Sarah Michelle Gellar shared a touching tribute to her Buffy the Vampire Slayer co-star Nicholas Brendon, posting an emotional message just a day after he died at 54.
On Saturday, Mar. 21, the actress posted a tribute to the late star on Instagram — one day after his family announced he had died. She quoted Brendon’s fantasy series line, in which he played the character Xander Harris.
“‘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.'”
Sarah Michelle Gellar added a throwback photo of Brendon with his arm draped around her shoulders and wrote:
“I saw you Nicky. I know you are at peace, in that big rocking chair in the sky.”
Nicholas Brendon’s death confirmed by family
Nicholas Brendon’s family confirmed he died on Friday from natural causes, sharing their grief in a statement through The Hollywood Reporter:
“We are heartbroken to share the passing of our brother and son, Nicholas Brendon. He passed in his sleep of natural causes.”
The family went on, sharing about Nicholas Brendon’s passion for acting and art.
“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.”
Before wrapping up, they spoke candidly about Nicholas Brendon’s past struggles. For context, the late actor had struggled with substance abuse, alcoholism, and mental health issues in the past that prompted him to enter rehabilitation centers.
Despite his rough past, the family said Nicholas Brendon was sticking to his treatment plan and looking at life with optimism.
“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.”
Brendon starred in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, alongside Sarah Michelle Gellar, Alyson Hannigan, David Boreanaz, James Marsters, and more.
He also had a role in Psycho Beach Party in 2000, and later appeared in the thriller Coherence in 2013.
One of his final projects was the romantic film Yesterday Is Almost Here, which is currently being edited and prepared for release.
Edited by Gladys Altamarino