Buffy the Vampire Slayer actor Nicholas Brendon dies aged 54

Brendon died of "natural causes", his family said in a statement, remembering him as "passionate" and "sensitive".

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Brendon's family confirmed in a statement on social media that "he passed in his sleep of natural causes".

His family added: "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.

"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."

Brendon played Xander Harris in Buffy the Vampire Slayer over seven seasons between 1997 and 2003 - best friend of the titular character played by Sarah Michelle Gellar. A planned reboot of Buffy was cancelled, Gellar announced to fans on Instagram earlier this month.