Get Buffed: Sister Act by Dina Sansing

From Seventeen - August 2001

Michelle Trachtenberg was a huge Buffy the Vampire Slayer fan even before she joined the show last year as Buffy's sister, Dawn. Shortly after visiting her old friend Sarah Michelle Gellar on the set (they have been pals since their All My Children days), the 15-year old Trachtenberg was asked back--to audition for a role on the series. "Sarah was very supportive." says Trachtenberg. The Slayer may have lost her last season, but she gained a little sis.

What do you like most about playing Dawn?

She's The Key to the world. No pressure there! (laughs.) I like that she is similar to me. We're both very outgoing and she's not afraid to speak her mind. I also think it's great that Dawn loves school and she's cool.

Did knowing Sarah help make the relationship between Dawn and Buffy more real?

Definitely. We connected right away. Sarah has taken me under her wing. It's like we really are sisters.Which is your favorite episode?"The Body." That's the one in which our mom dies, It was very, very sad, but it was also beautiful and powerful. The cast tried not to take the story line to heart, but we really couldn't help it.

How would you describe Buffy to someone who has never seen it?

The show is about a girl who kicks butt! She has friends who aid her in fighting evil. And she loves and takes care of her family. Buffy's been through a lot, but she has a ton of confidence and determination.