March 10 (UPI) — Sarah Michelle Gellar says starring on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” was a “privilege.”
The 39-year-old actress thanked series creator Joss Whedon, her co-stars and fans in an emotional tribute on the show’s 20th anniversary Friday.
“20 years ago today, I had the greatest privilege to bring Buffy to your tv screens for the first time,” Gellar wrote to her 1.4 million Instagram followers. “While we knew the potential, I don’t think any of us saw the lasting impact our show would have.”
“As an actor, you wish for that one role where you can leave your mark and forever be remembered, with Buffy I got so much more. She’s a feminist challenge to gender hierarchy. Buffy may have been the Chosen One, but I was the lucky one,” she added.
“Thank you to Joss Whedon for trusting me to give life to one of the greatest female characters ever created,” the star said. “Thank you to all the incredible actors for seven seasons of amazing performances … And lastly, but most importantly thank you to all of you, the fans.”
“Buffy the Vampire Slayer” starred Gellar as the titular Buffy, Nicholas Brendon as Xander, Alyson Hannigan as Willow and James Marsters as Spike. The series had a seven-season run on The WB/UPN from 1997 to 2003.
“The most formidable years of my life — transition from teenager to adult — were spent filming Buffy. I learned every day from the experience and from her,” Gellar told The Hollywood Reporter in January.
“She taught me it wasn’t about being perfect; it was about trying the hardest to be the best you can be,” she added. “Buffy reminded us that being different was not only okay but really cool — and at a time when most kids are trying to desperately fit in.”
Gellar has since starred on CBS sitcom “The Crazy Ones,” and will reprise Kathryn Merteuil in NBC’s “Cruel Intentions” pilot.
