'Buffy' Star Nicholas Brendon Dead at 54

"Buffy the Vampire Slayer" star Nicholas Brendon has died.

Per a family statement to The Hollywood Reporter ... "We are heartbroken to share the passing of our brother and son, Nicholas Brendon. He passed in his sleep of natural causes. Most people know Nicky for his work as an actor and for the characters he brought to life over the years."

The statement continues ... "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. While it’s no secret that Nicholas had struggles in the past, he was on medications and treatment to manage his diagnosis and he was optimistic about the future at the time of his passing. 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. Thank you to everyone who has shown love and support.”

Brendon has had a long history of legal troubles. As TMZ first reported, the actor was charged with domestic violence in 2017 after drunkenly attacking his girlfriend. His rep had no comment at the time.

Brendon was a series regular on 'Buffy' opposite Sarah Michelle Gellar ... he played fan-favorite Xander Harris during the series' seven seasons.

The reboot of 'Buffy' was recently scrapped over at Hulu. It's unclear if Nicholas would have been part of the reboot.

He was 54.