Sarah Michelle Gellar Reflects on Taking a Break from Acting
During a pivotal stage in her career, Sarah Michelle Gellar made an unexpected choice in Hollywood. The former star of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” shared that she stepped away from acting for nearly ten years, which came after several significant life events that altered her outlook.
“I had my second child. I was on ‘The Crazy Ones.’ Then, Robin [Williams] passed away,” she stated in a recent interview. “I think my world changed at that moment. It made me realize that everything can shift in an instant. For the first time, I wanted to take a break, and, honestly, I had never felt that way before.”
This was a crucial shift for Gellar, who had always identified strongly with her career. “I was very much defined by my job, and that was my main focus,” she mentioned. Looking back, she feels thankful for that break, noting it was the right time to be with her children.
Having been married to Freddie Prinze Jr. for over 20 years, Gellar embraced a slower pace of life during her time away from the spotlight, focusing on family and motherhood. She attributes her newfound balance to her husband and therapy.
“I learned to prioritize myself during that time,” she continued. “And therapy, too! Freddie really encouraged me to make space for my own happiness.” Now, she feels different and content. “I’ve never been happier, and I feel like I have nothing left to prove.”
After focusing on family, Gellar has made her return to Hollywood with a refreshed perspective, serving as a judge on the Netflix reboot of Star Search and diving back into the thriller genre with the sequel, Ready or Not 2. These projects signify a full-circle moment for her, as she has established herself as a strong female presence in defining roles.
Gellar also discussed the unsuccessful reboot of “Buffy,” revealing that she had secretly worked on it with Oscar-winning director Chloé Zhao and is now ready to revisit her iconic character. “From the day I stepped away, I was asked to come back to Sunnydale,” she said. “I never imagined that would be my path. Then, four years ago, Chloe entered my life and made me say yes.” However, the project faced issues after filming the pilot.
Reflecting on what drove her to pursue the reboot, Gellar emphasized the importance of her connection with fans. “They always inspired me. Buffy is about family, about finding your people, and being there for each other,” she concluded. “I’m committed to that legacy.” As she stated, “I’m going to hold my head high and keep going…that’s what Buffy Summers would do.”
Gellar portrayed the beloved character for seven seasons from 1997 to 2003, tackling the challenges of defeating vampires and other demons in the fictional town of Sunnydale, built atop the portal to the demon realm.
