Former 'Buffy' Stars Pay Tribute to Nicholas Brendon After His Death at 54

Castmates remember the actor who played Xander Harris on the long-running supernatural drama.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 5:32am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Former stars of the hit TV series 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' have expressed their grief and paid tribute to actor Nicholas Brendon, who played the character of Xander Harris, following his death at the age of 54. Brendon's co-stars, including Alyson Hannigan, Sarah Michelle Gellar, David Boreanaz, Charisma Carpenter, and Emma Caulfield, shared heartfelt messages and memories of their friend and colleague.

Why it matters

Nicholas Brendon was a central figure in the original 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' cast, and his character Xander was a beloved part of the show's ensemble. His passing is a significant loss for the 'Buffy' community, which has already experienced the death of another cast member, Michelle Trachtenberg, in 2025.

The details

Brendon, who died in his sleep from natural causes, was described as 'passionate, sensitive, and endlessly driven to create.' In recent years, he had turned his focus to painting and art, which he often shared with loved ones and fans. His co-stars shared touching tributes, with Alyson Hannigan remembering their friendship and Sarah Michelle Gellar referencing a poignant line from the show about the challenges of living in the spotlight.

  • Nicholas Brendon passed away on March 21, 2026.

The players

Nicholas Brendon

An actor who portrayed the character of Xander Harris on the long-running supernatural drama 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer'.

Alyson Hannigan

An actress who starred alongside Brendon on 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer', playing the character of Willow Rosenberg.

Sarah Michelle Gellar

The lead actress of 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer', playing the title character of Buffy Summers.

David Boreanaz

An actor who played the character of Angel on 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' and later starred in the spinoff series 'Angel'.

Charisma Carpenter

An actress who portrayed the character of Cordelia Chase, a love interest of Brendon's character Xander, on 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer'.

Emma Caulfield

An actress who played the former demon Anya, another love interest for Brendon's character Xander, on 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer'.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“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.”

— Alyson Hannigan

“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.”

— Sarah Michelle Gellar

The takeaway

The passing of Nicholas Brendon, a beloved member of the 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' cast, has deeply impacted the show's fanbase and his former co-stars, who have shared heartfelt tributes and memories of their friend and colleague. Brendon's portrayal of the character Xander Harris left a lasting impression, and his loss is felt by the 'Buffy' community.