Top 10 Buffy the Vampire Slayer Stars: Where Are They Now?
#10: Charisma Carpenter
As the blunt and vain Cordelia Chase, Charisma Carpenter was fantastic on “Buffy,” and she continued the role after departing in season 3 on the spin-off “Angel.” Upon that show’s conclusion, Carpenter has appeared in a lot of guest roles on television, including several recurring roles on “Charmed” and “Veronica Mars.” Carpenter also appeared in a supporting part in “The Expendables” film franchise, as well as a number of lesser-known films. She also reunited with “Buffy” co-star James Marsters in an episode of “Supernatural,” where the duo played a pair of witches.
#9: Emma Caulfield
While we’re on the subject of actresses who played hopelessly honest characters, Emma Caulfield was unforgettable as former demon Anya Jenkins. Caulfield followed up her most famous role with several film appearances, in movies like “Darkness Falls” and ” TiMER.” She has also had several recurring parts on TV on “Life Unexpected” and “Once Upon a Time.” Caulfield has been plenty busy off camera as well, co-writing a webcomic about cats, and also getting married, twice. She also welcomed her first child, a daughter, in 2016.
#8: Michelle Trachtenberg
Although Dawn Summers, Buffy’s magically created younger sister, has remained a controversial character, she and actress Michelle Trachtenberg still have their fans. Trachtenberg’s career post-“Buffy” has seen her appear in films like “Eurotrip” and “Ice Princess” as well as on the small screen in recurring parts, such as the manipulative Georgina Sparks on “Gossip Girl.” Most of her recent work has been on television, though she is also voicing the lead in the web series “Human Kind Of,” about a teenager who discovers she’s half-alien. And Trachtenberg certainly has experience playing teenagers who discover their origins are otherworldly!
#7: Seth Green
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Another actor who departed “Buffy” before its end, Seth Green’s dry comedic timing as Oz the werewolf was sorely missed on the show following his departure. However, he went on to plenty of great things, appearing in a plethora of films and TV shows, including a recurring role on “That ‘70s Show.” Green’s greatest successes generally happen off-camera, as he’s become famous as a voice actor, appearing as Chris Griffin on “Family Guy” and providing many voices on “Robot Chicken,” which he also co-created. And is that him as Howard the Duck?!
#6: Anthony Stewart Head
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The ever-wise, and frequently wise-cracking, mentor of the Scoobies, Rupert Giles was the Watcher we couldn’t stop watching on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” After the show ended, actor Anthony Stewart Head began appearing in more roles in his native Britain, including, appropriately, “Little Britain,” where he played the prime minister, as well as “Merlin,” as Uther Pendragon (DON’T USE ANY BROLL, FREMANTLE], and even a guest spot on “Doctor Who.” Although his film roles have been sparser, he’s secured a place in cult fame thanks to a role in the underground favorite, “Repo! The Genetic Opera.” More recently, Head appeared in the Amazon series “Jack Ryan.”
#5: James Marsters
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Bad boy vampire Spike was so entertaining on “Buffy” that James Marsters reprised the character on its spin-off “Angel”’s final season. Marsters has remained an active part of the franchise, writing comic books starring Spike. Outside of the Buffyverse, Marsters has remained true to his genre roots, making memorable guest appearances on shows like “Smallville,” as well as starring on Marvel’s “Runaways.” In addition to working as an actor, Marsters has also had a music career; putting out solo albums and playing as part of the band “Ghost of the Robot.”
#4: Nicholas Brendon
The witty and sarcastic bestie of Willow and Buffy, Xander Harris was welcome comic relief on “Buffy.” However, Nicholas Brendon’s life after the show hasn’t always been so funny. Brendon has struggled with depression, substance abuse, and legal troubles in recent years, including several arrests. Even so, the actor has continued to get recurring parts, on shows such as “Criminal Minds” and “Private Practice.” Brendon, like James Marsters, has also contributed to “Buffy” comics, continuing to give life to Xander years after portraying him onscreen. We only hope that Brendon finds some peace outside of his work in future and stays on the right side of the law.
#3: David Boreanaz
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As the dreamy and broody vampire with a soul, Angel, David Boreanaz was the perfect fit to lead a “Buffy” spin-off, which of course he did successfully after his departure from the show. Following both shows’ conclusions, Boreanaz has had little success in film, with many of his more recent movies going straight to video, but he has had much more success on TV. The actor starred for many years on the hit procedural “Bones,” and he stars on the military show “SEAL Team.” Boreanaz’s personal life made headlines in 2010, due to a complicated affair. However, Boreanaz and his wife stayed together.
#2: Alyson Hannigan
After winning our hearts as adorkable witch Willow Rosenberg, Alyson Hannigan has gone on to many great things. Despite appearing in several more “American Pie” films, most of Hannigan’s best-known work post-“Buffy” has been on TV, most notably as Lily Aldrin on “How I Met Your Mother.” Her personal life has also proven successful, as she married “Buffyverse” co-star Alexis Denisof in 2003, and the couple has two daughters together. Hannigan is also staying in touch with her “magical” roots by hosting Penn and Teller’s magician competition show, “Penn & Teller: Fool Us.”
#1: Sarah Michelle Gellar
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Sarah Michelle Gellar became internationally famous as the titular star of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” but since its conclusion, she hasn’t been in the spotlight as much. Gellar starred in several films throughout the 2000s and early 2010s, mostly sticking to her horror roots. She then returned to TV with starring roles in short-lived series like “Ringer” and “The Crazy Ones,” and also cameoing in the final episode of “The Big Bang Theory” as herself. On the personal side of things, Gellar became a mom and also co-founded a cooking lifestyle company called Foodstirs.
