Buffy the Vampire Slayer star Nicholas Brendon is dead at age 54. "We are heartbroken to share the passing of our brother and son, Nicholas Brendon," the actor's family told Us Weekly in a Friday, March 20, statement, noting that Brendon died in his sleep of "natural causes." (The Hollywood Reporter was the first to report the news.) "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," the statement continued.