Sarah Michelle Gellar filmography

One of the greatest gifts my job has given me is that my mother, who gave up her entire life for me, Show more One of the greatest gifts my job has given me is that my mother, who gave up her entire life for me, doesn't have to work any more. I'm now in a position to repay her for her devotion. Hide

[on a possible Buffy reboot movie] It was a movie! It's been made. It stars Kristy Swanson, they mad Show more [on a possible Buffy reboot movie] It was a movie! It's been made. It stars Kristy Swanson, they made it! They don't need to make another one. I think it's a horrible idea to try to do a Buffy without Joss Whedon, I mean that's like honestly...to be incredibly non-eloquent, that's the dumbest idea I ever heard. Hide

[about Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997)] To me, the scariest elements of horror films are the things Show more [about Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997)] To me, the scariest elements of horror films are the things that could really happen. And what is more scary than high school? ... What I like about the show is that it reminds you it's O.K. to be different. What people think isn't necessarily true. If people walk away with half of that, we've done our job. [New York Times, April 27, 1997] Hide

[on being 'skinny'] How can women be as thin as we are? We have personal trainers to work us out. We Show more [on being 'skinny'] How can women be as thin as we are? We have personal trainers to work us out. We have specially prepared meals. Hide

"Simply Irresistible (1999) was just a bad choice - and for that it was a great learning experience. Show more "Simply Irresistible (1999) was just a bad choice - and for that it was a great learning experience. I wasn't ready to make that movie. I was too young. The script was not ready. I knew in my heart before I left to make it that I should back out". Hide

[on her doing movies and Freddie Prinze Jr. doing his show] It's funny in the sense of he'll say to Show more [on her doing movies and Freddie Prinze Jr. doing his show] It's funny in the sense of he'll say to me, 'You don't understand. You're doing a movie. I've been on my feet all day.' I'm like, 'For real? For real I don't understand?' So that's kind of odd. And the times are funny because I'm on nights and he's more organized in terms of...or last week he was getting out of the house at like 3:30 in the morning. Hide

[on quitting Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997)] You always worry about being the show that's been on t Show more [on quitting Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997)] You always worry about being the show that's been on too long especially when you're a cult hit. Last year, a lot of people were ready to tear us down. So when we started to have such a strong year this year, I thought, ''This is how I want to go out on top, at our best.'' I was 18 when I started the show; I'm 26. I'm married. I never see my husband. This has been the longest span of my life in one place. There've been times where that's been difficult, you want to pick up and go, try other things, live in different places. It feels right, and you have to listen to that. The show, as we know it, is over. I love this job, I love the fans. I love telling the stories we tell. This isn't about leaving for a career in movies, or in theater, it's more of a personal decision. I need a rest. Teachers get sabbaticals. Actors don't. Hide

[on working with Seth Green] 'If I had my way, I'd work with Seth on every project. I think the worl Show more [on working with Seth Green] 'If I had my way, I'd work with Seth on every project. I think the world of him...he's an amazingly gifted comedian and he's also a very giving comedian.' Hide

I don't understand why James Bond has to be a man all the time. When Pierce Brosnan retires, why not Show more I don't understand why James Bond has to be a man all the time. When Pierce Brosnan retires, why not one of us? Hide

[After having her baby girl Charlotte] I'm not going back to work anytime soon. I'll only have my fi Show more [After having her baby girl Charlotte] I'm not going back to work anytime soon. I'll only have my first child once and see these milestones once. I can't imagine not being there. We're (she and husband Freddie Prinze Jr.) just taking it one day at a time. I'm such a cliché right now, but she is the greatest gift that anyone has ever given me, and I will spend the rest of my life doing everything I can to do right by her. What still overwhelms me is the reality that we created this life together, and now we are responsible for her. She is here; she is ours. I'd say that makes us pretty lucky, indeed. [November 2009] Hide

[about her father] Just because you donate sperm does not make you a father. I don't have a father. Show more [about her father] Just because you donate sperm does not make you a father. I don't have a father. I would never give him the credit or acknowledge him as my father. Hide

