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Joss Whedon’sBuffy the Vampire Slayeris one of the most iconic teen dramas ever made. Running from 1997 to 2003, the show combined supernatural thrills with relatable stories, giving fans unforgettable characters and imaginative creatures. The series followed Buffy Summers played by Sarah Michelle Gellar, a high school cheerleader turned vampire slayer, as she faced off against demons and apocalypses in the quiet Californian town of Sunnydale.
Buffy wasn’t alone in her battles, her loyal friends, known as the Scooby Gang, included Willow played by Alyson Hannigan, and Xander played by Nicholas Brendon. Together, they tackled everything from history exams to deadly vampires, blending humor, action, and heartfelt moments.
Whether you rooted for Buffy’s romance with Angel or preferred the fiery chemistry with Spike, the show left a lasting impact on viewers. Now, more than two decades since the series ended, fans are still curious about the lives of Sunnydale’s most beloved characters and the actors who brought them to life. Let’s take a look at what the cast ofBuffyhas been up to since their days in the Hellmouth.
1Sarah Michelle Gellar as Buffy Summers
Sarah Michelle Gellarbecame a household name playing Buffy Summers, the iconic vampire slayer. But her career started long before she wielded a stake. Gellar earned her first acting credit at just 5 years old and gained early fame as a regular on the soap operaAll My Children.
While starring inBuffy the Vampire Slayer, she balanced her TV role with appearances in popular films likeI Know What You Did Last Summer(1997), where she met her future husband, Freddie Prinze Jr. She also took on daring roles, such as inCruel Intentions(1999), and embraced the fun side of her career by playing Daphne in the live-actionScooby-Doomovies in 2002 and 2004.
AfterBuffyended in 2003, Gellar slowed down her acting career to focus on her family and new ventures. She appeared inThe Grudgefilms and starred in the short-lived seriesRinger, but most of her time was spent raising her two children with Prinze Jr. and exploring business opportunities. In 2015, she co-founded a cooking and lifestyle brand called Foodstirs. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the company’s operations.
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Recently, Gellar made a return to television withWolf Packon Paramount+, where she not only acts but also mentors younger cast members. In 2023, she brought her monster-slaying expertise back to the small screen, showing she still has the charm that made her famous. Married since 2002, Gellar and Prinze Jr. continue to enjoy family life with their kids, Charlotte and Rocky.
2Alyson Hannigan as Willow Rosenberg
Alyson Hannigan’s character Willow Rosenberg onBuffy the Vampire Slayerwent through one of the show’s most dramatic transformations. Starting as a shy and awkward teen with a love for quirky outfits, Willow grew into a confident and powerful witch. Her journey included a crush on her best friend Xander, a relationship with werewolf Oz, and a deep love story with Tara, her soulmate. Willow’s character faced dark times too, as her grief led her to dangerous magic, but she ultimately found her way back to healing and growth.
AfterBuffy, Hannigan stayed busy in the spotlight. She starred as Lily in the hit sitcomHow I Met Your Motherfrom 2005 to 2014. She also became the host ofPenn & Teller: Fool Usin 2016, showcasing her charm and humor. In 2023, she took on a new challenge by joiningDancing with the Stars. Hannigan has been married to fellow actor Alexis Denisof since 2003, and the couple has two daughters.
3Nicholas Brendon as Xander Harris
Nicholas Brendon played Xander Harris, the loyal and witty member of the Scooby Gang inBuffy the Vampire Slayer. Despite lacking supernatural abilities, Xander often proved himself as a dependable friend, using his courage and humor to support his team. His character also had a heartfelt romance with Anya, a former vengeance demon, giving his journey an interesting twist.
Before acting, Brendon dreamed of a baseball career, but an injury shifted his focus.Buffybecame his breakout role, leading to other TV appearances, including recurring roles onCriminal MindsandPrivate Practice. He also starred inKitchen Confidential, a series inspired by Anthony Bourdain’s memoir.
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In recent years, Brendon has faced personal challenges,including struggles with mental health, substance abuse, and legal troubles. He has also dealt with health issues requiring spinal surgery and treatment for a heart condition. Brendon’s brief marriage to Moonda Tee ended in 2015, becoming another chapter in his complex personal life.
