Alexis Denisof

’How I Met Your Mother’: ’Buffy’s’ Danny Strong, Alexis Denisof to guest

Danny Strong is the latest "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" alum to guest star on "How I Met Your Mother," a CBS spokesperson confirmed.

On Wednesday, Alyson Hannigan, who plays Lily on "HIMYM" and was Buffy’s witchy best friend Willow, tweeted that she was working with an old "Buffy" friend. Eventually, one of Hannigan’s followers guessed correctly that it was Strong, who played nerd-turned-trio enemy Jonathan. He will play a "noogey-loving bully from Marshall’s [Jason Segel] past" in an episode airing early next year, CBS told Show Tracker.

Strong isn’t the only "Buffy" alum appearing on the show this season. "HIMYM’s" first episode back next year on Jan. 3 will feature the return of Robin’s (Cobie Smulders) former co-anchor, Sandy Rivers, played by Hannigan’s real-life husband and "Buffy" costar Alexis Denisof. In the episode, titled "Bad News," said CBS, "just when Robin thinks she has a brand new start at her dream company, Sandy Rivers shows up and throws a huge wrench in her plans."

Strong continues "HIMYM’s" tradition of employing actors from various Joss Whedon shows. In addition to Denisof, previous guest stars have included Amy Acker ("Angel," "Dollhouse"), Tom Lenk ("Buffy"), Morena Baccarin ("Firefly") and Harry Groener, the mayor who ate graduation on "Buffy," as Ted’s (Josh Radnor) stepdad. Last December, co-creator Carter Bays told Show Tracker, "We’re huge fans. Alyson [Hannigan] we became fans of from ’Buffy.’ There’s certainly a big talent pool there, and we’ve tried to mine that as much as we can.”

Readers, are you excited for the return of Sandy Rivers? Are you hoping Strong’s character also crossed paths with Lily in college? And who’s your favorite "HIMYM" guest star from the Whedonverse?