Sarah Michelle Gellar Rules Out Potential Return to 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' Reboot TV The actress who played Buffy Summers on the original supernatural series has rejected any idea of joining the upcoming TV reboot, insisting she's too old for the new project. Feb 19, 2021 Sarah Michelle Gellar has ruled herself out of a potential " Buffy the Vampire Slayer" reboot because she's convinced she's just too old for the role. The actress shot to fame as the titular character in the hit teen drama series, which aired from 1997 to 2003, and with so many other popular shows in line for franchise revamps, fans have been campaigning for the return of Buffy Summers.