Hi reddit, I'm Sarah Michelle Gellar. Most of you know me from Buffy or Cruel Intentions. But now I'm playing the role I've always been born to play on The Crazy Ones. I'm also doing a charitable campaign with Unilever called Project Sunlight that helps support a bright future for children.

Anyways, Victoria's going to be helping me today. Let's answer some questions!

https://twitter.com/RealSMG/status/439175862693294080

For all the years I've been doing this, I just want to say thank you to all of my loyal fans. I so appreciate each and every one of you. You are all the Chosen One.

Comments: 5156 • Responses: 71  • Date: 

jeffreii2071 karma

Sarah, I know you're on the forefront of the movement to pass the bill to make it illegal for paparazzi to photograph celebrity children without the parents permission. how do you feel that so many major tabloids such as Just Jared, E! and People are on board?

Sarah_MichelleGellar2663 karma

There are no words to put how grateful I am to JustJared, to People, and to everyone who is joining this movement. Kristen Bell is so incredible because we needed a leader, and she is making the world a safer place for my daughter. My poor daughter is petrified of cameras and doesn't even like taking photos at home because she is scared of large men putting cameras in her face, so the fact that we are getting the support that we are is incredible. I would also like to take this chance to thank the fans who are supporting me by not buying the magazines and not watching the shows that refused to be a part of this. And also to the rockstar Kristen Bell who not only is a heroine, but also kind of my heroine right now.

CCCP-Fish1180 karma

What was your favorite Buffy episode to work on?

Sarah_MichelleGellar2580 karma

I have a few, so bear with me.

I am in a room full of Buffy fans and everyone is yelling out their favorite episodes!

  • My first one is The Prom because I just love that whole story, and I thought it just encapsulated the show so well. It was beautiful and heartbreaking.

  • I also love Hush because I think it's not just the scariest episode we've ever done but the challenge to do a silent episode - I thought it would be easy but it was way harder.

  • And the other favorite I love is The Body, because it was beyond difficult and heart wrenching to shoot, and I don't know if many people know this, but my entire first scene was all done in one take. It was 4-5 minutes of one long take.

WilliamTheBloody31119 karma

Spike or Angel?

Sarah_MichelleGellar2359 karma

ANGEL

Novalee11961 karma

Hi Sarah! Thanks for taking the time to do this. If you had to fight Eliza Dushku in real life do you think you could take her?

Sarah_MichelleGellar1322 karma

I hopefully would not have to fight Eliza, because I like her and consider her a friend. Way more friend than foe. But if we were playing dodgeball, I would definitely pick her first for my team.

Dabee625932 karma

First off, welcome to reddit, and thanks for doing this AMA! Now, onto my burning question:

There was an episode of the Crazy Ones where you drew two perfect circles. Not just good circles, perfect. I must have watched it 10+ times trying to figure out what was going on. How did you accomplish such a feat? Were there grooves in the whiteboard? Was it CG? Do you actually have a superhuman ability?

Sarah_MichelleGellar1378 karma

The true magician will never reveal her secrets.

purplewindex898 karma

I don't have a question, I just wanted to say THANK YOU! My dad and I were able to bond over our mutual love for watching Buffy during my horrible middle school years. And even now as a 28-year old woman, I'm able to visit my father and watch Buffy reruns and it is just the coolest thing. So thank you for the memories! You're awesome.

Sarah_MichelleGellar860 karma

Well, thank you for watching! I think you're awesome. and you have very good taste.

xanderharris_870 karma

I can’t think of any good questions, but I’d just like to thank you for your part in making Buffy such an incredible show. It’s been a huge part of my life, and you did an awesome job portraying such a wonderful role model for girls everywhere. I can only imagine how strange it must be for you that even a decade after the show ended people still think of you as Buffy, and you probably get comments like this all the time about how much Buffy means to someone. As overwhelming as it must be, I think it’s a testament to the character that Joss created and the character that you brought to life and what a great representation of a strong woman she was and continues to be. So thanks for that.

Also I’m really enjoying The Crazy Ones. Keep up the great work!

And finally thanks for my lock screen image that never fails to make me smile.

Sarah_MichelleGellar787 karma

Well, thank you. The reason I do what I do is because I love it, and because I want to make the fans happy, so it's always a pleasure when anyone tells me they've enjoyed what I've done, especially Buffy, because it's so close to my heart.

Sarah_MichelleGellar862 karma

Some of my costars are around, so if you have questions for Jimmy or Hamish or Amanda, I can probably track them down!

Sarah_MichelleGellar640 karma

I've found my costars at the Commisary - where else?

