It’s been over two decades since Sarah Michelle Gellar first picked up Mr. Pointy and took on her iconic role as Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Back in 1997, she stepped into the world of demon-slaying as the lead character in Joss Whedon's groundbreaking series, Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The show quickly captured the hearts of millions, running for seven seasons and becoming a cultural phenomenon. Even after its final episode aired in 2003, the series has remained beloved through reruns and streaming platforms. On March 10, Sarah took to Instagram to reflect on the incredible journey that began with this unforgettable character.

“Clearly March is a huge month in my life. Exactly 22 years ago today, the show that completely transformed my career and my life premiered on a relatively unknown network called the WB,” the now 41-year-old actress wrote. “I want to thank everyone who took a chance on me and this show back then. And to all the fans—whether you’ve been with us from the very beginning or you're just discovering it now—thank you for keeping this show and this character alive and relevant. I’m endlessly grateful to have been your Chosen One. (Even though I was originally supposed to play Cordelia, ha!)”

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Clearly March is a huge month in my life. Exactly 22 years ago today, the show that completely transformed my career and my life premiered on a relatively unknown network called the WB. I want to thank everyone who took a chance on me and this show back then. And to all the fans—whether you’ve been with us from the very beginning or you're just discovering it now—thank you for keeping this show and this character alive and relevant. I’m endlessly grateful to have been your Chosen One. (Even though I was originally supposed to play Cordelia, ha!)
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A post shared by Sarah Michelle (@sarahmgellar) on Mar 10, 2019 at 5:10pm PDT

What Made 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' So Special?

In a candid interview with The Wrap, Sarah Michelle Gellar, who is also married to Freddie Prinze Jr., opened up about her favorite memories from the series. She explained, “What made Buffy so unique was its ability to take the chaos and fear of high school and turn it into literal monsters. It wasn’t just about fighting vampires—it was about navigating life, relationships, and growing up.” Sarah also revealed during a Reddit AMA that her all-time favorite episode was “The Prom.”

“That episode was just so perfect. It encapsulated everything the show was about—love, sacrifice, and the bittersweetness of growing up,” she said. In this memorable episode, Sarah’s character attended the high school prom but had to battle a couple of hellhounds to save the night for her classmates. The episode beautifully balanced the show's signature mix of action, humor, and heart. It’s no wonder that Buffy the Vampire Slayer continues to inspire fans and creators alike, with a diverse reboot reportedly in the works, according to Deadline.

Sarah’s Reflection on Playing Buffy

Two years ago, Sarah marked the 20th anniversary of Buffy the Vampire Slayer with a heartfelt message on Instagram. “I had the absolute privilege of introducing Buffy to the world for the very first time,” she wrote. “As an actor, you dream of that one role that allows you to leave your mark and be remembered forever. With Buffy, I got so much more. She was more than just a character; she was a feminist icon who challenged societal norms and gender roles. Buffy may have been the Chosen One, but I consider myself the truly lucky one.”

More Milestones in Sarah’s Career

While Sarah will always be synonymous with Buffy, she’s also known for another iconic role: Kathryn Merteuil in the cult classic Cruel Intentions. Just last week, Sarah celebrated the 20th anniversary of the 1999 film by sharing a post on Instagram. “Twenty years later, I’m even prouder of this movie,” she wrote. “It’s rare to be part of something that stands the test of time, and Cruel Intentions is one of those rare gems.”