Nicholas Brendon, Xander Harris on 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer,' dies at 54

Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY Sat, March 21, 2026 at 1:56 AM UTC

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Nicholas Brendon, best known for playing lovable Xander Harris on all seven seasons of the WB TV series "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," died Friday, March 20. He was 54.

In a statement posted on Brendon's official Facebook page, his family said the actor died in his sleep.

"We are heartbroken to share the passing of our brother and son, Nicholas Brendon. He passed in his sleep of natural causes," the statement read. "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."

Nicholas Brendon as Xander Harris stars in 20th Century Fox's "Buffy The Vampire Slayer."

"Buffy" co-star Allyson Alyson Hannigan posted an Instagram tribute to her friend and fellow Dodgers fan.

"My Sweet Nicky, thank you for years of laughter, love and Dodgers," Hannigan wrote. "I love you. RIP,"

Brendon was nominated for a Saturn Award in 1998 and 1999 for best genre TV actor and in 2000 for best supporting actor during the "Buffy" run (1997-2003). He appeared in multiple episodes of "Criminal Minds" as Kevin Lynch, an FBI technical analyst and love interest to Penelope Garcia, played by Kirsten Vangsness.

But much of the actor's post "Buffy" career was characterized by health difficulties, substance abuse, stints in rehab and high profile arrests. In October 2014, Brendon was arrested in Boise, Idaho after witnesses called police to report a disturbance involving hotel employees. Four months later, in February 2015, Brendon was arrested again Fort Lauderdale, Fla., after he caused extensive damage to a hotel room.

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"Country Joe" McDonald, who became a Woodstock festival legend and fronted the band Country Joe and the Fish, has died at age 84.

The singer, born Joseph Allen McDonald, died March 7, in Berkeley, California, from complications from Parkinson's disease, according to a statement from the band that was shared on Facebook. McDonald served as the lead singer and co-founder of the 1960s psychedelic folk-rock group Country Joe and the Fish, and he wrote the group's most enduring songs, including the protest song against U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War, titled "I-Feel-Like-I'm-Fixin'-to-Die Rag." That track became a battle cry and was immortalized, along with an infamous f-word cheer during his 1969 Woodstock performance.

In August 2015, Brendon was supposed to appear on “The Dr. Phil Show" to discuss multiple recent arrests and alcoholism. However, the actor took off his mic and walked off the show during the interview. Brendon explained on his Facebook page later that he had consumed alcohol before the interview and had felt unprepared to "lay (out) the darkest parts of myself on national TV."

Brendon returned to appear on the show in November, 2015.

In the statement, the family emphasized the many aspects of Brendon's life outside of his Hollywood career and public image.

"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 read.

The family said Brendon was a passionate, sensitive and "endlessly driven" man who loved to share his talent and artistic creations with his family.

"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," the statement continued.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' star Nicholas Brendon dies at 54

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