BobCoupee832 karma

Sarah, if you awoke tomorrow to discover you were Bruce Willis, what's the first thing you would do?

Sarah_MichelleGellar2568 karma

Oh my god, that's so easy! I would just walk around all day yelling "Yippee-Ki-Yay Motherfucker!"

easy.

interropangs814 karma

I remember reading that you’re a rare book collector. What are some of your favorite volumes?

Also, do you have any thoughts on the Buffyverse including a male slayer in season nine?

Side-note: An ass-kicking girl who secretly fights literal/metaphorical demons is exactly what I needed as a little gay boy growing up, so thanks for keeping me alive.

Sarah_MichelleGellar1189 karma

My favorite collection that I still am in the process of working on is eventually I want to own every first-edition Dr. Seuss.

But I have a complete collection of first-edition Arthur Rackhams, which is one of my prized possessions.

And also my first edition Harry Potters.

I just love the fact that the Buffy universe gets to live on. And that is so sweet.

zoidberg3000699 karma

Hi Sarah! Thanks for doing this! I loved you in Buffy and how you portrayed such a strong woman and a great role model. I have a few questions:

  1. How many times did you accidentally stab yourself on the set of Buffy?
  2. What did James Marsters' hair feel like?
  3. How did David Boreanaz smell?

Sarah_MichelleGellar1302 karma

Oh please?!? How many times do I hurt myself getting out of bed? For a pretty graceful person I'm a klutz.

Ha! Well at the time on Buffy, over-processed. As any woman knows what it's like.

I can say that David honestly smells very good and continues to smell very good. I apologize to Jamie his wife for answering that question.

phartmonster689 karma

Dear god, I love you so much. I'm rewatching Buffy for the 10th or so time right now. What was your favorite "big bad" throughout the series?

Sarah_MichelleGellar1157 karma

Ohhhh! I loved a couple. When Angel turned bad. Physically I think the scariest were the guys from Hush. And also Camden Toy, I can't think of his character's name right now. And I also liked it when I was the bad guy. And while we're on this topic, I remember my other favorite episode, even though no one asked: I also liked the body switching episode where I got to play Faith and Faith got to play Buffy.

ospination652 karma

Tell us what you did last summer.

Sarah_MichelleGellar1678 karma

Killed a drifter on the road.

defeasiblefee620 karma

Love the new show and excited for its return tonight. It’s so perfectly cast!

Here’s a question: What’s Robin Williams like off camera--is he always “on?”

Sarah_MichelleGellar1045 karma

NO. That's the funny thing. Is that he's such a down to earth person that sometimes you have to ask him to turn it on!

MsJessD4570 karma

Hi Sarah, what is the weirder experience you've had while meeting a fan ?

Sarah_MichelleGellar1655 karma

It's never weird. It's usually a really exciting experience, except when it happens in the bathroom. I prefer it not to happen there.

Kandakandero546 karma

This is my cat, Buffy: http://i.imgur.com/br7kvgp.jpg

I catch a lot of flack for naming the cat Buffy, and get called lame, but I just liked you so much, I had to have a Buffy of my own.

Sarah_MichelleGellar783 karma

By the way, a lot of people have animals named Buffy and it's a very good animal name and I stand behind that.

swp1988451 karma

Hi Sarah!! Thanks for doing this AMA. And thank you for Buffy!! I'll never find myself not re-watching that show for years to come. Just a couple of questions:

*Seeing as Joss Whedon is the current master of the Marvel Universe, if he was to offer you a superhero role that hasn't been filled yet, which one would you love to tackle?

*Was there ever a role amongst the many rumored and discussed that you wish you had taken? Had you hoped for the rumored Wonder Woman role 10 years ago?

Sarah_MichelleGellar1156 karma

He already gave me the best superbero I could ever ask for.

You know, that rumor went around a lot, but Wonder Woman was an Amazon, and due to the fact that I am - shall we say - vertically challenged, it would not have been a good role for me.

g0newick3d449 karma

I'm so glad I'm finally early for one of these! Buffy is my all-time favorite show, it would just make my year to get a response! Ok two questions (if you don't mind):

  1. I think part of what makes BtVS so great is that it was so ahead of its time in a lot of ways, while at the same time perfectly encapsulated the era in which it aired. What do you think was Buffy The Vampire Slayer's greatest contribution to televison/pop culture/etc. (or what has stuck with you the most)?

  2. Buffy had some of the best dialogue ever. Do you have a favorite "Buffy-ism?"

Thanks for being amazing and taking the time to do this!

