Next Big Hit by Carolyn Stewart

Big Hit - March 2001

She's exciting, she's new... she's Slayer-tastic! This month cutie Michelle Trachtenberg hits our screens as Buffy's little sister (or is she?!) Dawn. Our Carolyn got Michelle to answer the burning questions that you're all dying to know about... in her very own handwriting!

Congratulations on your new role on Buffy. How was your first day? Who was the first cast member you met? Were you nervous?
Thank you! My first day was great, I was a little nervous entering the show in its fifth season, but everyone welcomed me with open arms into the "Buffy" family. I already knew Sarah, but Marc Blucas was the first cast member that I met.

How did you find out that you had the role? How did you celebrate?
I got a phone call from my agents and managers telling me that I would be playing "Dawn". I would actually be a cast member on my favourite show! I called my family members and friends in between jumping up and down.

What's the best bit about playing Dawn?
Dawn, as you guys will soon come to know, is an interesting character. She is also a typical teenage girl with all of her worries and opinions. I think that discovering a new fact about Dawn with every script is great. She has a very outgoing and fun personality!

Who were you surprised to find is the most like their character?
I think every cast member has a little bit of their character in them, that is what makes the character unique. Sarah has just as much determination "Buffy", and Amber is just as sweet as "Tara", etc.

You've been a Buffy fan since the beginning - what's the best piece of Buffy merchandise that you own? Have you been allowed to keep any cool stuff since you started working there?
I have been a huge "Buffy" fan since day one. I loved being surprised every week and I still do. I have an official "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" necklace that looks like this. I still wear it sometimes. Since working on the show, my favourite props that I was allowed to keep were the family pictures from around the house (the set house).

What's been your funniest moment so far?
Well, the most memorable moment on set for me so far has been my birthday. It was my 15th, and I got a huge cake and cards and presents and all that. Plus everyone had great birthday wishes for me!

In one of the new season episodes, there are two Xanders. What is it like working with Nicholas Brendon and his twin, Kelly? Can you tell them apart easily?
I actually never had a scene with Kelly, but when I saw both of them in passing, they looked very, very similar.

You've worked with Sarah Michelle Gellar before on All My Children. What is it like working with her again?
Working with Sarah is great! She is a wonderful person inside and out. I love watching her work. We have a lot of fun together!

Had you been in contact with Sarah regularly before you were cast as Dawn?
I had kept in touch with her through the years. I also watched her on "Buffy" and all of her many other projects.

Have you ever been to Australia? What three things come to mind when you hear the word Australia?
I have never been to Australia, but I truly want to. When I think of Australia, I think about Kangaroos, scenic views, and friendly people.

Do you prefer working on films or TV?
I love working on both. As long as I'm acting, I am very happy. I love what I'm doing more than anything and I hope to continue acting for the rest of my life.

What are your five favourite Buffy episodes and why?
1. Hush - this was the scariest episode in "Buffy's" history!
2. Helpless - I loved that even without powers Buffy is the true Slayer.
3. Restless - everyone's worst fears come alive - scary!
4. Halloween - I have always wanted to be a Victorian lady.
5. Bad Girls - seeing a different side of the Slayer was very fun!

Do you have a message for all our readers at big hit who are huge Buffy fans?
Thanks for watching. I promise we have many surprises in store for you yet!

Thanks for your time, Michelle, and good luck with the show!
Thank you!