US actor Nicholas Brendon, best known for his role in the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer, has died at the age of 54, his family confirmed.
In a statement shared on social media, his family said he passed away in his sleep from natural causes.
Brendon gained widespread recognition for portraying Xander Harris, a central character in the series that aired from 1997 to 2003.
Tributes poured in following his death, including from co-star Sarah Michelle Gellar, who honoured him with a message referencing the show.
Throughout his career, Brendon also appeared in several television series, including Criminal Minds, Private Practice and Kitchen Confidential, as well as films such as Psycho Beach Party and Big Gay Love.
He had been open about his personal struggles, including health issues and addiction, and had advocated for awareness around stuttering.
His family said he had been undergoing treatment and remained hopeful about the future prior to his death.
With inputs from BBC