BUFFY the Vampire Slayer star Nicholas Brendon has died of “natural causes” aged 54.
The actor was known for playing Buffy’s much-loved companion Xander Harris on the hit 90s show and for later appearing in Criminal Minds.
His family released a heartbreaking tribute after his death on Friday.
They told The Hollywood Reporter: “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 added: “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.”
Nicholas played Xander for seven years and was in all but one of the show’s 144 episodes.
His character was beloved amongst Buffy fans and known for his sarcastic humour and fierce loyalty.
Following the success of Buffy the Vampire Slayer he had a recurring part as Kevin Lynch in Criminal Minds from 2007 – 2014.
He initially pursued a career in acting in order to help manage his stutter which made him fearful of meeting strangers.
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Alongside acting he enjoyed painting and photography and sold his own original work.
Nicholas landed his break-out role as Xander at age 25 after he was fired from his job.
After the show finished he announced at a fan convention that he would be entering rehab for alcoholism in 2004.
He married actress Tressa DiFiglia in 2001 before they split in 2006.
Nicholas married Moonda Tee in 2014 one week after he proposed but the couple separated five months later.
The actor had multiple arrests and struggled with depression and alcoholism.
In 2015 the actor was arrested for strangling his girlfriend in Saratoga Springs, New York. Nicholas was charged with felony, third-degree robbery, criminal mischief and obstruction of breathing.
He pleaded guilty to the charges and agreed to start rehabilitation again but he was arrested again in 2017 and 2021.