Sarah Michelle Gellar, the lead actor in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, has reflected on a "tough two years" for those involved with the series following the deaths of three former cast members.
Appearing on stage at the Emmy Awards in Los Angeles alongside co-star David Boreanaz, the actress paid tribute to late colleagues Michelle Trachtenberg, Nicholas Brendon and Anthony Head.
Addressing the audience, 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. "We feel very lucky to have known and worked with such amazing people."
Boreanaz, who portrayed Buffy’s romantic interest Angel, added: "Indeed."
Trachtenberg, who featured as Buffy’s younger sister Dawn, passed away in February 2025 at the age of 39. Her death was determined to have been primarily caused by complications of diabetes.
Brendon, who played Buffy’s best friend Xander Harris, died in March 2026 aged 54. His family stated that he died of natural causes.
Head, who starred as school librarian and watcher Rupert Giles, passed away in June 2026 at the age of 72 from complications of pneumonia.
Gellar had previously paid tribute to her late co-stars on social media following their passings.
During their appearance, Gellar and Boreanaz also joked about a proposed Buffy reboot that was cancelled after a pilot was filmed.
Gellar had been set to reprise her famous role and executive produce the production, but streaming platform Hulu opted not to move forward with the series.
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 crowd.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer centred on Buffy Summers, a teenage girl chosen by fate to fight vampires, demons and the forces of darkness.
Broadcast from 1997 to 2003, the series is frequently cited as one of the greatest television shows of all time.
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