Ah, “Buffy.” Just uttering the name brings forth a multitude of memories for many: the 1990s era and the days of The WB, those carefree times when kids would stay home hoping they could be like the stylish characters on TV who protected their school from supernatural threats. “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” — the TV version of the unsuccessful 1992 movie — debuted in 1997 and lasted seven seasons, forever changing pop culture.
The series centered on Buffy Summers, an ordinary teenager who discovers she is the chosen “Slayer” of her time, a rare individual destined to fight against the rising tide of evil. Sunnydale, California, sat atop a Hellmouth, making it a hotspot for various supernatural threats that Buffy had to confront—whether by defeating them or perhaps even falling for one. With elements like witches, zombies, and werewolves added to the mix, it created the ideal formula for a successful show, brought to life by a group of skilled and appealing young actors at the start of their careers.
Since the show “Buffy” ended, many of the cast members have remained active in the entertainment industry. There have also been some legal issues, changes in careers, and health problems, and we sadly lost some as well.” Buffy the Vampire Slayer ” star Michelle Trachtenberg at 39. Continue reading to see what the rest of the cast has been doing.
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Sarah Michelle Gellar
Without Sarah Michelle Gellar, there would be no “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” Although she had previously worked as a child actor, in the same year that “Buffy” debuted, she appeared in “I Know What You Did Last Summer” and “Scream 2.” Shortly after, she starred in “Cruel Intentions” and “Scooby-Doo,” marking the rise of a new star.
She has remained a consistent figure in popular culture ever since. Recent television roles include portraying the headmaster inthe over-the-top Netflix teen mystery “Do Revenge,”Kristin Ramsey in MTV’s “Wolf Pack,” and Tanya in the “Dexter” prequel series “Dexter: Original Sin.” Gellar was especially excited to join the latter show, statingPeople, “I’m sure that at some point when someone asked me, ‘Is there a show or a movie that you wish you had been in?’ I probably responded—more than once—’I would have really loved to have been a guest character on ‘Dexter'”.'”
Gellar will reprise the role that launched her to stardom in Chloé Zhao’s upcoming remake of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” Gellar mentioned to People in another interview thatthe program is in full swingbut it will take time. “To do it properly, everyone must be patient with all of us,” she warned.
Anthony Stewart Head
Each Slayer requires a Watcher, and in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” Buffy’s Watcher was Rupert Giles (Anthony Stewart Head). He serves as the librarian at Sunnydale High School, providing a place to lean on, wise guidance, or a strict reprimand when Buffy and her friends require it.
Back in 2020, Head commented toThe New York Postthat he would like Giles to be involved in a future “Buffy” reboot, even though he’s concerned that he might have grown too old to fit into the narrative. “Perhaps I’m now the leader of the Watcher’s Council,” he suggested. “But honestly, I would definitely [join in]. It was very significant.”
Head has kept acting since “Buffy” concluded, accumulating a number of notable roles. He portrayed Uther Pendragon on “Merlin,” played the father of Richard Armitage on “The Stranger,” and was Rupert Mannion, one of the truly despicable characters on “Ted Lasso.” Head really enjoyed that storyline, statingVulture, “For me, it was about portraying a character with a heart and spirit who might occasionally lead viewers to believe he could succeed. But ultimately, no.”
David Boreanaz
Buffy experienced multiple supernatural relationships throughout the show, but one of the earliest and most significant was with Angel (David Boreanaz). This brooding man is actually a vampire, the very being Buffy is meant to destroy, yet there’s a twist: he still possesses a soul. Angel became so beloved by fans that he received his own spin-off series, but Boreanaz doesn’t appear to be involved in the upcoming “Buffy” reboot. When Sarah Michelle Gellar shared the news online, Boreanaz responded (viaBleedingCool), “Happy for you and your path. Savor the moments and keep giving back to the supporters. Good luck.”
