Sarah Michelle Gellar On Buffy, Love And Crazed Fans

Sarah Michelle Gellar. Photo: Getty Images.

If Sarah Michelle Gellar is tired after flying into Sydney and attending back-to-back media interviews straight afterwards, she doesn't show it.

The actress, who attended an event on Wednesday night as a judge for the Specsavers 2014 Spectacle Wearer of the Year competition, is as friendly, fresh-faced and fast-talking as you'd expect.

Gellar has worn glasses since she was 19 ("a crew member spotted me squinting all the time on the Buffy set and suggested I get my eyes checked," she explains) and says she chose to partner with Specsavers because of its charity angle.

"Specsavers do so much charity work, whether it's the Fred Hollows Foundation or local indigenous communities and that was what really appealed to me," Gellar explained. "I love the idea that by choosing them, you're also helping others who don't have the luxury of being able to wear glasses. I've been wearing them since I was 19, so if I lose a pair, I just go out and buy another. But not everyone has that level of medical access."

Gellar has a chic new haircut at our interview, which she debuted on social media two days before - and, she says, it's taking some time to get used to.

"It's sort of shocking - I only just did it and I've been washing it going, "where's the rest of my hair?!" Gellar laughs. "But I really like it. Plus, my daughter did the first cut, so that's kind of special. Everyone told me that it was a mistake because I'm showing her it's ok to cut hair with scissors, but I think she understands."

Gellar's five-year old daughter is into fashion, she says, and also had a hand in picking her 2012 Golden Globes dress.

"She wants to know why I don't wear more dresses. It's because I have to chase her around!"

Gellar boasts a close-knit family. She's been married to fellow actor Freddie Prinze Jr for 12 years, but when asked the secret to long-lasting love, she admits there is no formula.

"If I knew, I'd write a book, sell it and retire," says Gellar. "I just think we all have to remember that we live in a very technological age, and whether it's your partner or your kids or your friends, you need to put down the phone. Put down the iPad and switch off the TV. Actually communicate and look the person in the eye and remember to be present in the moment."

It's this sort of down-to-earth attitude that makes Gellar a hit with her fans. Known for her starring role on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Gellar says that while fame took some time getting used to, she's proud of her role on the iconic show.

"I get people coming up to me trying to be clever and saying they're a vampire or whatever, but I love the actual stories that come out of meeting fans. A lot of adults say to me, I can relate to those feelings of inadequacy or loneliness that Buffy felt and I'm incredibly proud of that."

Gellar remains close to her fellow actors on the show, in particular David Boreanaz, who played Angel on the show.

"David and I still see each other, definitely," Gellar says. "We were working on the same stage lots for a while and our kids are the same age. We've known each other for a very long time." Plus, Gellar admits, she always vying for Angel and Buffy.

"People get so mad at me for this, but I'm an Angel girl," Gellar states. "People can have their opinions of course, but that's mine."

Gellar counts The Prom as her favourite Buffy episode, but says there are several others she also loved filming.

"I think The Prom really resonates with people and I love the idea that they gave Buffy an award for being the protector of the town. They knew she was special and that was the heart and soul of the show. But I also love The Body - that was a heartbreaking episode to do though, because it made me think a lot about mortality."

Gellar may have played a sassy vampire slayer for seven years, but she admits she didn't take the chance to raid the set when filming finished.

"You're not really allowed to take stuff. And I can't say if I did because you'll print it (laughs). There might be a few vampire stakes in my house though. Just saying."

Sarah Michelle Gellar at the Specsavers event in Sydney.