Buffy stars pay tribute to Nicholas Brendon after his death

The Buffy the Vampire Slayer fandom has endured recent losses. Series veteran Michelle Trachtenberg died from complications of diabetes in February 2025, and Nicholas Brendon unexpectedly died in his sleep after being diagnosed with a congenital heart defect in 2023.

Brendon appeared in all but one episode of Buffy and also had a key supporting role on Criminal Minds across seven seasons. Multiple co-stars paid tribute after word of his death surfaced on Mar. 20. Sarah Michelle Gellar shared a line from one of his famous Buffy monologues, reflecting that he was "at peace, in that big rocking chair in the sky." Alyson Hannigan thanked him for "years of laughter, love and Dodgers," and said she would think of him whenever she sees "a rocking chair." Emma Caulfield called her heart "heavy" and said she was "unable to put into words just how hard this has hit [her]." Charisma Carpenter posted photos and a long remembrance, calling him "cuddly, funny, silly, self-deprecating, and supremely talented" and recalling his music and warmth.

nicholas brendon, buffy, criminal minds, michelle trachtenberg, sarah gellar, alyson hannigan, emma caulfield, charisma carpenter, heart defect, tributes