Sarah Michelle Gellar
Sarah Michelle Gellar began her career at age six in the TV film An Invasion of Privacy (1983). She gained fame for her roles in All My Children (1993–1995) and Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997–2003).
In this slideshow, we explore Gellar’s early moments and her successful career during the 90s.
Early Discovery
Early Discovery: Gellar was discovered by a talent agent at age four in a restaurant in Upper Manhattan. She made her film debut in the television film An Invasion of Privacy at age six in January 1983. Gellar appeared in numerous television commercials, including notable brands like Shake ‘n Bake and Burger King.
First Attack Ad
First Attack Ad: A 1982 Burger King commercial featuring Gellar was considered the first attack ad in fast food history, leading to a lawsuit from McDonald’s.
Modeling
Modeling: She worked as a model for Wilhelmina during her childhood. In the 1980s, Gellar had minor roles in films like Over the Brooklyn Bridge (1984), Crossroads (1986), and Funny Farm (1988). She played a larger role as the daughter of a prostitute in the film High Stakes (1989).
Television Guest Appearances
Television Guest Appearances: Gellar guest-starred in various TV series, including Spenser: For Hire and Crossbow.
Theater Work
Theater Work: At age nine, she acted in the off-Broadway production The Widow Claire. Gellar appeared in the Kids Klassics Sing Along videos, Camp Melody and USS Songboat. In 1989, she co-hosted the syndicated teen talk show Girl Talk.
Breakthrough Role
Breakthrough Role: Gellar’s breakthrough came in 1992 with the role of a manipulative daughter in the teen serial Swans Crossing.
Soap Opera Success
Soap Opera Success: She joined the cast of All My Children in 1993 as Kendall Hart, earning a Daytime Emmy Award in 1995. After leaving All My Children, Gellar moved to Los Angeles to pursue more opportunities.
Buffy Audition
Buffy Audition: Gellar auditioned for the title role in Buffy the Vampire Slayer after initially trying out for the character Cordelia Chase. The show premiered in 1997 and became a critical and popular success, running for seven seasons.
Awards for Buffy
Awards for Buffy: Gellar received multiple awards for her role, including five Teen Choice Awards and a Saturn Award.
Film Appearances
Film Appearances: During Buffy, she starred in slasher films like I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997) and Scream 2 (1997).
SNL Host
SNL Host: Gellar hosted Saturday Night Live for the first time in January 1998 and returned multiple times.
Top-Billing Role
Top-Billing Role: Gellar’s first top-billing film role was in the romantic comedy Simply Irresistible (1999).
Cruel Intentions
Cruel Intentions: In 1999, she starred in Cruel Intentions, a successful film that became a cult classic, earning her and Selma Blair the MTV Movie Award for Best Kiss.
In more recent years
In more recent years, Gellar appeared in The Grudge, Ringer, The Crazy Ones, and Wolf Pack.