Sarah Michelle Gellar Opens Up About Her 23-Year Marriage to Freddie Prinze Jr.: ‘I Always Say I’m Two People’ (Exclusive)

**Sarah Michelle Gellar Reflects on 23-Year Marriage to Freddie Prinze Jr. and Secrets of Lasting Love**

In an enlightening interview with *People* magazine, actress Sarah Michelle Gellar has shared her insights into her successful marriage to fellow actor Freddie Prinze Jr., which has spanned over 23 years. Gellar, best known for her roles in *Buffy the Vampire Slayer* and *I Know What You Did Last Summer*, spoke candidly about the dynamics of her long-term relationship and the principles that have allowed it to flourish.

Gellar and Prinze first crossed paths in 1997 on the set of *I Know What You Did Last Summer*. Their connection blossomed into a romantic partnership, culminating in their wedding in September 2002. As they continue to navigate the complexities of family life, Gellar humorously remarked in the interview, “Our running joke is that every year we have to look up when our anniversary is. Thankfully, People.com always reminds us!”

The actress, now 48, indicated that she often feels like two distinct individuals: “I’m Sarah Michelle Gellar and I’m Sarah Prinze,” she explained. She attributes a significant part of their enduring relationship to the conscious effort both partners invest in maintaining a protected home life. Gellar noted, “I always say I have a quieter life and a private life. They are different people.” This prioritisation of privacy, she suggested, has fostered mutual respect among fans and allowed them to cherish their time away from the spotlight.

Gellar and Prinze are parents to two children: Charlotte, 16, and Rocky, 13. When asked about the key to her enduring relationship, Gellar humorously claimed, “One bedroom, two bathrooms.” She elaborated that while lavish comforts aren’t necessary, having access to additional bathroom facilities can significantly reduce daily tensions within a household.

In a parallel reflection, Freddie Prinze Jr. expressed similar sentiments during a recent interview with *Variety*. He stated, “I’m not perfect. She’s not perfect. We piss each other off, but we respect one another.” Their friendship, which developed prior to their romantic involvement, is something that Prinze believes contributes to the health of their relationship.

Gellar echoed this sentiment, asserting the importance of hard work in sustaining long-term relationships. She observed, “You have to be willing to work. That goes for relationships, friendships, anything. You have to put the work in.” In a world increasingly driven by disposability, she lamented a reluctance among people to invest necessary effort into their relationships, asserting that in her youth, broken items were often repaired rather than replaced.

Reflecting on contemporary societal tendencies, Gellar suggested that the ease with which one can ‘dispose’ of problems leads to a lack of diligence in relationships. “You have to carve out the time,” she added, emphasising the importance of nurturing connections with concerted effort and time.

Despite a recent setback concerning the cancellation of a *Buffy* reboot project with Searchlight Pictures and director Chloé Zhao, Gellar is not lacking for opportunities. Looking ahead to 2026, she is set to showcase her talent as a judge on Netflix’s *Star Search* and will take on a prominent role in the horror-comedy sequel *Ready or Not 2: Here I Come*.

As the actress wraps up her thoughts for the interview, she expressed contentment with where she is in her life. “This is the best time of my life,” she declared, explaining that she is intentionally taking the time to enjoy every moment. Emphasising the necessity of being present, she advised, “You have to put the phone down.”

*Ready or Not 2: Here I Come* is scheduled for release in theatres on 20 March. With Gellar’s commitment to her family, her profession, and her enduring marriage, she exemplifies the power of dedication and mutual respect in maintaining love through the years.