The actor died on Friday, March 20, in his sleep, his family has confirmed. They said in a post on his Facebook page: "We are heartbroken to share the passing of our brother and son, Nicholas Brendon. He passed in his sleep of natural causes."

"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."

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The actor was born in Los Angeles, California and was widely recognised for starring as Xander Harris on the 90s hit programme Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

He played Xander for six years and featured in all but one of the show's 144 episodes, according to Australian news outlet news.com.

Brendon also featured in Criminal Minds as Kevin Lynch between 2007 and 2014. His family, however, revealed that whilst most people recognise Nicholas for his acting career, he had discovered a passion for painting and art in recent years.

Their statement continued: "In recent years Nicky has found his passion in painting and art. 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."

Prior to his part in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Brendon featured in other well-known films and shows, including sitcoms Dave's World and Married... With Children on CBS and Fox respectively.