NICHOLAS BRENDON, THE actor who played Xander in the TV series ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’, has died at the age of 54. 

A post on the actor’s Instagram page on Friday said that he 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 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,” his family said in a statement. 

His co-star Alyson Hannigan was among those to pay tribute to him. 

Anthony Stewart Head, Charisma Carpenter, Nicholas Brendon, Alyson Hannigan, Sarah Michelle Gellar - the main cast of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

She posted a series of photos of the two online, with the caption: “My Sweet Nicky, thank you for years of laughter, love and Dodgers.” 

Buffy the Vampire Slayer was a worldwide hit in the years that the show ran from 1997 to 2003. 

After the show, Brendon had a recurring role on the major series Criminal Minds, and he appeared on Private Practice.

He also appeared in the films Psycho Beach Party, Big Gay Love, and Unholy. 

In his life he spoke about various health struggles he faced, including a heart attack and past struggles with addiction and mental health issues. 

Brendon also underwent spinal surgeries for cauda equina syndrome, a rare condition that can impact bladder and bowel function.