Sarah Michelle Gellar, widely known for her iconic role as Buffy in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” recently revealed in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE that she was initially unaware of the show’s immense popularity. Despite the show premiering in March 1997, Gellar, who was then just 48 years old, confessed that she only became aware of the show’s impact months after its debut.
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Shortly after the premiere, Gellar left town to film the horror movie “I Know What You Did Last Summer” in North Carolina where the WB network wasn’t available. This resulted in her being oblivious to the show’s success. It wasn’t until she started filming “Scream 2” and fans began recognizing her on set that she realised the immense popularity of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.”
Reflecting on her realisation, Gellar shared that she even reached out to her co-star Alyson Hannigan to confirm if people were genuinely watching the supernatural series. Hannigan, known for her role as Willow on the show, also recounted a similar experience where she attended a fan convention and was taken aback by the overwhelming response to the Buffy panel. The event had to be relocated to a larger room due to the high turnout, leaving Hannigan surprised at the show’s massive following.
Having filmed the entire first season in isolation before its premiere without the influence of social media, Hannigan mentioned that the show’s popularity grew gradually, eventually becoming more prominent over time. She expressed her astonishment at how the show continues to resonate with audiences today. Gellar, in agreement, acknowledged the show’s enduring popularity, acknowledging the role of the dedicated fan base in keeping the legacy alive.
“Buffy the Vampire Slayer” ran for seven successful seasons from 1997 to 2003, initially airing on WB before moving to UPN. The show’s ensemble cast, including Nicholas Brendon, Anthony Stewart Head, Charisma Carpenter, Seth Green, Michelle Trachtenberg, and James Marsters, contributed to its cult status. Moreover, David Boreanaz, who portrayed the vampire Angel, even led a spin-off titled “Angel,” which ran from 1999 to 2004, further expanding the show’s universe.
The show’s legacy was further bolstered by syndication and streaming platforms, gaining a new generation of fans. Moreover, “Buffy” was one of the first shows to cultivate a significant Internet fandom, with a dedicated message board where fans could engage directly with the actors. Hannigan recalled her memorable interactions with fans on the platform, underscoring the pivotal role of fan support in the show’s continued popularity.
As Gellar prepares to reprise her role in an upcoming Buffy series on Hulu, she and Hannigan have partnered with GSK for the Ask2BSure campaign. The initiative aims to raise awareness about the importance of parent-teen relationships and initiate conversations about meningitis and vaccination. Highlighting the severity of meningococcal disease, Hannigan stressed the significance of timely medical intervention in combating the infection.
In conclusion, Sarah Michelle Gellar’s revelation about discovering the monumental success of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” through interactions with fans underscores the enduring impact of the beloved series. As the show continues to captivate audiences worldwide, Gellar and Hannigan’s advocacy for health awareness reflects their commitment to leveraging their platform for meaningful causes.