Sarah Michelle Gellar pays tribute to 'Buffy' costar Nicholas Brendon

Brendan Morrow, USA TODAYSun, March 22, 2026 at 5:47 PM UTC

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Sarah Michelle Gellar is sharing a touching tribute to her former "Buffy" costar Nicholas Brendon.

The "Ready or Not 2: Here I Come" star took to Instagram on March 21 to post a throwback photo with Brendon, who died on March 20 at age 54.

Gellar captioned the post with a quote from Brendon's "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" 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."

"I saw you Nicky," Gellar added. "I know you are at peace, in that big rocking chair in the sky."

Sarah Michelle Gellar attends a screening of "Ready or Not 2: Here I Come" at Cineworld Leicester Square on March 19, 2026, in London.

For seven seasons of TV's "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," Brendon played Buffy's lovable friend Xander, a member of the series' so-called "Scooby Gang" of allies to Gellar's lead heroine. The quote that Gellar posted is from a scene where Xander talks with Buffy's sister Dawn, played by Michelle Trachtenberg. Trachtenberg died last year at age 39 from diabetes complications.

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Nicholas Brendon dies at 54: The star was beloved as Xander Harris on 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer'

Brendon's character was also close with Alyson Hannigan's Willow on the show, which aired from 1997 to 2003. Hannigan shared a tribute on Instagram, writing, "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."

Brendon died in his sleep "of natural causes," according to a statement shared by his family on his official Facebook page. "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," the statement added.

1 / 0Nicholas Brendon, 'Buffy' actor who played Xander Harris, dies. See him in photos

Nicholas Brendon, best known for playing 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. Scroll to see photos of him throughout his career.Nicholas Brendon as Xander Harris stars in 20th Century Fox's "Buffy The Vampire Slayer Year 5."

Brendon had numerous health difficulties and struggled with substance abuse. In 2022, after he was hospitalized following a cardiac incident, Brendon's sister told fans he had been diagnosed with a congenital heart defect.

The actor also said in 2023 that he was recovering from "two spinal surgeries and a heart attack."

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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.

Charisma Carpenter, who played Cordelia Chase on "Buffy," honored Brendon in her own Instagram post, writing, "I will miss the version of the man I once knew − someone who was so warm and loving. He was cuddly, funny, silly, self-deprecating and supremely talented. I loved every scene we had together back in the day." Emma Caulfield, who starred as Anya on the show, also wrote, "You will be missed old friend. I know you’re at peace now."

Contributing: Bryan Alexander

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Sarah Michelle Gellar pays tribute to 'Buffy' star Nicholas Brendon

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”