Stuttering Didn't Keep Him Off TV

Stuttering Foundation of America Newsletter
Summer 2001

Actor Nicholas Brendon Chairs National Stuttering Awareness Week, May 14-20

Nicholas Brendon has won fans of all ages portraying Xander in the popular TV series, Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

But what most of his admirers don't know is that Nick has successfully dealt with a challenge that could have derailed his career.

Most actors must learn to overcome stage fright or face the possibility of never performing before an audience again. However, stage fright was not the challenge that confronted Nick--stuttering was.

Because he is such an admirable role model for young people who stutter, the nonprofit Stuttering Foundation of America is pleased to announce that Nicholas Brendon has agreed to be the 2001 Honorary Chair for National Stuttering Awareness Week, May 14-20.

Nick remembers that his stuttering developed when he was about seven years old. When his struggles to communicate persisted, Nick's parents sought help from a speech-language pathologist. The therapist taught Nick helpful strategies. "Every day, I have to remind myself to slow down and concentrate," Nick explained. He also learned special exercises, which he practices to this day. Over time, he has discovered that his best strategy is "patience, patience, patience." Pursuing an acting career "has been instrumental in overcoming my stutter," Brendon noted.

While he still has concerns about stuttering when he performs, Nick's perseverance and determination have helped him make his mark in Hollywood. Buffy the Vampire Slayer is now in its fifth season, and Nick's increasing popularity has allowed him to branch out into feature films and stage work. He has also made guest appearances at science fiction conventions all over the country.

"Congress authorized National Stuttering Awareness Week because stuttering has a tremendous impact on a wide cross-section of Americans," said Jane Fraser, president of the Stuttering Foundation. "Most people don't realize that stuttering affects three million people nationwide, without any regard for race, ethnicity or economic status.

"We want to make them aware of the fact that speech therapy can help them make progress at any age, as it did for Nick," Fraser added.

"As I worked on my speech, I realized that no one was going to die because I was stuttering," Nick said. "I want people who stutter to know that if they work hard, as I still do, they too can improve their speech." He now speaks in public without debilitating fear or embarrassment.

For a copy of the National Stuttering Awareness Week brochure that features 15 famous people who stutter, including Nick Brendon, call the Stuttering Foundation toll-free at (800) 992-9392, or visit us at www.stutteringhelp.org