[on gay marriage] I have good friends, gay couples, who've been together for 18 years. It drives me Show more [on gay marriage] I have good friends, gay couples, who've been together for 18 years. It drives me crazy that in the eyes of the law, their love isn't acknowledged when I have girlfriends who have married four times by the age of 25. Hide

It sounds clichéd, but when women turn 30 they find themselves. You become more comfortable in your Show more It sounds clichéd, but when women turn 30 they find themselves. You become more comfortable in your own skin. Last night on Letterman I wore this skintight Herve Ledger dress. Two years ago, three years ago? I would never have worn it. - Gothman Magazine. Hide

[Working in LA filming Southland Tales (2006)] That's so weird. It's one of those things that's like Show more [Working in LA filming Southland Tales (2006)] That's so weird. It's one of those things that's like you go on location and you're there for a week getting ready. Here it's like you're walking the dog, you're paying the bills and then 10 minutes later, you have to go to work. It's a very sort of odd- - I'm grateful for it and so glad to actually film a movie in Hollywood. Although some of these locations are pretty far. I could probably fly to some of them. Hide

[on her kissing scene with Selma Blair in Cruel Intentions (1999)] It was a great kiss. It even had Show more [on her kissing scene with Selma Blair in Cruel Intentions (1999)] It was a great kiss. It even had a saliva trail. Hide

[on being called Buffy] Back then, if you'd called me Buffy I would probably have been really annoye Show more [on being called Buffy] Back then, if you'd called me Buffy I would probably have been really annoyed. Now, of course, I get it and I'm appreciative of it. But that's something that comes with maturity, which most people don't have when they're 24 years old. Hide

I clip coupons all the time. Why should you pay more for something that someone else is paying less Show more I clip coupons all the time. Why should you pay more for something that someone else is paying less for? Hide

[on the Internet] I got a computer and I'm learning how to use it. I collect antique books, so I use Show more [on the Internet] I got a computer and I'm learning how to use it. I collect antique books, so I used it to get my copy of 'Les Liaisons Dangereuses,' and I use it for travel, to look up customs. I went to Fiji, and I looked up all this stuff before I went, like 'Don't wear a hat in someone's house because it's rude, and don't wear shoes.' You've got to think there's something better I can do with my time than log on to the Internet and say, 'Ooo, let's find out about me!' I think that would frighten me a little bit. Hide

I got locked out of our new house a few days ago without any shoes on and ended up bloodying and scr Show more I got locked out of our new house a few days ago without any shoes on and ended up bloodying and scraping the bottom of my feet. I kind of scaled a wall thinking I was still a 22-year-old superhero. Hide

I am militant about drugs. You want to do 'em? You're out of my life. I am militant about drugs. You want to do 'em? You're out of my life.

As an actor, you constantly play these other characters. You're always pretending to be somebody els Show more As an actor, you constantly play these other characters. You're always pretending to be somebody else, but at the same time you have to keep a handle on who you are. I think that's where a lot of actresses get lost sometimes, because that's tough. I can only imagine it has to be the same as a pop star because you're not even playing a character. You're a persona. Hide

In this day and age, everything is so cross-marketed that the lines have blurred, in my opinion, bet Show more In this day and age, everything is so cross-marketed that the lines have blurred, in my opinion, between what is an actor and what is a celebrity. What is reality? All you have to do is pick up a magazine or turn on the television and you can get ideas from places that five years ago you couldn't. Hide

[on enjoying working, but not letting it take over her life] I was 18 years old when I started "Buff Show more [on enjoying working, but not letting it take over her life] I was 18 years old when I started "Buffy," and work was my everything. Back then, no actor had worse hours than I did. Now I don't work on weekends anymore. Everybody knows you can't sway me on that point, so nobody even tries. Plus, my perspective on work has changed: Work doesn't define who I am. I love what I do, but I don't feel a burning pressure anymore. And because I'm working for fun, I get to enjoy it. I'd watch Ringer (2011) if I wasn't on it! Of course, it's not as much fun when you know what's going to happen. It takes some of the excitement away. Hide

