Nicholas Brendon died "in his sleep of natural causes" at age 54, his family said in a statement on Friday, March 20
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Brendon is best known for playing Xander on the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer
The actor "had struggles in the past," his family said, but he "was optimistic about the future at the time of his passing"
Nicholas Brendon, the actor best known for his role as Xander onBuffy the Vampire Slayer, has died. He was 54.
"We are heartbroken to share the passing of our brother and son, Nicholas Brendon. He passed in his sleep of natural causes," his family said in astatement sharedon his official Instagram page on Friday, March 20.
"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 family added. "Nicky loved to share his enthusiastic talent with his family, friends and fans. He was passionate, sensitive and endlessly driven to create."
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The statement added, "Those who truly knew him understood that his art was one of the purest reflections of who he was. While it'sno secret that Nicholas had struggles in the past, he was on medications andtreatment to manage his diagnosisand he was optimistic about the future at the time of his passing. 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. Thank you to everyone who has shown love and support."
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Brendon rose to fame as Xander Harris onBuffy the Vampire Slayer,which aired seven seasons from 1997 to 2003, alongside costars Sarah Michelle Gellar, Alyson Hannigan, Charisma Carpenter and David Boreanaz. He also appeared in movies likePsycho Beach Party, UnholyandCoherence. His other TV shows included Bradley Cooper'sKitchen ConfidentialandCriminal Minds, in which he played the recurring character Kevin Lynch.
In the years afterBuffy, Brendon spoke out about struggling with depression as well as alcohol and substance addictions, checking into rehabbetween multiple arrests, including for domestic violence chargesand prescription fraud.
He toldThe A.V. Club in 2017that landing his role onBuffywas a "dream" come true.
"There were so many times I'd just be on set and in this place of wonder, saying, 'Oh my God. I can't believe I'm a part of this show,' " he said at the time, adding, "There were so many wonderful moments on it. You cannot just pick one. I think probably, when I booked it, when I got the phone call on a Tuesday at about 10 a.m., that's kind of where this whole journey started for me. Twenty years later, it's really still going."
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