrose and Amy Adams in Psycho Beach Party, a film based on an off-Broadway play by Charles Busch.
It became a cult favorite.
Other TV roles included a recurring role on Criminal Minds and a one-season sitcom called Kitchen Confidential, which was based on Anthony Bourdain’s memoir.
The show paired Brendon with Bradley Cooper.
Born in 1971 in Los Angeles as Nicholas Brendon Schultz, he originally wanted to be a professional baseball player.
He later turned to acting to help manage his stutter, a challenge he later became an advocate for with the Stuttering Foundation of America, especially during the height of Buffy’s popularity.
Xander Harris, much like Adam Brody’s Seth Cohen on The O.C., helped change how nerdy characters were portrayed in American TV.
In a 2017 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Brendon discussed how his character affected viewers.
“I actually don’t have a lot of crazy fan interactions,” he said.
“It’s just a bunch of dudes who say, ‘Man, you got me laid a lot in high school. You made it cool to be a nerd and awkward and funny.’ I wonder how many babies are out there because Xander got people laid.”
In his 30s, Brendon faced public challenges with substance abuse and mental health issues.
He was arrested multiple times and faced charges like felony vandalism, resisting or obstructing officers, criminal mischief, and felony corporal injury to a spouse. The latter charge, which was his most notable, ended in a plea deal that included three years of probation.
Despite these difficulties, he made public apologies and even appeared on an episode of Dr. Phil to talk about his struggles with alcohol and mental health.
Those close to Brendon were said to be hopeful about his recent attitude and positive outlook, believing he was finally turning things around.
Among those who survived him is his identical twin brother, Kelly Donovan.
They were born just three minutes apart. Although Donovan never pursued acting seriously, the two appeared together on two episodes of Buffy. One of these was 2000’s “The Replacement,” in which Xander is split into two characters— one with all his good qualities (Donovan) and one with all his faults (Brendon).
After the initial story was published, the family reposted the statement on X, sharing photos of Brendon and followed it with images of his recent paintings.
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