Perhaps the man is exhausted; after all, he has been on television nonstop since the conclusion of “Angel” in 2004. “Bones” began in 2005, and he was the star of the series for 245 episodes until 2017. “SEAL Team” started in the same year, and it wasn’t until 2024 that Boreanaz chose to take a break from television. “It was all over for me. I was aware of that, and that’s what I conveyed to [the showrunners],” Boreanaz said.ColliderI was thinking, ‘I’ve had enough, both physically and mentally.’
Alyson Hannigan
In the initial seasons of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” Willow (Alyson Hannigan) served as Buffy’s closest friend, a regular person who was always there to offer support whenever Buffy faced strange supernatural events that she needed to discuss. However, as the show progressed, Willow experienced a significant character development; not only did she fall in love with a woman named Tara (Amber Benson), but she also learned that she was a witch.
We are not sure if Willow will come back forthe “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” revival, but fans believe that something is in the pipeline. In May 2025, Hannigan posted a picture onInstagramIn a scene where Willow offers a deer as a sacrifice to resurrect Buffy, this could clearly indicate her future role in bringing “Buffy” back to life.
Following “Buffy,” Hannigan joined the main cast of “How I Met Your Mother.” She also provided the voice for Claire Clancy on Disney’s “Fancy Nancy” and appeared in Comedy Central’s TV movie “Office Race” in 2023.
Nicholas Brendon
Nicholas Brendon portrayed Xander in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” the third member of Buffy’s close-knit group of friends that introduces the series. Xander is somewhat of a joker, yet he’s essentially a good person, a dependable friend who is consistently present for Willow and Buffy when they need him. Brendon holds many cherished memories from his time in Sunnydale, as he sharedScienceFiction.comWhen it aired on a Tuesday, I would always look up the ratings the following Wednesday and notice them increasing consistently. It was a truly unique period.
After “Buffy,” Brendon kept acting. For instance, he appeared in “Coherence,” which could beone of the top science fiction suspense films you’ve never encounteredHe also served as a writer for the “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” comic book. “We used to write at this small coffee shop in Santa Monica, and if someone was a big ‘Buffy’ fan, they would have been really excited, you know?” he shared with ScienceFiction.com.
Unfortunately, Brendon has had multiple legal issues over the years since “Buffy” ended. He has been arrested for domestic violence, prescription drug fraud, and other offenses. In 2015, he admitted himself to a rehabilitation center, informing his fans about it onFacebook, “I have a deep love for all of you and I genuinely value your love and support. We will overcome this.”
James Marsters
While Angel was a tormented, inherently good vampire with a soul, Buffy’s other vampire love interest, Spike (played by James Marsters), was a rebellious and charming figure. His striking facial structure, bleach-blonde hair, and talent for seduction made him appealing to both Buffy and the show’s audience, which is why many fans hope to see him return in the reboot. However, Marsters has not confirmed any details. “I’m sorry if you were hoping for some updates, but to ensure the project reaches its full potential, it’s best that I remain quiet for now,” he stated in a video shared online.Instagram.
These days, Marsters is heavily involved in voice acting. He has contributed to podcasts such as “Dark Gallifrey,” “Hollow’s Bend,” and he revived Spike for “Slayers: A Buffyverse Story.” He also provided the voice for Zamasu in “Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero,” although he used a pseudonym for that role. He had previously portrayed Piccolo in the poorly received live-action film “Dragonball Evolution,” which he mentioned.”Inside of You”that he wished to make amends to his fans. “It’s for you,” he says at gatherings, “an apology for that movie.”
Amber Benson
Amber Benson portrayed Tara, Willow’s magical girlfriend, in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” Dedicated fans are aware that Tara eventually suffers a tragic end, which causes Willow to fall into deep despair; at one point, creator Joss Whedon considered reviving Tara, but Benson was against it. It seems that if Tara had returned, she would have been evil, and Benson believed this would have been a violation of the fans’ expectations. “I just felt like people really cared about that character and for her to be bad would have devastated them,” she revealed.BBC NewsSo that was one of the factors that kept me from returning.