4David Boreanaz as Angel
David Boreanaz brought to life Angel, the brooding, conflicted vampire with a soul inBuffy the Vampire Slayer. Angel, over 200 years old, was cursed with a conscience, making his undead existence a torment. His intense, star-crossed romance with Buffy defined much of the show’s early seasons, especially as losing his soul turned him into a dangerous enemy. After enduring heartbreak and chaos, Angel left Sunnydale for Los Angeles to start fresh in his own spinoff series,Angel, where he became a supernatural investigator. The show ran for five successful seasons.
FollowingAngel, Boreanaz continued to thrive in television. He starred inBonesfor 12 seasons, portraying FBI Agent Seeley Booth alongside Emily Deschanel’s character. Later, he took on the role of Navy SEAL leader Jason Hayes in the action-packed seriesSEAL Team, showcasing his versatility and dedication to long-running roles. Between these two series, he added nearly 350 episodes to his acting portfolio. Off-screen, Boreanaz is happily married to actress Jaime Bergman. The couple has two children, a son named Jaden and a daughter named Bardot Vita.
5James Marsters as Spike
James Marsters is best known for playing Spike, the rebellious and sarcastic vampire onBuffy the Vampire Slayer. Spike was a fan favorite, a bad boy with a sharp tongue who made chaos look cool. Created by Angel during his villainous days, Spike roamed the world with his companions Drusilla and Darla, leaving destruction in their wake. Eventually, he made his way to Sunnydale, where his relationship with Buffy was a mix of rivalry, romance, and drama. Spike’s popularity also earned him plenty of screen time on theAngelspinoff series.
Although he nailed Spike’s English accent, Marsters is actually a California native and not a natural blond. A trained actor with a background in theater, he showed his versatility in other roles afterBuffy. He appeared onSmallvilleas the alien villain Brainiac, both in his original form and as Brainiac 5, and lent his voice to the character Zamasu inDragon Ball Super. Marsters also took on roles in indie films likeA Bread Factory, which received critical acclaim and played Victor Stein on Marvel’sRunaways.
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Outside of acting, Marsters is passionate about music. He has released albums both as a solo artist and with his band, Ghost of the Robot. In his personal life, Marsters separated from his wife Patricia Rahman in 2021 after a decade of marriage. He has a son, Sullivan, from a previous relationship and shares a close bond with his niece, whom he considers like a daughter.
6Michelle Trachtenberg as Dawn Summers
Michelle Trachtenberg joinedBuffy the Vampire Slayerin season five as Dawn Summers, Buffy’s younger sister. Her sudden arrival left fans puzzled until it was revealed that Dawn wasn’t just an ordinary teenager, she was a mystical “key” disguised as a human, and her safety was crucial to saving the world. Before stepping into Dawn’s shoes, Trachtenberg was already familiar to audiences, thanks to her roles in kids’ movies likeHarriet the Spy(1996) andInspector Gadget(1999).
AfterBuffy, Trachtenberg moved on to various movie and TV projects. She starred in popular films likeEuroTrip(2004),Ice Princess(2005),Black Christmas(2006), and17 Again(2009). On television, she gained attention as the scheming Georgina Sparks onGossip Girl. She also appeared in other series likeSix Feet Under,Weeds, andLove Bites. In 2009, she took on a leading role in the medical dramaMercy, although the show only lasted one season.
In later years, Trachtenberg ventured into voice acting with the animated seriesHuman Kind Ofin 2018. She also returned briefly to the rebootedGossip Girlin 2022. Through the years, she has shown versatility, transitioning from a child star to a dynamic performer in diverse roles.
7Anthony Head as Rupert Giles
Anthony Head brought Rupert Giles to life as Sunnydale High’s British librarian and Buffy’s Watcher. Behind the quiet, bookish exterior, Giles was part of an ancient group responsible for guiding Slayers. With his vast knowledge of vampires, demons, and mystical texts, he was an invaluable mentor to Buffy and her friends as they battled the horrors of the Hellmouth.
In season six, Head reduced his role onBuffyto spend more time in England with his family, especially his young daughter. Post-Buffy, he ventured into various projects. In 2007, he joined theDoctor Whouniverse in the animated specialThe Infinite Quest. From 2008 to 2012, he embraced a darker role as King Uther Pendragon inMerlin, a hit Arthurian fantasy series. Head also appeared in the moviePercy Jackson: Sea of Monsters(2013), playing Chiron, the centaur mentor.
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His television career remained active, featuring in series like Amazon’sTom Clancy’s Jack Ryanand Netflix’sThe Stranger. He even made an appearance inBridgerton. Most recently, Head played a very different Rupert. It was Rupert Mannion inTed Lasso. This scheming, unfaithful character was the ex-husband of AFC Richmond owner Rebecca, adding layers of tension to the show.
