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Sarah Michelle Gellar

Sarah Michelle Gellar - "Crazy Ones" Tv Series - Studiosystemnews.com Script Review

Wednesday 10 April 2013, by Webmaster

Sarah Michelle Gellar, a name synonymous with versatility and enduring appeal, began her illustrious career in the entertainment industry as a child. Discovered by a talent agent at a young age, Gellar’s screen debut came at the tender age of six with the television film "An Invasion of Privacy" in 1983. Her early promise led to a leading role in the teen drama series "Swans Crossing" in 1992, but it was her portrayal of Kendall Hart on the ABC soap opera "All My Children" (1993-1995) that earned her a Daytime Emmy Award and catapulted her into the limelight.

SMG’s true claim to international fame, however, was her iconic role as Buffy Summers in the groundbreaking series "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" (1997-2003). Her performance not only garnered her five Teen Choice Awards, a Saturn Award, and a Golden Globe nomination, but it also cemented her status as a cultural icon. Sarah Michelle Gellar’s filmography is equally impressive, with box office hits like "I Know What You Did Last Summer" (1997), "Scream 2" (1997), "Cruel Intentions" (1999), "Scooby-Doo" (2002), and "The Grudge" (2004) collectively grossing over $570 million globally.

Beyond her cinematic successes, Gellar has made her mark on television, headlining shows such as "Ringer" (2011-2012), "The Crazy Ones" (2013-2014), and "Wolf Pack" (2023). She has also lent her voice to popular series including "Robot Chicken" (2005-2018), "Star Wars Rebels" (2015-2016), and "Masters of the Universe: Revelation" (2021).

In 2015, Gellar ventured into the entrepreneurial world by co-founding Foodstirs, an e-commerce baking company, and published her own cookbook, "Stirring Up Fun with Food," in 2017. Gellar is also known for her close-knit family life, married to actor Freddie Prinze Jr. since 2002, with whom she shares two children.

Sarah Michelle Gellar’s commitment to her craft is matched by her dedication to personal growth and unique experiences. An accomplished martial artist, she studied Tae Kwon Do for five years, alongside kickboxing, boxing, street fighting, and gymnastics. Her dedication to authenticity in her roles is evident, such as her commitment to doing her own stunts in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," though she admitted her limits during filming "Scream 2."

Her career is also marked by interesting anecdotes, such as her role in a 1982 Burger King commercial, which led to a lawsuit from McDonald’s and a temporary ban from their establishments. Notably, she dyed her naturally brunette hair blonde for her role in "Buffy," and legally changed her last name to Prinze as a surprise for her husband on their fifth anniversary.

Sarah Michelle Gellar’s legacy extends beyond her on-screen roles, encompassing her work in philanthropy and her reputation for safety and professionalism on set. She remains a beloved figure in Hollywood, admired for her talent, dedication, and the breadth of her contributions to film and television.

Crazy Ones – CBS - Writer: David E. Kelley - Director: Jason Winer

Cast: Robin Williams, Sarah Michelle Gellar, James Wolk, Hamish Linklater, Amanda Setton Format: Single-camera half-hour comedy

SYNOPSIS: A renowned, brilliant but eccentic advertising executive, Simon Roberts, runs an agency with his daughter, Sydney, on board as creative executive. Simon fears his passion for advertising is beginning to dwindle. He worries that all of his best ideas are behind him. And, though her legendary father has always loomed large in her life, Sydney suspects that he may be losing his mind.

sarah-michelle-gellar-at-69th-annual-golden-globe-awardsCOMMENTS: Imagine if Mad Men’s Don Draper existed in the present day. He’s still an advertising genius, using profound presentations to make last-minutes campaign saves, but now he’s maybe a little crazy. Picture that and you have Simon Roberts (Robin Williams). David E. Kelley doing half-hour + Robin Williams returning to TV after 30 years is either a recipe for disaster or completely inspired. The addition of Sarah Michelle Gellar as the grounded center pushes it towards the latter, but this is still a crapshoot whose success hinges on execution. The casting of Hamish Linklater as the “neurotic and nebbishy” Andrew and James Wolk as the “cool-as-George-Clooney-only-better-looking” Zach are spot-on. Gellar is the right choice to play the daughter, and the writing definitely plays to her strengths. But the success of this pilot rides on Williams.

What works best in the pilot is the father-daughter relationship. Theirs is a strong bond, and it holds the piece together. The pilot mostly strikes that right balance of moving and sentimental, without getting too schmaltzy, as in this late exchange between Simon and Sydney:

Sydney: Have your dreams in life come true, Dad? Suppose you ran into a long-lost friend from college, you want to impress him or her with your legacy, what would you say?

Simon: I’d say I get to wake up every morning and go to work with my daughter. How many men get that?

Robin WilliamsThere was probably an impulse on Kelley’s part to go big and broad, especially with a larger-than-life actor like Williams, but the writer shows considerable restraint, saving the showier moments for Williams and making them dramatically organic. That said, he might’ve been too restrained, and the show could do with a little more humor. As written, there aren’t any laugh-out-loud moments, though Wolk’s Zach has the potential to become a breakout character and a source of comic relief. Finally, there is something dated about this pilot; the concept and dialogue feel recycled. Still, this pilot could be a perfect fit in the Thursday night 8 p.m. block alongside The Big Bang Theory.