Sarah Michelle Gellar at Emmys: It has been a ‘tough two years’ for Buffy cast

Buffy The Vampire Slayer star Sarah Michelle Gellar said it has been a “tough two years” for the cast and crew of the show after the deaths of three of its actors.

The actress, who played the title role, and her co-star David Boreanaz appeared on stage together at the Emmy Awards in Los Angeles and paid tribute to their late co-stars Michelle Trachtenberg, Nicholas Brendon and Anthony Head.

Gellar said: “Before we move on to the award, David and I would like to acknowledge that it has been a tough two years for our beloved cast and crew.

The actress, who played the title role, and her co-star David Boreanaz appeared on stage together at the Emmy Awards (Chriz Pizzello/AP)

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“We feel very lucky to have known and worked with such amazing people.”

Boreanaz, who played Buffy’s love interest Angel, replied: “Indeed.”

Trachtenberg, who played Buffy’s younger sister Dawn, died in February 2025 at the age of 39.

Her death was ruled as being primarily caused by complications of diabetes.

Brendon, who played Buffy’s best friend Xander Harris, died in March 2026 at the age of 54.

His family said he died of natural causes.

Anthony Head, who played Rupert Giles, died in June from complications of pneumonia (Ian West/PA)

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Head, who played Buffy’s watcher and school librarian Rupert Giles, died in June 2026 at the age of 72 from complications of pneumonia.

Gellar paid tribute to her co-stars on social media following their deaths.

Gellar and Boreanaz also joked about the planned Buffy reboot that was cancelled after a pilot had been filmed.

Gellar was due to reprise her role and serve as executive producer on the show, but streaming service Hulu decided not to move forward with it.

Boreanaz said: “You know Sarah, I always thought that Buffy and Angel would end up together.”

Gellar replied: “Well, I guess we won’t find out” to laughter from the audience.

Buffy The Vampire Slayer told the story of Buffy Summers, a teenage girl chosen by fate to fight against vampires, demons and the forces of darkness.

It aired from 1997 to 2003 and is often listed among the greatest TV shows of all time.