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Sarah Michelle Gellar is mourning the loss of her former Buffy costar, Nicholas Brendon.
“‘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,’” Gellar, 48, wrote via Instagram on Saturday, March 21, quoting one of Brendon’s lines as Xander Harris. “I saw you Nicky. I know you are at peace, in that big rocking chair in the sky.”
Brendon’s death was confirmed via a statement made by the actor’s family to Us Weekly hours earlier Friday, March 20. He was 54.
“We are heartbroken to share the passing of our brother and son, Nicholas Brendon,” the actor’s family said via the statement, noting that Brendon died 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. In recent years, Nicky has found his passion in painting and art,” the statement continued. “Nicky loved to share his enthusiastic talent with his family, friends and fans. He was passionate, sensitive, and endlessly driven to create. Those who truly knew him understood that his art was one of the purest reflections of who he was.”
In the statement, Brendon’s family noted that the actor “had struggles in the past” which were “no secret.” However, they added Brendon was “on medications and treatment to manage his diagnosis” and said he was “optimistic about the future” in the lead up to death.
“Our family asks for privacy during this time as we grieve his loss and celebrate the life of a man who lived with intensity, imagination, and heart,” the statement concluded. “Thank you to everyone who has shown love and support.”
In 2023, Brendon revealed he had suffered a heart attack and had been diagnosed with a congenital heart defect, as well as cauda equina syndrome. He had undergone several spinal surgeries prior to his death.
Brendon played Xander Harris on Buffy for seven seasons. He starred alongside Gellar, Alyson Hannigan, David Boreanaz, Anthony Head and more.
Hannigan, who portrayed Xander’s best friend Willow Rosenberg in Buffy, was among those to pay tribute to the actor.
“My Sweet Nicky, thank you for years of laughter, love and Dodgers,” Hannigan, 51, wrote via Instagram on Friday. “I will think of you every time I see a rocking chair. I love you. RIP.”
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