Sarah Michelle Gellar pays tribute to the life of Nicholas Brendon, her former co-star from "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." In a heartfelt Instagram post on March 21st, she shared a quote from Nicholas' character Xander Harris, "They'll never know how tough it is to be the one who isn't chosen," and added, "'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.'"
She continued, "I saw you Nicky," accompanied by a throwback photo of the two. "I know you are at peace, in that big rocking chair in the sky."
Sarah's emotional tribute came a day after Nicholas' family confirmed his death. "He passed in his sleep of natural causes," they said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. "Most people know Nicky for his work as an actor and for the characters he brought to life over the years."
The family shared that Nicholas was "on medications and treatment to manage his diagnosis," including his struggles with cauda equina syndrome (CES), a congenital heart defect caused by nerve damage at the base of the spinal cord. However, he was "optimistic about the future at the time of his passing."
In recent years, Nicholas found his passion in painting and art. His family shared, "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."
Their statement concluded, "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."
Indeed, following his death, more of Nicholas' "Buffy" castmates took time to express their condolences. Alyson Hannigan wrote on Instagram, "My Sweet Nicky, thank you for years of laughter, love, and Dodgers. I will think of you every time I see a rocking chair. I love you. RIP." Meanwhile, Emma Caulfield, who portrayed Xander's love interest Anya Jenkins, wrote in a since-deleted Instagram post, "Rest Nicky. Rest. I love you." She also shared on Instagram Stories, "My heart is heavy. I can't put into words just how this has hit me."
