The Comparison of "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" Cast Then Vs. Now Leaves You Wondering if They're Immortal

Over two decades have passed since Buffy the Vampire Slayer wrapped up its legendary run, and even longer since the show first aired. Fans have been left without the Scooby Gang, navigating their own personal Hellmouths ever since.

Sarah Michelle Gellar as Buffy Summers

Sarah, the iconic vampire slayer, had already made waves on television with roles on Swans Crossing and All My Children before taking on Buffy. The show launched her into pop culture stardom, leading to roles in films like I Know What You Did Last Summer, Scream 2, Cruel Intentions, and Scooby-Doo. She even appeared on Sex and the City in 2000.

Since Buffy, Sarah has appeared in series including Ringer, The Crazy Ones, Wolf Pack, and Dexter: Original Sin. Her film work includes Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed and The Grudge. In 2025, she returned to the big screen in a cameo reprising her role as Helen Shivers in the latest I Know What You Did Last Summer.

Nicholas Brendon as Xander Harris

Xander brought humor and heart to Buffys world, quickly making Nicholas a fan favorite. After the series, he appeared in shows like Kitchen Confidential, Criminal Minds, and Faking It. His career has been affected by legal and health challenges, and he has not acted in recent years.

Alyson Hannigan as Willow Rosenberg

Buffy helped Alyson gain recognition, leading to her role as Michelle Flaherty in the American Pie series. She later starred as Lily Aldrin on How I Met Your Mother for nine seasons and showcased her dancing skills on Dancing with the Stars in 2023.

Charisma Carpenter as Cordelia Chase

Charisma played the popular Cordelia at Sunnydale High and later transitioned to the spin-off Angel. She has since appeared in films like The Expendables series and TV shows such as Veronica Mars and The Lying Game, even exploring hosting with Surviving Evil.

Anthony Stewart Head as Rupert Giles

Already an experienced actor, Anthony played Buffys mentor and school librarian. Since then, he has featured in The Iron Lady, Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters, and TV series including Merlin, Little Britain, and Ted Lasso.

David Boreanaz as Angel

Davids brooding vampire won over audiences and led to the spin-off Angel. Post-Buffy, he starred as Seeley Booth on Bones and Jason Hayes on SEAL Team, holding these roles for multiple seasons.

Seth Green as Daniel "Oz" Osbourne

Seth, who had previous film and TV experience, became a fan favorite as Willows werewolf boyfriend. Today, he is known for long-running voice roles on Family Guy, Robot Chicken, and Phineas and Ferb, along with appearances in films like The Italian Job and multiple Marvel cameos.

James Marsters as Spike

Spike started as Buffys adversary and became a romantic interest. James has since appeared in series such as Smallville, Runaways, and Dragon Ball Super, along with films like P.S. I Love You and Dragonball Evolution.

Marc Blucas as Riley Finn

Marc began his career with Buffy as Buffy's college boyfriend. Following the show, he acted in TV series like Necessary Roughness and films including First Daughter and The Killing Floor.

Emma Caulfield as Anya Jenkins

Emma had roles on Beverly Hills, 90210 and General Hospital before joining Buffy. She later starred in Timer and appeared in shows like Once Upon a Time and WandaVision.

Michelle Trachtenberg as Dawn Summers

Introduced as Buffys little sister, Dawn quickly won over viewers. Tragically, Michelle passed away in February 2025 at age 39, leaving behind a legacy of performances in Harriet the Spy, The Adventures of Pete & Pete, and Gossip Girl.

Amber Benson as Tara Maclay

Amber, Willows girlfriend, directed, produced, and starred in her own films, including Chance and Lovers and Liars & Lunatics. She also acted in movies like Kiss the Bride and I Saw the TV Glow.

Kristine Sutherland as Joyce Summers

Kristine, Buffy and Dawns mother, kept a lower profile after the series, with occasional acting credits and appearances at fan conventions.

Eliza Dushku as Faith Lehane

Faith, another Slayer, went from ally to adversary. Eliza starred in films like Bring It On and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, and later took on TV roles in Tru Calling, Dollhouse, and Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H.

You can watch Buffy the Vampire Slayer on Hulu or Disney+ to revisit Sunnydale and the adventures of the Scooby Gang.

Author: Lucas Grant