Sarah_MichelleGellar952 karma

  1. I think for me the greatest message of Buffy was all about female empowerment, and not just female, but empowerment in general. High school is the scariest part of people's lives, and I loved that we used the monsters of Buffy as a metaphor for the monsters of life. And to not judge a book by its cover. That we are all capable of taking care of ourselves.

  2. Well I think it's the lines that have come now - like I love it when people tweet me "What would Buffy Do" or WWBD, or also "She saved the world, a LOT."

ChicagoMemoria400 karma

Sarah, thank you so much for stopping in and saying “hi” to us fanguys/girls. It has been such fun to watch your career progress, and I will of course thank you for all the hard work you put in on “Buffy”…that show means so much to so many people.

My question is of a personal nature. You and your husband seem to have a very solid relationship (long-term, out of the limelight, etc.), particularly for a “Hollywood” couple. What kind of steps do you take to make sure your relationship stays private? What kind of perspective are your children growing up with, in regards to the film industry?

Sarah_MichelleGellar707 karma

Well I think the reason I've been able to lead such a private life is because I've never flaunted my private life, my fans have respected that. And it makes me able to give more to my professional life, because I have a whole separate life at home. And I'm trying to give my kids as much of a regular life and understanding of the world as I can.

Moviefreak15395 karma

Is Alyson Hannigan as cool in person as she looks in the show?

Sarah_MichelleGellar562 karma

They all were. That's what was so great about the show. Everybody was so unique and brought so much personally and professionally. And she's pretty funny.

Colombian4815393 karma

Who would win in a fight, a caveman or an astronaut?

Sarah_MichelleGellar905 karma

you had this opportunity to ask me a question and that's your question?

Answer: Bruce Lee.

Barry_Woodward391 karma

Star Wars or Star Trek?

Sarah_MichelleGellar1516 karma

UM EXCUSE ME MY HUSBAND IS A JEDI.

jeffreii375 karma

How is your day going :)

Sarah_MichelleGellar889 karma

My day? well, with mercury in retrograde it didn't out so great. I spilled my cold medicine all over my car which I had just gotten detailed. Then I locked my keys in a place in the car where keys go and are never found again. But now I'm getting to spend my day with fans so it's getting better.

Floonet365 karma

First off Sarah, I want to thank you for your time on Buffy. The show and in particular your character got me through some VERY difficult times. It first came on when I was in middle school and it stayed with me through my first year of college. It made the biggest impact on my life any show will ever have. I really enjoy The Crazy Ones, and I think you and Robin Williams’ chemistry is great.

So here are my questions:

1) Being a young role model for other young girls is a tall order, and you did it so well. Are there any young, up and coming actresses you admire and see as potential role models for young girls now?

2) The picture of you, Michelle Trachtenberg and Seth Green you posted on twitter has set off a flurry of rumors about a Sunnydale mini-reunion on The Crazy Ones. Which former costar would you most want to work with again?

Sarah_MichelleGellar820 karma

I love Jennifer Lawrence. There's this incredibly talented girl who deserves not only every accolade she gets, but is incredibly real and relatable.

Oh my goodness, I think the person I am most angling to get on the Crazy Ones is Seth Green. And I will say this: he makes a surprise cameo in an upcoming episode, but I want to get him on for reals.

crewchief535352 karma

Buffy on Broadway. Yea or Nay?

Sarah_MichelleGellar1142 karma

As long as Kristin Chenoweth plays me...

NannaMarie320 karma

What's your favorite song at the moment?

Sarah_MichelleGellar1062 karma

Let it Go from Frozen. That and I hear Wicked all day long every day because my daughter is obsessed. And any song Auntie Kristin sings is good by her.

TheWhedonFan1320 karma

Sarah, if you could create an alcoholic drink based on anything in the Buffyverse, what would you call it and what would be the ingredients?

Sarah_MichelleGellar800 karma

A fruit punch mouth! And what's in it? A red punch with rum.

looseseal47301 karma

There are obviously a lot of people, including myself, who the character of Buffy Summers means a lot to, but could you maybe explain what she means to you?

Sarah_MichelleGellar772 karma

You know the same way the audience grew up with her? I grew up with her too. She'll always be a part of me.

whitew0lf294 karma

I thought I'd have all these questions, now I just want to say: you defined an entire generation. Not just with Buffy, but with Cruel Intentions.

Also, what's your fav ice cream?

Sarah_MichelleGellar534 karma

I'm not a big ice cream person, but I love salted caramel ice-cream from Rose Creamery. If anyone wants to send some to me…I'm available to eat it.

kargigogo271 karma

Who was a better kisser, Angel or Spike?

P.S. any answer other than Spike will be incorrect, but I need you to confirm.

