Buffy the Vampire Slayer premiered 20 years ago on Friday.
And its star Sarah Michelle Gellar reflected on the show that made her a household name with a touching Instagram post in honour of the anniversary.
“20 years ago today, I had the greatest privilege to bring Buffy to your tv screens for the first time. It was a long and challenging road to get there,” she wrote, explaining that it took a long time for the show to really pick up.
“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.”
Sarah thanked Gail Berman and creator Joss Whedon, as well as the “incredible” crew, before paying tribute to her co-stars David Boreanaz, James Marsters, Alyson Hannigan and Michelle Trachtenberg.
“Thank you to David, for always being my Angel,” she shared. “Thank you to James for understanding that while Buffy and Spike may have been love/hate, I have nothing but love for you.
Wow. #20YearsOfBuffy @joss What can I possibly say to thank you? No really, what can I say?!? I need YOU to write it!!!
— alyson hannigan (@alydenisof) March 10, 2017
And I need you to say it 💕 https://t.co/V2olprw6Kq
— Joss Whedon (@joss) March 10, 2017
#BuffySlays20 Here's to all who watched, and all who were part of its creation, but most of all, here's to you @joss – grrrr,aargh x
— Anthony Stewart Head 💙 (@AnthonySHead) March 10, 2017
“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.”
Sarah concluded: “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. You are everything. And always remember…”if the apocalypse comes, beep me”.”
She wasn’t the only one to pay tribute, with Alyson, who played Willow, tweeting, “Wow. #20YearsOfBuffy @joss What can I possibly say to thank you? No really, what can I say?!? I need YOU to write it!!!”
And Anthony Stewart Head (Giles) added:Â “#BuffySlays20 Here’s to all who watched, and all who were part of its creation, but most of all, here’s to you @joss – grrrr,aargh.”