Benson isn’t in many films these days, but in 2024, she was part of “I Saw the TV Glow,” a film that strongly references “Buffy.” Director Jane Schoenbrun was a big fan of “Buffy” as a teenager, which is why they wanted Benson to be involved to strengthen the link. “Even a small part in this movie would connect ‘Buffy’ in a very particular way,” Benson said.”Slayerfest98,”explaining, “They can take the Buffyness and kind of blend it with the transgender metaphor … I believe it can shift viewpoints.”
Seth Green
“Buffy” faced vampires, demons, and werewolves, oh my! The last one was Oz (Seth Green), a charming joker who begins the series as an ordinary person and later discovers he has a significant wolfish secret. ThoughOz departed from “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”in season 4, Green statedComicBook.comthat he’s enthusiastic about the reboot since he is aware that Sarah Michelle Gellar will safeguard the show’s heritage. He also mentioned that if they want him to reintroduce Oz, he would be willing to do so. “I have a lot of affection for that character, and if there’s more narrative to explore, I’d be ready to contribute,” he stated.
Green is perhaps best known today as a voice actor. He created Adult Swim’s long-running animated series “Robot Chicken,” and has voiced Chris Griffin since “Family Guy” first premiered decades ago. To mark the 20th anniversary of the show in 2025, Green statedTheWrapthat he is satisfied with its lasting impact. “I’ll have 20-year-old kids or someone who’s 25 tell me that they were raised watching the show, and I don’t know how to even process that,” he reflected.
Kristine Sutherland
Kristine Sutherland portrayed Buffy’s mother, Joyce Summers, in the series “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” “It was deeply emotional for me to take on the role of a single mother. My own mother was a single parent, and I witnessed her challenges with that position during a period when it wasn’t socially accepted to be divorced,” she later shared.The Hollywood ReporterBeing given the chance to portray a single mother facing the challenges of raising her daughter was something that deeply resonated with me personally.
Sutherland has not appeared in any films since 2020, when she starred in an independent movie titled “Before/During/After.” Rather, she has been concentrating on her primary alternative artistic medium: photography. She mentionedThe Steve Varley Show, “I truly enjoy photography. I am passionate about portraits, and I love capturing moments.” She mentioned that she has been photographing the small village where she resides for many years, and her images have enabled her to observe the changes over time. “It’s a glimpse into the past,” she stated.
Eliza Dushku
Although every generation is only meant to have one Slayer, Buffy dies several times throughout the series. This leads to the emergence of other Slayers, including Kendra (Bianca Lawson). Kendra also meets a tragic end, which results in the activation of Faith (Eliza Dushku), a Slayer with a rebellious attitude. Dushku commented toMarcAndrew.caFans were initially surprised by her arrival in Sunnydale, recalling, “When I started being really mischievous, some people were upset by my behavior, and some fans began to scare me. It was very real for them.” In the end, the character became so beloved thatDuskhu declined her own “Buffy” spinoff.
Dushku hasn’t appeared in any acting roles since a TV movie titled “The Saint” in 2017. Rather, she has undergone a significant career shift. She is now working as a therapist, after earning a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lesley University. Celebrating her accomplishment onInstagramIn 2025, she stated, “After almost ten years of personal growth and creating a new life, I’m truly thankful for this moment. To my highest self – for taking this bold step away from everything familiar and making it a reality.”
Charisma Carpenter
Charisma Carpenter’s character, Cordelia Chase, first appeared in “Buffy” as a harsh and unkind girl, but she soon became a key member of the so-called Scooby Gang. When Angel launched its own series, Cordelia went along with it. Although she faced what Carpenter described as an “unfair” ending on “Angel,” she still hopes there may be a place for her in the “Buffy” reboot. “To see this actually happen for the fans makes me thrilled. I am so hopeful to be included,” she shared withIGN.