[on Ryan Phillippe and Reese Witherspoon]: "They're unbelievable. They're an inspiration to young lo Show more [on Ryan Phillippe and Reese Witherspoon]: "They're unbelievable. They're an inspiration to young love." Hide

Horror films are where women can shine and have a chance to lead. They always save the day in these Show more Horror films are where women can shine and have a chance to lead. They always save the day in these films. Hide

[looking back on Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997)] I think it's gotten me to this point now where I d Show more [looking back on Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997)] I think it's gotten me to this point now where I don't have this burning desire to accomplish anything. That was so fulfilling for me in every way that everything I do now is the cherry on top. I don't feel the pressure to do this or have to do this or go here or do that because I feel like I've already won. Hide

Basically I only like to choose films that I don't understand. As long as they're greater than my me Show more Basically I only like to choose films that I don't understand. As long as they're greater than my mental capacity, I figure I gotta be doing something artful, right? Isn't that what makes something art when you don't understand it? Hide

[on what the word "feminist" means] I don't call myself a feminist because feminism has a negative c Show more [on what the word "feminist" means] I don't call myself a feminist because feminism has a negative connotation. It makes you think of women who don't shave their legs. But feminism is not just about not being weak. It's about being able to take care of yourself. Just because you might care about what you look like or what the opposite sex thinks of you, it doesn't make you not a feminist, although it's a word I hate. Do I consider myself a strong female individual? Uh-huh. Can I take care of myself? Yes. Hide

I wish, and I wish so much for the film industry right now. I wish so much for originality and I wis Show more I wish, and I wish so much for the film industry right now. I wish so much for originality and I wish so much and I think that we're caught in this difficult cycle right now because our studios are corporations now. I keep talking about the old 1940s, where one guy with a cigar and a scotch made decisions for a studio and now, because there are all these computer corporations basically, technology companies and there's so much else that goes into a decision that it's very difficult to get films that are different, that are off the beaten path, made. It's much easier to get something unoriginal made than to get something original. Hide

Relationships are like flowers: They need attention to grow and develop. You have to make time to be Show more Relationships are like flowers: They need attention to grow and develop. You have to make time to be there for the other person. Hide

[on why she was happy to get married:] I'm so grateful I don't have to go looking for a man on a Sat Show more [on why she was happy to get married:] I'm so grateful I don't have to go looking for a man on a Saturday night. I was always terrible at chatting up men. [December 10, 2003] Hide

[Horror Movies] I'm always the one who gets killed. And I want it to be really gory. Body parts all Show more [Horror Movies] I'm always the one who gets killed. And I want it to be really gory. Body parts all over the place. Mangled! Hide

[on the suggestion of a 'Buffy' film, 2004] 'My concern with a film is, how can we do it justice? We Show more [on the suggestion of a 'Buffy' film, 2004] 'My concern with a film is, how can we do it justice? We went out on top, and I like staying there. That doesn't mean I won't change my mind. I'm a woman. It's my prerogative to change my mind as often as I like!' Hide

I had to twist his [Freddie's] arm and leg to see Moulin Rouge! (2001) Although he enjoyed it once w Show more I had to twist his [Freddie's] arm and leg to see Moulin Rouge! (2001) Although he enjoyed it once we were there. In fact, there was a moment during the evening when I swear I thought he was going to leave me for Nicole Kidman but then, who could blame him? I'd probably leave him for Nicole if she asked. She's hot! Hide

I kiss other girls, sure, but that doesn't make me a lesbian. Does it? I mean, I read ''Playgirl''. I kiss other girls, sure, but that doesn't make me a lesbian. Does it? I mean, I read ''Playgirl''.

[on finding it difficult to understand people who view returning to TV after strictly working in fil Show more [on finding it difficult to understand people who view returning to TV after strictly working in film is a step down career-wise] I don't feel like I didn't succeed - The Grudge (2004) is still the second-highest female opening ever. And Ringer (2011) doesn't feel like a retrograde step, not to me. That is the weird perception, but I think it's slowly changing. Hide

[on her character Buffy Summers] For eight years I had the pleasure of portraying a character that w Show more [on her character Buffy Summers] For eight years I had the pleasure of portraying a character that was the very definition of a powerful woman. In my opinion, one of the greatest examples in the history of entertainment. [2007] Hide

[on being a teen idol] This is what I've waited for my whole life. [on being a teen idol] This is what I've waited for my whole life.

