'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' Star Was 54
The Hollywood Reporter • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Nicholas Brendon, best known for his role as Xander Harris on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, died in his sleep at age 54 from natural causes, according to a family statement.
- Brendon had recently disclosed health issues including a heart attack, a congenital heart defect, and cauda equina syndrome, for which he underwent multiple spinal surgeries.
- His acting career spanned various film and TV roles beyond Buffy, including appearances on Criminal Minds, Kitchen Confidential, and cult films like Psycho Beach Party.
- Brendon openly struggled with substance abuse and mental health challenges, facing legal issues from 2010 onward, but was reportedly optimistic about his future in recent times.
- He is survived by his identical twin brother Kelly Donovan
