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Sarah Michelle Gellar

Sarah Michelle Gellar : Five Things to Know

Friday 5 August 2011, 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.

The actress returns to TV this fall on the CW’s ’Ringer.’

Sarah Michelle Gellar will make her triumphant return to the television spotlight this fall on the CW’s new series Ringer, in which she’ll play identical twins with different — and dangerous — agendas.

Here are 5 facts you should know about the New York City-born actress who started acting at the age of 6.

1) She’s been off of the small screen for nearly a decade. The star’s fame-making role as Buffy in the WB’s Buffy the Vampire Slayer ended in 2003 after seven seasons. And aside from lending her voice to the Adult Swim cartoon, Robot Chicken, Gellar has stayed away from the tube ever since.

2) Gellar married a co-star. The actress met her hubby, Freddie Prinze Jr. on the set of their 1997 teen slasher filck, I Know What You Did Last Summer, but didn’t start dating until 2000. They also later co-starred in two live-action Scooby-Doo films. The duo were married on September 1, 2002 in Jalisco, Mexico. And while she still goes by Gellar professionally, the actress did legally change her last name to Prinze.

3) Her return to TV was influenced by being a mom. Gellar, who has a 20-month-old daughter, Charlotte Grace Prinze, with Prinze Jr.,said she wanted to be on a TV show again because of the flexible schedule. Instead of traveling to movie sets, the actress wants to be able to be around for her daughter’s milestones. "And nothing offers that more than television," she explained.

4) The actress got her start on a soap opera. Gellar played Erica Kane’s daughter, Kendall Hart Lang, on All My Children from 1993-95. And, she’ll return to the soap in it’s final season, but not to reprise her former role. "I don’t want to be Kendall, that’s Alicia’s role," she said, referring to actress Alicia Minshew who currently plays Lang. "I have no idea what I’m going to be doing.

5) She is an Emmy winner. The actress was just 18 when she won a Daytime Emmy in the ’outstanding younger actress in a drama’ category for playing Kendall Hart in 1995. "Ok what’s my name," Gellar exclaimed at the start of her acceptance speech.