[Her advice for her husband, Freddie Prinze Jr. on his sitcom Freddie (2005)] Do a sitcom. Don't do Show more [Her advice for her husband, Freddie Prinze Jr. on his sitcom Freddie (2005)] Do a sitcom. Don't do a one hour. That was actually my advice. He was going to do a one hour. I was like, 'Are you crazy? You know what people make for sitcoms and how little they work, right? You see all of our friends on sitcoms. Hide

[on job pressures] There's so much pressure on all of us right now. On Katie Holmes, on James Van De Show more [on job pressures] There's so much pressure on all of us right now. On Katie Holmes, on James Van Der Beek and myself, to do these movies, and do as much as you can because there is the slight feeling that one day your phone will stop ringing. It's not about the craft, per se. It's so easy to fall for it all because people remind you constantly that as fast as it comes, it can go. And I think there is this sort of paranoia, this need to keep working. And I know that I felt it, and for the first three years of the show, I never had more than a week off, except for Christmas. That was it. Hide

[High school] My biggest complaint is school when it's Send-the-roses day. Somebody's always left ou Show more [High school] My biggest complaint is school when it's Send-the-roses day. Somebody's always left out. I always got roses, but I would give them to someone who hadn't gotten any. Hide

[on how Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997) affected the course of television] "Buffy" came at the right Show more [on how Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997) affected the course of television] "Buffy" came at the right time ... Now you see these great roles on television all the time. Glenn Close in Damages (2007)? One of the greatest actresses of all time. Sally Field in Brothers & Sisters (2006)? TV is where the roles are. Without wishing to sound obnoxious, I do think it changed the course of television. It certainly changed genre television. It just came at the right time for that. Hide

[on whether or not she is fed up with looking back and talking about Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997) Show more [on whether or not she is fed up with looking back and talking about Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997)] Fed up with it? No! No, no, no! I'm so proud of it, and I actually like talking about it more now than I did then. Because I was 19, 20. Sometimes I think, to get true perspective, you have to step away, to realize the impact that something had. Hide

[on religion] I don't believe in organized religion and I never have. [on religion] I don't believe in organized religion and I never have.

[on motherhood] For me, having a child was that cliched, life-altering experience where everything t Show more [on motherhood] For me, having a child was that cliched, life-altering experience where everything took on a different meaning. Things that had once been priorities had no meaning to me anymore, and things that I'd never thought about suddenly became things that were on my mind. If I'd known how happy having a child would make me, I probably would have had one a long time ago. Hide

I think the best piece of advice I've ever gotten is to trust myself and go for my dreams. I got tha Show more I think the best piece of advice I've ever gotten is to trust myself and go for my dreams. I got that from my mom. Hide

I've definitely smoked cigarettes, and I've partied plenty. I just got it out of my system early. I Show more I've definitely smoked cigarettes, and I've partied plenty. I just got it out of my system early. I was lucky enough to have had my experiences when I was younger - and out of the public eye. When I was younger, I was very careful not to... I just didn't want to be seen with a drink in my hand. People looked up to Buffy, and she was a character that girls respected. Hide

You'll never know what you're capable of if you don't try. You'll never know what you're capable of if you don't try.

[on her character in Star Wars Rebels (2014)] I may be number seven, but I'm pretty much number one. [on her character in Star Wars Rebels (2014)] I may be number seven, but I'm pretty much number one.

