Nicholas Brendon Schultz was born on April 12, 1971 in Los Angeles, California. He originally aspired to become a baseball player but he was injured, thus abandoning any plans to participate in strenuous activities. The first time he started acting, he gave up and did some other jobs instead, including plumber's assistant, veterinary janitor, day care counselor, waiter, and a production assistant. After these jobs, he gave acting another try and landed a role of Xander in Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Xander Harris is played by Nicholas Brendon on the show Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Xander is a son of neglecting parents, growing up detached from them. As Buffy's friend however, he is very loyal, courageous, and has a high degree of emotional intelligence. Xander has a big crush on Buffy, however the feeling is not reciprocated. Later on he begins a turbulent and ambiguous relationship with Cordelia Chase. Xander represents the importance of everyday normal people who struggle against evil to make a difference. He had proven that even an average, normal person can make a difference and save the world. He is not gifted with any supernatural powers, though he is good at battling alongside Buffy against the demons and vampires that come their way. His most useful assets appear to be his persuasion and empathy.
(Photo courtesy of WB)