'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' star Nicholas Brendon dies at 54
USA Today • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Nicholas Brendon, best known for his role as Xander Harris on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," died in his sleep of natural causes at age 54 on March 20, according to a family statement.
- Brendon was recognized for his work on "Buffy," receiving three Saturn Award nominations, and appeared in "Criminal Minds" as FBI analyst Kevin Lynch.
- His post-"Buffy" years included struggles with health issues, substance abuse, and legal troubles, including multiple arrests in 2014 and 2015.
- Brendon was open about his challenges, notably walking off "The Dr. Phil Show" in 2015 during an interview about his alcoholism, though he later returned to the program
