Nicholas Brendon, 54, has died of natural causes according to a statement from the actor's family.
Brendon is best known for his role as Xander Harris on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, with the actor also going on to star in popular TV show Criminal Minds.
Brendon's family confirmed he had passed away in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, saying: "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."
The actor, who played Xander throughout all seven seasons as a core member of the cast, had multiple controversies and legal troubles in recent years, particularly in 2010 when he was arrested on multiple occasions.
Brendon has been open throughout this time about his struggles with depression and substance abuse, also suffering from health issues since 2021.
In 2023 he revealed that he had suffered a heart attack and also spoke in the past about having cauda equina syndrome, leading to several spinal surgeries.
Brendon appeared on Dr Phil in 2015 looking to discuss his alcoholism and wider mental health struggles, however ended up walking off the show mid-interview.
Speaking later to explain himself, the actor said he had got drunk the night before because he was stressed about the interview, also claiming he had reacted strongly to Dr Phil having harsh words for his mother with regards to Brendon opening up about how he was sexually abused as a child.
Having checked into rehab on multiple occasions, the actor was also arrested for assaulting his girlfriend in 2017.
Discussing his chequered legal history, Brendon said: "My illnesses and addictions are a daily struggle for me, and I am committed to working on them for the rest of my life. A big part of that is focusing on positivity.
"I'm the first to admit I've messed up, a lot, and I've hurt people I care about and who care about me."
Emotional fans took to social media to share their sadness at the actor's passing, with one comment on his final Instagram post saying: "Omg this is absolutely devastating. I loved his work and followed his socials. Xander Harris forever my fav character. In tears and sending so many hugs."
His death comes just a year after the passing of co-star Michelle Trachtenberg, who played Dawn in the latter seasons of the show and died in February of last year at the age of 39.
Topics: TV and Film, TV, Celebrity, US News
Michael Slavin