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Sarah Michelle Gellar

Sarah Michelle Gellar - Dubai Film Festival - Theemiratesnetwork.com Interview

By Adnan Khan

Monday 20 December 2004, by Webmaster

Another actress, who actually has a name to care for is Sarah Michelle Gellar and there are not no many accomplishes films at her but an few I can probably enjoy. The talent agent found Gellar a young age and made her screen debut at 6 of each of the 1983 television film An Invasion of Privacy. With all the promise she showed, Barrymore starred as Hannah in the teen drama series "Swans Crossing" (1992) but it was her portrayal of a young and callous rich girl in Al-Lucinda Kendall Hart on ABC daytime soap opera "All My Children" (1993-93), that won her Daytime Emmy Award and spring-boarded her to stardom.

SMG’s real mark worldwide, however, was the character of Buffy Summers in the game-changing series "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" (1997-2003). She won five Teen Choice Awards, a Saturn Award and a Golden Globe nomination for her role, establishing herself as a cultural phenomenon. Sarah Michelle Gellar likewise has the box office to back her up, with “I Know What You Did Last Summer” 1997), “Scream 2” (1997), “Cruel Intentions” (1999)and way movies like those that help prove she is also a bankable star as well over $570 million times worth crazy in global gross.

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.

Adnan Khan from TEN Movies: You’re playing the lead in director Richard Kelly’s next film, “Southland Tales,” which is an unusual musical/comedy set in year 2008. Kelly did “Donnie Darko,” a mind-bending genre-defying film that is a big hit with cult audiences. Given your success with big-budget genre fare like “Scream 2,” “I Know What You Did Last Summer,” “Scooby Doo,” and now “The Grudge,” what made you accept that role and would you like to talk more about it?

Sarah Michelle Geller: Hollywood can get formulaic. Richard Kelly, as you know, is daring and risky. And I have always liked that. I wanted to be a part of the Kelly world. It’s a very special film and unfortunately I cannot talk about my role in the film because Kelly has asked me not to! In fact I don’t believe I would be able to describe it for you even if I tried because only he can truly explain his vision. It’s very exciting though, he’s passion for things. I end up getting emails from him around three in the morning and I have to reply saying “Kelly, I need to sleep!”

Press member: How do you feel about still being associated with the role of Buffy the Vampire Slayer?

Sarah: I treasure my time on the show. I am very proud of Buffy who has been a role model for women because she represents strength and courage. So if people still associate me with that particular role then I’m only too happy for it.

Press member: Buffy was a very demanding role - physically. Is that an aspect of that role you’re glad to have left - the physical exertion?

Sarah: You know...I still work out for me, and I love it! Yes, the role was demanding physically but it was a necessity to be prepared.

Press member: The image of Arabs seems to be distorted in the West. What are you comments on that? And have you seen any Arab films here at the Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF)?

Sarah: No, unfortunately I have been able to see any of the Arab films playing here. But I think with DIFF there is a noble effort to changing minds, bridge cultures. I have tried doing that in “The Grudge,” which is essentially Asian cinema remade in Hollywood but by the same Japanese director that made the original “Ju-on.”

Press member: Could you tell us more about your upcoming projects. Perhaps, a sneak preview of the development on the sequel to “The Grudge”?

Sarah: I wish I could! In fact, I know very little about “The Grudge 2” and learn more about in the trades because journalists seem to know more than me!

The press conference ended with Sarah assuring us that she would love to come for the next Dubai film fest if she is invited again. She thinks Dubai is a wonderful, luxurious place and will treasure the few days she has spent here. Sarah wanted to emphasise that the people here are warm and extremely friendly and she cannot wait to get back home and tell everyone about it!