Sister Act! by Steve Gidlow

TV Hits - May 2001

It's not difficult for Sarah Michelle Gellar and Michelle Trachtenberg to act like sisters on Buffy - because they're seriously sisterly in real life too!

So you're the Slayer's little sister, but also the key. What exactly do you unlock?
Dawn is the key to the world. Exactly what that means, I can't tell you because I don't know yet. But basically she's, like, the key to the survival of mankind.

Is it cool to be the centre of everything on the show this year?
It's really great! Dawns brings more edge to the show because everyone has this new mission - they have to protect me. Dawn is this awesome twist to Buffy's roller-coaster storyline. I'm really excited to be a part of it!

Are you having fun?
It's been wonderful, and a little crazy! I'm just happy that I can actually talk about my character now, because I had to keep it a secret for so long! The producers used to say to me, "Hey missy, now don't you go talking about anything to anybody, all right?"

You're the youngest one on the set, do you find that everyone wants to look out for you?
Yeah, they're all like my family! I have a big sister of my own, but Sarah is like my big sister on the set. I've known her for seven years, since we worked on All My Children together, and Sarah's such a great girl. She always makes sure I do all my homework!
The whole cast is supportive. Marc (Blucas) always offers me help with geometry and Alyson (Hannigan) will come to me and say, "Hey, if you ever need a hand with any cool history stuff, just let me know!"

So you can relate to playing the role of a little sister...
When I was younger, I was the annoying kid sister who was always trying to hang around with my sister and her friends. I'd even pick up the phone and listen in while she was talking to guys. She'd yell at me, "Get out and stop listening to my conversations!" I don't think it helps if you laugh when you're listening in. I think that might have given me away!

Is it hard to be working while keeping up with your school work?
I have a teacher on the set who is with me all the time, and so is my mum. They make sure I do my work. I think an education is so important. Although acting is what I want to do for the rest of my life, I do want something to fall back on.

Do you think Dawn is an accepted member of the Scooby gang now?
The fans' response has been great! They love Dawn, they think she's good. In the first two episodes they were like, "Who is this Dawn person and where did she come from? But Dawn has been coming for ages, she was mentioned in the season finales for both season three and four!

Do you think Dawn will ever get a chance to tell Xander how much she really like him?
Crushes are harmless! I think Xander is a bit older than Dawn and to get him she'd have to deal with the whole Anya thing. I don't think Dawn would want to get on the wrong side of an ex-demon!

Did Sarah help you get the part because she'd known you for such a long time?
Yeah, she thought I'd be the best candidate for Dawn! She is such a wonderful person and she totally thought I'd be able to do great things with Dawn.

Do you know Sarah's boyfriend Freddie Prinze Jr?
Yeah, sometimes Freddie comes to visit the set. He was there for my 15th birthday last October. Everyone bought me a big cake, flowers, balloons and a whole bunch of presents. They've also taken me bowling before, and when I turn 16, Freddie has promised that he will teach me how to drive!