‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’, the iconic 90s-00s hit that made Sarah Michelle Geller a household name- and inspired countless women to get up and kick-a$$- is celebrating its 25th anniversary this March.
It can be hard to believe it has been a quarter of a century since we met librarian/watcher, Rupert Giles (Anthony Stewart Head), OG Scoobies Willow Rosenberg (Alyson Hannigan) and Xander Harris (Nicholas Brendon), their frenemy Cordelia Chase (Charisma Carpenter), the hottest cold-blooded vamp to date, Angel (David Boreanaz) and nuBuffy (Geller) herself.
However, Geller has reminded us it is true with an Instagram tribute to her former alter ego writing:
As Geller wrote, it wasn’t exactly an easy start for what is now considered to be one of the most successful television series of all time.
‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’: Star Sarah Michelle Gellar Celebrates the Iconic Show’s 25th Anniversary
The 1992 movie, on which the series is based, starred Kristy Swanson, Luke Perry and Donald Sutherland and was considered a cult classic at best, intriguing a niche audience only.
Geller has always been outspoken about thanking the fans of the series which attracted audiences in droves season by season until a spin-off; Angel was spawned. So successful was the series that comic books and graphic novels continued on the Sunnydale series after it wrapped its seventh and final season and even universities were compelled to add “Buffy Studies” to their syllabus. The course provided an in depth literary analysis of characters, themes and storytelling on the show where a once shallow cheerleader is chosen by destiny to slay vampires and fight an array of evil forces.
Though the show has not been on the air since May 20, 2003 (other than re-runs in syndication or on streaming services), ‘Buffy’ has been in the headlines a couple of times lately. The first was when it was announced (to mixed reactions) that a reboot was in pre-production. Amber Benson, who played Willow’s love interest, Tara Maclay had mentioned in an interview that the reboot would see a woman of color taking on the titular role.
The reboot has stalled, though no cancellation has been announced, due to the second reason Buffy has made headlines lately; series creator, Joss Whedon’s alleged on set misconduct.
Called out by actors, actresses, production staff and writers for his toxicity, one of the most outspoken cast members to detail Whedon’s behavior was Charisma Carpenter who worked on both Buffy and Angel.
Originally auditioning for Buffy (and Geller, now so synonymous with the role of Buffy, auditioned for Cordelia) Carpenter played the perfect queen bee Cordy with an character arc worthy of an entire term of university study!
Carpenter has continued to work in smaller roles (Greek, Veronica Mars, The Lying Game etc.) since her toxic time on Buffy, while Whedon seemed untouchable, creating, writing and directing further series like Firefly and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. as well as huge block busters like The Avengers and Justice League. With his recent fall from grace, it will be interesting to see if Carpenter’s career continues to grow while Whedon’s now stalls.
Alyson Hannigan has also seen her career soar since playing bookish Willow, whose own character arc turned her into an extremely powerful witch with a penchant for the ladies.
Another actress synonymous with her character, it’s interesting to note that Hannigan was not the original Willow. Portrayed in the unaired pilot by Riff Reagan, when the show was picked up by the CW (the new network Geller referenced), casting director, Marcia Shulman, admitted, “we always felt that we were going to start again and look for another Willow.“
Hannigan’s biggest role after Buffy was as Lily Aldridge in the very popular How I Met Your Mother.
Another actor to go onto a further successful series (or two) was David Boreanaz. Cast in the role of the tortured (but handsome) vampire with a soul who won the heart of Buffy (and fans) after been spotted just looking hot while walking his dog, Boreanaz went on to play Seeley Booth in Bones after Angel wrapped in 2004 then Jason Hayes in SEAL team.
Anthony Stewart Head always has and always will be employable. Star of the small and big screen along with the stage, Head has been a BIG DEAL in the U.K. since the late 70’s. Recently he has been seen on Ted Lasso as Rupert (typecast much?) Mannion.
Nicholas Brendan hasn’t fared so well. While he did have a role on Private Practice and Criminal Minds, he is best known for his appearances on Dr. Phil in 2015 where he beseeched the doc for help with his struggle with alcoholism and depression.
Fun fact: Brendon’s twin brother, Kelly Donovan appeared on Buffy, also as Xander, twice. The first time he appeared as one half of Xander when he was split into two parts. The second time he was filling in for his little (by three minutes) bro who was sick with pneumonia.
So, what happened to Buffy herself? You may not see much of Geller anymore, but you just may hear her. Geller has turned more to voice work as it leaves her with more time to spend with her family, husband Freddie Prinze Junior and their children, Charlotte and Rocky.
As evident by her 25th anniversary post, Geller is still (rightfully) proud of her part in the pop culture phenomenon that is a feminism powerhouse- if you can forget Whedon’s behavior.
Gellar cannot as she, too has come out in support for her former boss’ accusers. Publicly she claimed that while she was proud to have her “name associated with Buffy Summers” she did not want to be “forever associated with Joss Whedon.”
25 years on, Geller will always, always, always be our Buffy (sorry Kristy Swanson).
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