Celebrating its 25th anniversary in March 2022, Buffy the Vampire Slayer was an instant cult classic. Fan have followed the stake-wielding heroine—played by Sarah Michelle Gellar—and her band of loyal friends through a multitude of events. From monster hunting to her own untimely death, Buffy's story has made a significant impact on viewers.
But the audience isn't alone in this. The lives of other actors have also been changed for the better thanks to the fantasy/sci-fi show. Many of those who appeared as guest stars - or even in cameos - went on to become well-known stars. A few may have even gone unnoticed in their appearances on Buffy, causing fans to watch the show again to spot them.
Kal Penn
Before he was Kumar in the comedy films Harold & Kumar, Kal Penn appeared in season 4 of Buffy as a student turned caveman appropriately named Hunt. Attending UC Sunnydale, he got a little too carried away with the Black Forest beers at the local watering hole, and the result was transforming - to say the least.
Although he is less in the public eye these days since he took a break from acting to play a role in the White House istration team under President Obama, Penn is still widely recognized for his comedic performances. However, he was able to showcase his serious acting chops with his portrayal of Seth Wright in Designated Survivor.
Amber Tamblyn
Popping up at Janice Penshaw, troublemaker and best friend to Dawn - Amber Tamblyn appeared in season 6 of Buffy. She convinces Dawn to lie about a sleepover so they can hang out with some guys. Unfortunately for them, those boys were actually vampires. Although they both survive the encounter, Janice does get bit.
As an actor, Tamblyn has never stopped working. She appeared in The Ring, and she even starred in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants - which was an iconic film for young girls in the early 2000s. however, much of her work has been on television. She even had her own show - Joan of Arcadia - for two years before moving into film for a while.
D.B. Woodside
Appearing the seventh—and final—season of Buffy, D.B. Woodside portrayed the new principal of Sunnydale High. As the son of a former slayer, he turns out to be a huge asset to Buffy. His recurring guest star role had him in 14 episodes, allowing him to showcase his acting chops.
While he has had a long career on television, his most recognizable role is as Amenadiel on the hit show Lucifer. Playing an angel who has come to earth to help his disgraced brother, Lucifer, Amenadiel quickly falls into his own worldly issues - making him more relatable for audiences.
Ashanti
Not only known as an actor but also as an R&B singer, Ashanti made an appearance in Buffy. As one of her first roles that wasn't a music video, she portrayed a demon named Lissa in season 7. Working for the season's Big Bad known as The First, she convinces Xander to go on a date with her. Little did he know, she was planning on sacrificing him the whole time.
Later on in her career, she secured a spot on the film Coach Carter as Kyra. However, her biggest role was as Betty in Resident Evil: Extinction. Not only did she get to play a capable fighter, but her death scene—being eaten alive by zombie crows—is forever burned into the minds of fans.
Wentworth Miller
As an actor who has done well in both film and television, Wentworth Miller had his first-ever credited role in season 2 of Buffy. Playing high school swim star Gage Petronzi, he gets transformed into an aggressive fish monster thanks to his swim coach's unethical training methods that involved steroids.
This role sparked his career and led to him appearing in Underworld, Resident Evil: Afterlife, and even in Joan of Arcadia with Amber Tamblyn. However, his most recognizable role was Prison Break. Playing a genius turned criminal with the intent to break out of prison with his wrongfully accused brother, Miller's performance was both riveting and thrilling.
Pedro Pascal
Appearing as Eddie—a UC Sunnydale student who has caught the eye of Buffy on her first day of college—Pedro Pascal's role in season 4 was short-lived. Abducted by and turned by a group of vampires, Eddie tried to take on Buffy and fails miserably.
As an actor, Pascal's career has blossomed over the years. After his stint on The Mandalorian.
Nathan Fillion
Playing the extremist - and very evil - preacher known only as Caleb in season 7 of Buffy, Nathan Fillion can be seen in five episodes. However, his depiction of this Firefly.
Although Firefly ended abruptly, the show got a wrap-up with the production of a film, Serenity. Continuing with other shows and voiceovers throughout the years, Fillion's most recognizable role is on the hit ABC series, Castle.
Shane West
Appearing in the same episode from season 2 with Wentworth Miller, Shane West was cast as another member of the Sunnydale High swim team - Sean Dwyer. Although he was only in one scene, it was a major turning point for the plot. After Xander s the swim team to get information on their steroid usage, Sean informs him that he is already being subjected to the substance through the steam inside the sauna.
West then went on to star in several blockbuster films including Gotham fans may also recognize him as Bane.
John Ritter
It's no secret that season 2 of Buffy was loaded with some amazing guest stars. Another popular actor to make it into the mix was John Ritter. Playing Ted Buchanan—a serial killer robot—he seduces Buffy's mother, Joyce. Although he didn't make the list for the smartest villains in the show, this episode is quite heavy. It deals with manipulation tactics and domestic violence against women.
With about 30 years of acting experience under his belt before his appearance as an evil A.I. on Buffy, Ritter was best known for his role on the comedic show Three's Company. He ed away in 2003, but he left behind a wonderful selection of works for fans.
Amy Adams
Arguably the most successful actor to has appeared in a minor role on Buffy, Amy Adams played Tara's cousin, Beth Maclay. In season 5, fans got to learn more about Tara when her family showed up in town to bring her home before her 20th birthday. Beth was present to help guilt-trip Tara into returning with them.
Adams' long and successful career has produced many iconic films such as Drop Dead Gorgeous, Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian, and Julie & Julia. However, her most recognizable role is as Lois Lane in the latest Superman installments alongside Henry Cavill.