Sarah Michelle Gellar has this iconic ‘Buffy’ prop
Sarah Michelle Gellar recalls the moment Chloé Zhao gave her a replica prop on the final day of filming Buffy the Vampire Slayer: A New Sunnydale.
Sarah Michelle Gellar has written a touching tribute to her former Buffy co-star Nicholas Brendon.
The “Ready or Not 2: Here I Come” star took to Instagram on March 21 to post a throwback photo of her and Brendon, who passed away on March 20 at the age of 54.
Geller captioned the post with a quote from Brendon’s Buffy the Vampire Slayer character, Xander Harris: “They’ll never know how hard it is to be the unchosen one. Living close to the spotlight, never stepping into it. But I do know that no one’s looking at me, so I see a lot more than anyone realizes.”
“I met Nicky,” Geller added. “I know you are at peace in your big rocking chair in the sky.”
Brendon played Buffy’s beloved friend Xander for seven seasons on the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Xander was a member of the series’ so-called “Scooby Gang” and an ally of Geller’s lead heroine. The quote posted by Geller is from a scene in which Xander talks to Buffy’s sister Dawn, played by Michelle Trachtenberg. Trachtenberg died last year at the age of 39 due to complications from diabetes.
Brendon’s character was also good friends with Willow, played by Alyson Hannigan, on the show, which aired from 1997 to 2003. Hannigan posted a tribute on Instagram: “Dear Nicky, thank you for all the years of laughter, love, and Dodgers. Every time I look at that rocking chair, I think of you. I love you. Rest in peace.”
Brendon died in his sleep “of natural causes,” according to a statement shared by his family on his official Facebook page. “Our family asks that our privacy be respected at this time as we grieve his death and celebrate the life of a man who lived with strength, imagination and heart,” the statement added.
Brendon had numerous health issues and struggled with substance abuse. In 2022, after being hospitalized for a heart attack, Brendon’s sister told fans that Brendon was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect.
The actor also said in 2023 that he was recovering from “two spinal surgeries and one heart attack.”
Charisma Carpenter, who played Cordelia Chase on Buffy, praised Brendon in an Instagram post, writing, “I miss the version of him I once knew. He was so warm and loving. He was sweet, funny, silly, self-deprecating, and super talented. I loved every scene we had together back then.” Emma Caulfield, who played Anya on the show, also wrote: “Old friend, you will be missed. I know you are at peace now.”
Contributor: Brian Alexander
