Sarah Michelle Gellar Reflects on Nicholas Brendon’s Passing

Sarah Michelle Gellar is grieving the passing of her former Buffy co-star, Nicholas Brendon.

“‘They’ll never know how difficult it is to be the one who isn’t chosen. To be so close to the spotlight, yet never step into it. But I know. I see more than anyone realizes, because no one is watching me,’” Gellar, 48, posted on Instagram on Saturday, March 21, quoting one of Brendon’s lines as Xander Harris. “I saw you, Nicky. I know you’re at peace, in that big rocking chair in the sky.”

Brendon’s death was confirmed through a statement from the actor’s family to Us Weekly just hours earlier on Friday, March 20. He was 54.

“We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our brother and son, Nicholas Brendon,” the family said in the statement, adding that he died peacefully in his sleep from “natural causes.”

“Most people recognize Nicky for his acting and the characters he portrayed over the years. Recently, Nicky discovered his passion for painting and art,” the statement continued. “Nicky loved sharing his enthusiastic talent with 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 acknowledged that the actor “had struggles in the past,” which were “well-known.” However, they added that Brendon was “on medications and treatment to manage his diagnosis” and remained “optimistic about the future” before his passing.

“Our family requests privacy during this time as we mourn 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 disclosed that he had experienced a heart attack and was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect, as well as cauda equina syndrome. He had undergone multiple spinal surgeries prior to his passing.

Brendon played Xander Harris on Buffy for seven seasons, starring alongside Gellar, Alyson Hannigan, David Boreanaz, Anthony Head, and others.

Hannigan, who played Xander’s best friend Willow Rosenberg in Buffy, was among those who paid tribute to the actor.

“My Sweet Nicky, thank you for years of laughter, love, and Dodgers,” Hannigan, 51, wrote on Instagram on Friday. “I will think of you every time I see a rocking chair. I love you. RIP.”