Buffy The Vampire Slayer

Buffy the Vampire Slayer may have ended nearly a decade ago, but just pick up your remote and you’ll still see many of the show’s familiar faces on-screen today. With star Sarah Michelle Gellar marking her return to series television with the upcoming CW thriller Ringer, we decided to take a look back at Buffy’s notable players, then and now.

Buffy Summers (Sarah Michelle Gellar)

Then: As the title character in the television adaption, Buffy moves to Sunnydale in the pilot for a fresh start. But her duties as the slayer follow her there as she surrounds herself with a team of friends known as the Scooby Gang to help her save the world from vampires and other supernatural big bads.

Now: After taking a break from television, she continued her film career with the Scooby-Doo and Grudge movies, got married and had a baby. Gellar is now back in an equally power-packed role on The CW’s Ringer, playing estranged twins Bridget and Siobhan in the noir thriller.

Willow Rosenberg (Alyson Hannigan)

Then: Hannigan played Buffy’s nerdy best friend who later came into her own as a powerful Wiccan and later a lesbian.

Now: Aside from playing ex-band camper Michelle in the American Pie series, Hannigan currently plays Lily on the CBS hit comedy How I Met Your Mother, now in its seventh season.

Xander Harris (Nicholas Brendon)

Then: As Buffy’s geeky and comedic sidekick, Xander first dated Cordelia, before moving on to Anya. He was also the only Scooby without supernatural powers.

Now: Brendon has appeared on many shows, including a recurring role as an analyst on Criminal Minds and most recently Charlotte’s rapist on Private Practice.

Rupert Gillies (Anthony Stewart Head)

Then: As Buffy’s Watcher, Giles both trained her and fought by her side.

Now: The English actor went on to appear in many shows in the U.K. including Merlin. He next appears as a smarmy boss on NBC’s fall comedy Free Agents.

Cordelia Chase (Charisma Carpenter)

Then: Cordelia Chase was Sunnydale’s resident mean girl who eventually joined the Scooby gang. She later moved to Los Angeles for the Angel spin-off.

Now: She recurred on Veronica Mars as well as ABC Family’s Greek. She reunites with Buffy alum James Marsters this fall on The CW’s Supernatural.

Angel (David Boreanaz)

Then: After joining the show in Season 2 as one of the world’s most powerful vampires, Angel embarked on a complicated love affair with Buffy. He eventually moved to Los Angeles where he became the titular character in the spin-off.

Now: The 42-year-old stars as FBI Special Agent Seeley Booth on the Fox’s hit forensics show Bones.

Oz (Seth Green)

Then: He was Willow’s first, and only, boyfriend who later discovered he’s a werewolf.

Now: Green has appeared in tons of movies, including Austin Powers in Goldmember, and TV shows, and now voices and directs the sketch comedy show Robot Chicken on Cartoon Network. He’s also the voice of Chris Griffin on Fox’s Family Guy.

Spike (James Marsters)

Then: The vampire was known for his spiky blonde hair and various roles from villain to love interest. He died a hero in the series finale and was resurrected for the show Angel.

Now: The actor/musician recently appeared on Caprica and Hawaii 5-0. He’ll also stop by The CW to play Charisma Carpenters husband on an episode of Supernatural.

Anya (Emma Caulfield)

Then: Prior to her time in Sunnydale, Anya was a vengeance demon helping women who were scorned. By the time she hits town though, she had become human again. She and Xander dated and were engaged until he called it off on their wedding day.

Now: The Beverly Hills, 90210 alum went on to recur in the CW’s defunct Life Unexpected.

Dawn Summers (Michelle Trachtenberg)

Then: Dawn was sent to be Buffy’s little sister, but is of mystical origins disguised as a human to hide the Key. She later joins the Scooby Gang.

Now: She starred in the short-lived Mercy, but is best known for her role as Georgina Sparks, the manipulative antagonist on Gossip Girl.

Tara Maclay (Amber Benson)

Then: Tara began as one of Willow’s friends in college, but soon the two became involved romantically.

Now: She’s guest-starred on Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice and Supernatural, and has also co-written several books.