Sarah_MichelleGellar565 karma

I'm sorry to disappoint. And again my apologies to Jamie.

joelschlosberg242 karma

Which TV show would you like to see do a musical episode?

Sarah_MichelleGellar512 karma

NOT the Crazy Ones!

ScoobyGangRelic237 karma

Thanks Sarah for doing this AMA!

Can you sum up your Buffy years, in five words or less?

Sarah_MichelleGellar531 karma

Not A Chance In

BLANK

It was 8 incredible years of making incredible television. It would take 5 HOURS to do it justice.

1ElizabethO236 karma

Veronika Decides to Die is actually one of my favorite films you've done. How much prep did it take to get into character as Veronika and what was the most challenging aspect of filming that?

Sarah_MichelleGellar311 karma

I think the biggest challenge was doing the book justice. Because it's such a beautiful piece of art.

defeasiblefee235 karma

Settle a debate going on over at r/buffy right now. Angel or Spike?

Sarah_MichelleGellar630 karma

Still Angel.

BuffyFan97226 karma

Thank you for doing this for your fans! Is it Gell-err or Gell-ar?

Sarah_MichelleGellar1600 karma

Depends who's pronouncing it! But I pronounce it Prinze.

Novalee11219 karma

Also, is Robin Williams as good looking in person as he is on TV?

Sarah_MichelleGellar581 karma

Forget good looking. He is the kindest, most incredible human being. You want to talk about a superhero? He's it.

hagbean207 karma

Hey Sarah, huge fan!

Would you ever consider doing anything with Buffy the Vampire slayer franchise again?

Sarah_MichelleGellar484 karma

I feel like I still do? I don't think you ever leave that franchise.

Kknowsbest203 karma

If you could work with any actor, that you have not worked with already, who would it be?

Sarah_MichelleGellar437 karma

Ricky Gervais! And you know what I want too? I'm obsessed with Gary Shandling and his show. I want to get him on our show.

techphilosopher198 karma

Sarah - if you could have been in any other Joss show besides Buffy which one would it be?

Sarah_MichelleGellar519 karma

There's another Joss show for me besides Buffy?!?

manqi189 karma

Helo Sarah ! What's your favourite pizza?

Sarah_MichelleGellar509 karma

Mushroom! With extra cheese. Thin crust. New York style.

MrPrestige173 karma

What three things would you take if you were stranded on a desert island?

Sarah_MichelleGellar420 karma

My husband, my daughter and my son. I guess I'd have to leave my dog to someone.

Kknowsbest170 karma

Who encouraged you the most throughout your career?

Sarah_MichelleGellar445 karma

Well I would say there are probably 3 people who've encouraged me the most. The first is my mother, who taught me to follow my dreams. My husband and family for making my dreams come true. And my long-time agent and manager, who's been with me since I was a child and has always believed in me. And David my makeup artist because he's sitting next to me and has been with me for 17 years! I hear him choking because I forgot to mention him, and now he's laughing. David DeLeon makeup.

C0L4ND3R167 karma

How was your role in Call Of The Dead in Call of duty?

Sarah_MichelleGellar274 karma

SO Much fun.

Sarah_MichelleGellar388 karma

I was the first female playable character in that game! Pretty awesome.

Evos1234162 karma

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

Sarah_MichelleGellar353 karma

  1. Invisibility would be really cool. But I want to fly too. Is that greedy?

jeffreii151 karma

If you could make any book into a movie or television show, what would it be?

Sarah_MichelleGellar328 karma

It's hard for me because books live so much in my imagination that sometimes I like them to stay there. But I would love to see the Secret History.

Barry_Woodward118 karma

What is your favorite screwball comedy?

Sarah_MichelleGellar385 karma

Showgirls.

jeffreii115 karma

I know that Alyson was known for pranking everybody on the set, were you ever the victim?

Sarah_MichelleGellar254 karma

No I think I was more her co-conspirator.

Mylilneedle105 karma

Sarah! I'm a huge Buffy fan, thank you so much for all your work. My question, do you have any memorabilia from the show that people wouldn't expect?

Sarah_MichelleGellar342 karma

Aside from her wardrobe? I think my favorite is that my makeup artist had made a special stake for me with a little bottle of holy water, and to this day I keep it by my bed.

Sarahdsr81 karma

Question for SMP: do you think you should maybe order a pizza for your friends sitting in the trailer with you right now?

Sarah_MichelleGellar97 karma

The answer is: yes, as soon as I finish this awesome reddit.

ZURPLEPERG78 karma

I dont need an answer, just wanted to let you know that you helped me a great deal growing up. I was constantly beaten up and bullied. But watching Buffy gave me some sort of reassuring that Ill be strong someday. The Crazy Ones is awesome and I adored you in Ringer. Really sad it ended so soon

Also you were my first and only TV crush!