Anthony Head resides in Somerset, England, with his long-time partner, Sarah Fisher. The couple has two daughters, Emily and Daisy, both of whom have pursued acting careers. Head continues to charm audiences with his range of roles across television and film.
8Seth Green as Daniel “Oz” Osbourne
Seth Green joinedBuffy the Vampire Slayerin season two as Daniel “Oz” Osbourne, a laid-back guitarist for the band Dingoes Ate My Baby. Oz quickly became a fan favorite, especially for his sweet and quirky romance with Willow. However, things got complicated when Oz discovered he was a werewolf, adding a supernatural twist to his story. Green appeared on the show until season four, even making a brief appearance on the spin-off,Angel.
After leavingBuffy, Green continued to shine in Hollywood. He starred as Lyle, “the Napster,” in the 2003 heist filmThe Italian Joband took on many voice-acting roles. He’s best known for co-creating and starring in the Emmy-winningRobot Chicken, a stop-motion comedy series that ran from 2001 to 2022. He also lent his voice to iconic characters inFamily GuyandTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtlesand played Howard the Duck in theGuardians of the Galaxyfranchise.
In 2019, Green added screenwriter to his resume, releasing his debut film,Changeland. He’s also enjoyed a happy personal life, marrying fellow actor and frequent collaborator Clare Grant in May 2010. Seth Green’s diverse talents have kept him thriving in entertainment for decades.
9Emma Caulfield as Anya Jenkins
Emma Caulfield gained fame as Anya Jenkins onBuffy the Vampire Slayer, playing a former vengeance demon navigating life as a human. After her time onBuffy, she made notable appearances on television, including a guest role onMonkas a writing teacher with sinister motives.
In 2010, she joined the casts of The CW’s short-livedLife Unexpectedand TeenNick’sGigantic, a show created byBuffyalum Marti Noxon. Around the same time, she co-created and starred in the satirical seriesBandwagon: The Series, where she portrayed a fictionalized version of herself.
In recent years, Caulfield took on a prominent role in Marvel’sWandaVisionas Dottie, a character she is set to reprise inAgatha: Darkhold Diariesin 2024. She has also appeared on shows likeOnce Upon a TimeandFantasy Hospital.
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In her personal life, Caulfield married actor Mark Leslie Ford in 2017, and they share a daughter, Knightley, born in 2016. In 2022, she opened up about her decade-long battle with multiple sclerosis, demonstrating remarkable resilience. Throughout her career, Emma Caulfield has shown her versatility, seamlessly moving between comedy, drama, and fantasy while continuing to wow her audiences.
10Charisma Carpenter as Cordelia Chase
Charisma Carpenter rose to fame as Cordelia Chase, the sassy and sharp-tongued queen bee of Sunnydale High inBuffy the Vampire Slayer. After her character graduated, Carpenter transitioned seamlessly to the spinoffAngel, where Cordelia became an essential ally and Angel’s reliable assistant for most of the series. Beyond the Buffyverse, Carpenter found success with recurring roles inCharmed,Veronica Mars, andThe Lying Game. She also appeared inGreekand guest-starred in popular procedurals likeCSI,Blue Bloods, andChicago P.D..
On the big screen, Carpenter made waves as Lacy inThe Expendables(2010) and its 2012 sequel, playing Jason Statham’s love interest in the action-packed franchise. Off-screen, Carpenter has been vocal about her experiences, particularly during the #MeToo movement,when she spoke out against alleged toxic and abusive behavior byBuffycreator Joss Whedon, especially during her pregnancy. This revelation garnered widespread support from her co-stars.
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In her personal life, Carpenter is a proud mom to her son, Donovan, whom she shares with her ex-husband, Damian Hardy. With her combination of wit, and strength, Carpenter has continued to leave a mark in both television and film while standing up for herself and others in Hollywood.
You can streamBuffy the Vampire Slayeron Hulu.
Sohini Mukherjee
Content Writer
Articles Published :331
Sohini Mukherjee is an Evergreen writer at FandomWire, specializing in pop culture, all things sitcoms, and, of course, Harry Potter. She has a soft spot for shows like Modern Family and pretty much any movie that knows how to tell a good story. You’ll find her name on listicles and long form articles that feel more like fun conversations than stiff articles. Having published over 300 articles, Sohini always brings a unique perspective and a deep understanding of the stories she covers.