[on how having a child has changed her perspective on work] I would never fault anyone's decisions a Show more [on how having a child has changed her perspective on work] I would never fault anyone's decisions and choices, but being a parent was so important to me. I just couldn't be the parent who goes from country to country and leaves their child, or schleps their child with them. Hide

[on not wanting children at this point] You can't be selfish and have a child. Right now I want to l Show more [on not wanting children at this point] You can't be selfish and have a child. Right now I want to live my life and have fun. I want to go sit in my Jacuzzi and drink wine all night. [December 2007] Hide

Being sexy is being confident. It's important to know you don't have to have silicone breasts fallin Show more Being sexy is being confident. It's important to know you don't have to have silicone breasts falling out and a thigh-high skirt. Sometimes you meet people and they think, 'Another cute little blonde actress.' That's not who I am. - on rather being known as clever than sexy. Hide

[on posing nude] Right now I can't picture posing, but I don't believe in saying never... There migh Show more [on posing nude] Right now I can't picture posing, but I don't believe in saying never... There might be a time when I got pregnant and felt really beautiful and wanted to have a nude picture. Hide

[on what she would do if she wasn't acting] I would go to college to be a journalist. I always wante Show more [on what she would do if she wasn't acting] I would go to college to be a journalist. I always wanted to write for Time or Newsweek. Hide

[on playing Kendall Hart on All My Children (1970)] I seduced my stepfather, and when he wouldn't sl Show more [on playing Kendall Hart on All My Children (1970)] I seduced my stepfather, and when he wouldn't sleep with me, I slept with the stable boy, cried rape, and my mother stabbed him with a letter opener. Then I went to jail for perjury, burned my parents' divorce papers, and locked up my little sister. I think that was all in the first week. [New York Times, April 27, 1997] Hide

No, that's what bothers me. That's how they think. Okay, this is a summer...I remember that it used Show more No, that's what bothers me. That's how they think. Okay, this is a summer...I remember that it used to be you could see great movies any time. Now it's like summer is for blockbusters, fall is for the movies that they can't fit into any other time, that's like September. Then Oscar movies start, it used to be post Thanksgiving. Now the awards are earlier so it starts earlier. January is when they dump movies. And it's just so... it seems to me so obvious that wouldn't it be better for the marketplace to have these movies spread out? Not just people don't only go to the movies in summer time. If that was the truth, then in the summer time they would count the whole week's worth of the box office but it's still only a weekend. So why does it matter...sorry, I get a little upset. It's just frustrating. Hide

[on The Crazy Ones (2013)] James Wolk is a star. Like I said to Robin, 'Its great that you're Robin Show more [on The Crazy Ones (2013)] James Wolk is a star. Like I said to Robin, 'Its great that you're Robin Williams and you're great and you're funny, but Jimmy Wolk is stealing this entire show from you. Like, watch out Hide

[on the importance of reading] I love books. I'm constantly afraid we're moving into this digital er Show more [on the importance of reading] I love books. I'm constantly afraid we're moving into this digital era where books are going to go away, and to me books are the basis to everything in life. Reading is how we function. It's not just creative imagination and creative play, it's how we function as human beings, as human adults, and if you can instill that at a young age then that's a skill they'll have for life. Hide

You know what? I only see myself doing films that interest me and that are a little bit off the beat Show more You know what? I only see myself doing films that interest me and that are a little bit off the beaten path. I will go wherever that takes me. I just - - I always say it just can't be generic. I can't be the girlfriend or the wife or the - - you can't play the characters that I've been blessed to play and then do that. I can't be the girl in the film. Hide

[on how she would like Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997) and her work on it to be remembered] I hope p Show more [on how she would like Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997) and her work on it to be remembered] I hope positively. One thing about the show was it was never categorized. It was drama, comedy, action, horror, all of those things combined. And I just want people to remember it as a fabulous run, a fabulous seven years. Hide

[on attending the Professional Children's High School in Manhattan] Everybody there had a talent, an Show more [on attending the Professional Children's High School in Manhattan] Everybody there had a talent, and everyone was respected. If somebody didn't like you -- they didn't talk to you! They didn't make fun of you, punish you. You could, you know, mess around with how you dress. You really had that chance to find yourself, and I thank God for that school. I went to that school feeling amazingly untalented. That school was my lifeline. Let me tell you something -- talent night at our school? There was nothing like it. Hide