Carpenter’s latest acting appearance was in the podcast drama “Slayers: A Buffyverse Story.” She also leads “The B**** Is Back,” a podcast where she and others rewatch “Buffy” and “Angel.” “I’m very passionate about the Buffyverse and want to help keep it going. I spent a lot of time and effort on both series, which were a big part of my life, especially during my formative years as a woman, so it makes sense to keep these shows alive,” she said to IGN.
Marc Blucas
Eventually, like everyone else, Buffy matured. She attended college at UC Sunnydale, an exciting new chapter that introduced her to a variety of new recurring characters. This included Riley Finn (Marc Blucas), a kind-hearted individual whom Buffy falls for, partly because he is so unlike the brooding Angel and Spike. At a convention (viaTikTok), Blucas told a fan that he believes Riley would still be serving in the military, even without superpowers like his friends. “He had his own form of invincibility, through kindness or being excellent at his job, and he might have returned to be a family man,” Blucas speculated.
Blucas currently appears in “My Life with the Walter Boys,” a popular Netflix series. He portrays the father of the titular Walter Boys, George, and he shared this information with AMP Radio (viaTikTok) that it’s been interesting to appear in a teen drama as an adult. “I used to get cast as the athlete and the flirt, and now I’m the coach,” he joked. “We’ve come full circle, you know?”
Emma Caulfield Ford
Emma Caulfield Ford portrayed Anya, beginning in the third season of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” Anya initially appears as a demon but ends up stuck in human form, and throughout her time on the show, she gradually discovers what it means to be a person with a soul and emotions. In contrast to many of her fellow actors, who often highlight their experience on “Buffy” as a key part of their professional lives, Ford was straightforward when discussing “Buffy” in interviews.Vanity FairRegarding the allegations concerning Joss Whedon’s behavior on set, she stated, “I don’t have an opinion on it.” “I mean, it was just a job.”
Ford appeared in “Agatha All Along,” the Disney+ series based on “WandaVision,” but currently, she is also managing multiple sclerosis. She shared with Vanity Fair that she didn’t want to be seen as a role model, stating, “My journey is uniquely mine … I am just myself. This is how it feels for me.”
Danny Strong
Danny Strong portrayed Jonathan on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” a student at Sunnydale High. Whenever the series required someone to deliver a strong emotional reaction, they would call on Strong; over time, he was given more development and a more significant role. “He began as a quiet, isolated person who really wanted to be accepted and have friends,” Strong mentioned.SciFiAndTVTalkDuring his villainous actions last season, I believe he came to understand that there are no easy solutions.
Strong continues to deliver powerful performances, appearing in productions such as “Billions” and “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” However, he has largely moved into a behind-the-scenes role; besides writing both “Hunger Games: Mockingjay” movies, Strong is now most recognized as the creator of “Empire” and “Dopesick.” He statedW Magazinethat he achieved success once he ceased focusing on profit, stating, “You make a choice based on the correct motivations rather than aiming to sell, and the universe rewards you for it.”
Juliet Landau
In the second season of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” Juliet Landau appeared as a cunningly unhinged vampire named Drusilla. She was a central character that season and made occasional appearances throughout the rest of the series, as well as serving as a recurring antagonist on “Angel.” Nowadays, Landau would be thrilled to reprise her role in the reboot. “My goodness, yes. It would be so much fun to play, absolutely,” she said.RadioTimes. Nevertheless, she admitted that the show will likely be most successful if it centers on new narratives rather than relying solely on nostalgia.
Landau has other endeavors underway as well. She portrayed Rita Tedesco in the fifth season of the Amazon popular series “Bosch,” and she reintroduced Rita in the 2025 spin-off “Bosch: Legacy.” Additionally, she appeared in and directed “A Place Among the Dead,” a vampire-themed film addressing abuse. She statedTellTaleTVthat she had received strong responses from fans who were moved by its narrative, reflecting, “I have never encountered such a flood of deeply personal stories shared at a film before.”
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Read the original article on SlashFilm.