Sarah_MichelleGellar118 karma

I am truly honored. And this is the reason why I love what I get to do and why I'm grateful every day.

Upvote_for_username76 karma

Hi Sarah, what's one little thing you love doing in your everyday life ?

Sarah_MichelleGellar208 karma

Getting my coffee.

Sarah_MichelleGellar442 karma

I get excited at night just thinking about the coffee I am going to have in the morning.

bazman275 karma

How many vampires do you slay per day?

Sarah_MichelleGellar195 karma

I wonder if there's a tally out? Did anyone ever do a tally?

I'll tell you that - the first person who tweets at me with the total number of vampires I killed across 7 seasons gets a prize.

ChesleaFc70 karma

When people talk about the 90s, I always think about you, how do you feel about this?

Sarah_MichelleGellar197 karma

I worry that they might judge me by my hairstyles? But otherwise I'm ok with it.

Bulby3761 karma

Is it hard to work with Robin Williams? It seems like the set would never stop laughing.

Sarah_MichelleGellar163 karma

I'm not going to lie, there is a lot of laughing. And MAYBE one person might have wet their pants. But I won't say who. Jimmy.

Sarah_MichelleGellar113 karma

And I'm only kidding!

Sarah_MichelleGellar106 karma

But he (Robin) has the best sense of humor.

reelmccoy199559 karma

Since there's a Mork & Mindy reunion on The Crazy Ones, is there a show you love that you would love to see a reunion of?

Sarah_MichelleGellar127 karma

Murphy Brown. Hands down. That's like one of my favorite shows of all time.

SirFluffyButt1355 karma

What was it like being in the Scooby-Doo movies?

Sarah_MichelleGellar171 karma

It takes a lot to talk to a dog that's not there. I really used my acting chops on that one.

I have a funny anecdote about that. When I was doing Scooby Doo 1, I got to train with a famous Hong Kong wire team. It was great, but they always referred to me as "blond girl" which was very confusing because I had a red wig.

Sarah_MichelleGellar168 karma

And they would call my other stunt girl "Other blond girl."

casualuserofreddit43 karma

I just wanted to say that Buffy has been a source of bonding among my father, brother, and I (much to the dismay of my mother). We all love strong women and really respected the way you portrayed growth and maturation all while being bad ass. No question here, but you're amazing.

Sarah_MichelleGellar210 karma

What's wrong with your mom? Why doesn't she watch Buffy?

Moviefreak1543 karma

In the true spirit of Buffy? What is your favourite horror movie?

Sarah_MichelleGellar174 karma

I know what you did last summer and Scream 2! And The Grudge.

But I'm not biased. ;)

SonnyWaterman39 karma

What is your greatest fear?

Sarah_MichelleGellar137 karma

I try not to let fear control me. I get excited by the unknown and unexpected.

Also, birds.

Sarah_MichelleGellar137 karma

Especially pigeons.

Guarded37 karma

Hi Sarah! Thanks so much for taking the time to do this. Buffy the Vampire Slayer inspired me to pursue a career in film and I'm currently at university studying film studies. I even wrote my entrance essay on Buffy!

How does it feel to have been the lead on show that has had such a profound effect on people?

Also: how was filming the Buffy episode "The Body"? It's a brilliant episode and your acting was phenomenal.

Sarah_MichelleGellar57 karma

It's incredible. I've been blessed so many times over both professionally and personally that I feel like at this time in my life it's all gravy.

ogersama34 karma

Did you have any clue where "Ringer" was heading before it's cancellation?

Sarah_MichelleGellar62 karma

possibly…

seeyanever26 karma

Hey Sarah! I just wanted to start by thanking you for your work. Buffy was a huge part of my high school life, so thank you for bringing such a complicated and wonderful heroine to life.

I was just wondering if you prefer doing comedy or drama, and which you find more challenging. Playing Bridget/Siobhan must be so different from playing Sydney, so which do you enjoy more, and why?

Also, can I have James Wolk's phone number? If not, just tell him I say hi.

Sarah_MichelleGellar47 karma

I think at different times of my life i've enjoyed different experiences. As a mother of two, doing comedy and being funny and making people laugh is what I'm enjoying doing right now. I could never have the energy or the body strength to do Buffy right now! But I love being able to do all the different genres.

Oh yea, you can totally have James' phone number! Wait, I'm very tempted to actually give it out. But I will totally tell him you say hello.

jcsimpson21 karma

Who's your favorite Pokémon?

Sarah_MichelleGellar79 karma

What's a Pokemon?