R.I.P Nick Brendan

[shadowkat]

Whoa. RIP Nicholas Brendan (Best known as Xander Harris on Buffy the Vampire Slayer)

"Nicholas Brendon, best remembered as series regular Xander Harris from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, has died at the age of 54. His family revealed the news in a statement to the Hollywood Reporter, which read:

“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. In recent years Nicky has found his passion in painting and art. 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. 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. 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.”

Brendon’s film credits include Demon Island, Unholy, Psycho Beach Party, and Coherence. Beyond Buffy, he was a series regular on the short-lived Fox adaptation of Anthony Bourdain’s memoir Kitchen Confidential alongside Bradley Cooper, and had a recurring role on the series Criminal Minds."

SMG wrote on Instragram:

"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. I saw you Nicky. I know you are at peace, in that big rocking chair in the sky."

Comments

[cjlasky7]

A gut punch. For the cast members who loved him and for the fans, too. You could practically feel the heartbreak in Alyson and Emma's posts.

I'll be back later. I have to process this.

[cactuswatcher]

Can't say that it's super surprising for me. I didn't know Michele Trachtenberg's health problems, so it was a shock when she died. But things just kept going in the wrong direction for Nick. Truly, R.I.P.

[yourlibrarian]

Ditto to all this. A very long life didn't seem to be in the cards for him. I like Sarah's quote, so apt for him and one of Xander's best lines.

[jesuswasbatman]

Pity is that I'm seeing some really hateful and ugly responses from professedly sensitive and moral people on social media, out of varying degrees of hate for Xander as a character, hate for Whedon, and disgust at Brendan's crimes.

[avrelia]

I am heartbroken, but not shocked. And his co-stars' tributes while very sweet all say he is finally at peace. Which I guess implies that until now.., he was not. Which is heartbreaking in itself.