Sarah Michelle Gellar Thanks 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' Fans on Show's 20th Anniversary
Sarah Michelle Gellar is feeling extra grateful on the 20th anniversary of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
The 39-year-old actress took to Instagram on Friday to share a special behind-the-scenes throwback pic, alongside a sweet message to her fans explaining the significance of the iconic series.
WATCH: ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ and the Legacy of Joss Whedon 20 Years Later
"20 years ago today, I had the greatest privilege to bring Buffy to your tv screens for the first time," began Gellar, who was only 19 when the show first premiered. "It was a long and challenging road to get there. First the movie, then a passed over pilot presentation, and eventually a mid season time slot on a little known network."
"That first season, we liked to think of ourselves as the little show that could. While we knew the potential, I don’t think any of us saw the lasting impact our show would have," she continued. "As an actor, you wish for that one role where you can leave your mark and forever be remembered, with Buffy I got so much more. She’s a feminist challenge to gender hierarchy."
"Buffy may have been the Chosen One, but I was the lucky one," she said. "Thank you to Gail Berman for always believing there was a show in that movie. Thank you to Joss Whedon, for trusting me to give life to one of the greatest female characters ever created. Thank you to David, for always being my Angel. Thank you to James for understanding that while Buffy and Spike may have been love/hate, I have nothing but love for you. Alyson, as any woman knows, you are nothing without the love and support of great female friends, so thank you for being that. Michelle, you will always hold a key to my heart. Thank you to all the incredible actors for seven seasons of amazing performances. I would be remiss if I didn't mention the incredible crew that worked tirelessly (and also really tired) to bring this show to life."
"And lastly, but most importantly thank you to all of you, the fans. We made this show for you, and your unwavering support has kept this show going long past our seven years," she concluded. "You are everything. And always remember...'if the apocalypse comes, beep me' #buffyslays20."
Gellar spoke to ET in 2015, where she opened up about whether she'd ever resurrect the iconic character.
"I'm a little on the old side. I feel like my walker [or my] cane would be the stake," she joked, adding that she was unsure if a reboot would be successful.
"I think it's hard," she said "What we created was such magic and I think that it's very difficult to recreate that and I think that inevitably as much as fans say they want it, I fear that the expectation level would be very, very difficult for something like that. I would worry."
See more in the video below.