On Tuesday evening, Sarah Michelle Gellar made a stunning appearance at the premiere of Netflix's highly anticipated Star Search reboot, an event that was reportedly marred by audio and production difficulties. The Daytime Emmy-winning actress effortlessly defied her 48 years as she posed for photographs at the CBS Studio Center in Studio City, California.
Stylish Arrival and Fashion Choices
Gellar looked remarkably leggy and radiant in a silver-sequin asymmetric mini-dress designed by Rin by Chung Thanh Phong, paired perfectly with matching Aleví Milano heels. Her glamorous look was expertly curated by stylist Tara Swennen, with hairstylist Sara Seward and make-up artist Kindra Mann completing her polished premiere appearance.
Thoughts on Aging and Cosmetic Procedures
The Long Island-born scream queen, who has recently expressed frustration about being "constantly compared to my younger self," opened up about her approach to aging in the spotlight. "I certainly don't want to cut up my face if I don't have to," Gellar stated emphatically during a recent interview with People magazine.
She elaborated further on the pressures facing women in Hollywood, revealing: "I'm seeing younger and younger girls get facelifts. And then, I'm not going to lie, there are times where I start questioning, 'Should I be doing that?'"
Gellar maintains a balanced perspective on cosmetic enhancements, admitting: "Do I have Botox? Yeah, of course I do, but I can still move my face. So, it's about aging with grace. I like to smile. I like to laugh, my laugh lines are earned."
Return to Star Search as Judge
The Buffy the Vampire Slayer alum has taken on a significant role as a judge for the live five-week Star Search event, hosted by Anthony Anderson. She joins fellow judges Chrissy Teigen and Jelly Roll in evaluating up-and-coming performers across various categories. This marks a full-circle moment for Gellar, who auditioned for the original Star Search program hosted by Ed McMahon that aired from 1983 to 1995, though she "did not make it on" at that time.
Family Support and Backstage Moments
Despite feeling "incredibly nervous" about her judging responsibilities, Gellar found comfort in her family's presence. She shared a heartwarming Instagram video of herself embracing her husband of 23 years, Freddie Prinze Jr., backstage after the show. The I Know What You Did Last Summer co-stars were accompanied by their children, 16-year-old daughter Charlotte and 13-year-old son Rocky, who offered their honest opinions on her judging performance.
"Well my daughter was a little upset with some of my decisions," Gellar confessed to Entertainment Tonight. "But my husband said I did very well and my son said I did a very good job which, from him, is huge."
Second Night Style and Future Projects
For the second night of Star Search on Wednesday, Gellar opted for a sophisticated black glittery pantsuit with matching peep-toe heels, accessorised with long earrings and a chic updo hairstyle. Looking ahead, the Golden Globe nominee will next portray Ursula Danforth in Tyler Gillett and Matt Bettinelli-Olpin's action-horror comedy Ready or Not 2: Here I Come, scheduled for release in US theaters on March 27 and UK theaters on April 10.
The Searchlight Pictures sequel also features Samara Weaving, Kathryn Newton, Elijah Wood and David Cronenberg in its cast. Beyond her acting and judging commitments, Gellar - who boasts an impressive 4.9 million Instagram followers - has established herself as an influential figure with paid partnerships for prominent brands including OLAY, Campari and Dunkin.
Star Search's Legacy and Impact
The Star Search franchise holds significant cultural importance, having famously helped launch the careers of numerous future superstars including Beyoncé, Adam Sandler, Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Dave Chappelle and Christina Aguilera during its original run. Netflix's reboot aims to continue this tradition of discovering fresh talent while introducing a new generation of performers to a global audience.
