Star Spotlight

Interview at Scholastic.com
May 2001

Like many of the characters on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Nicholas Brendon hasn't had the easiest time in school. When Nicholas was growing up, he had to overcome a stutter that sometimes made it difficult for him to talk to others. Nicholas is one of the best examples of someone who overcame a problem with a lot of work and determination. Now Nicholas entertains millions of Buffy fans as Xander, and has some advice on how to conquer your fears.

Q&A

Q: You had a stutter until you were in high school. When did you get rid of it and how did you do it?
A: Stuttering is something I still have to work through daily. Studying the craft [of acting] has helped me to overcome my stutter. Some of the most helpful exercises came from acting classes, [like] vocal warmups and tongue-twisters.

Q: Was it difficult growing up and having the stutter?
A: I was very shy and insecure. It wasn't until my early twenties that I truly felt comfortable speaking in public.

Q: Did people make fun of you?
A: No. Everybody was very kind and patient, teachers and students alike.

Q: What advice would you give to someone else who is dealing with a stutter?
A: [You have to have] courage and patience and don't be too hard on yourself.

Q: Are you worried that you might stutter when you're filming the show?
A: I still worry about stuttering when I'm performing. [I] try to slow down and always remember it's just a word--nobody's gonna die [if I make a mistake]. But I'm much less intimidated one on one.

Q: If you hadn't gone into acting, what do you think you would have done?
A: I can't honestly say. I had [thought about going] into medicine to help people, but I couldn't do it. I worked at a vet [office] once, and I passed out. With acting, I'm able to entertain people, and I think I'm doing just as good. I want to inspire people.

Q: Have you ever thought about getting involved with other forms of entertainment?
A: I enjoy singing. I sing for my family. I sing in the shower or in the car. I'll sing to a song and sing well. Maybe if I weren't acting, I would try to put a band together and have fun. Thank God for the public that I'm acting!

Interview by: Marie Morreale.
Compiled by: Paul Coco