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Sarah Michelle Gellar: Why I quit ''Buffy'' | mar72003_699_lg

ENTERTAINMENT WEEEKLY: Why now? Why is this the right time?
SARAH MICHELLE GELLAR I hope it is the right time. This is so weird. This is like the first time I've really said it. Joss and I always [said] from the beginning, as long as we can give 140 percent, we'd always be doing it.

You always worry about being the show that's been on too long -- especially when you're a cult hit. Last year, a lot of people were ready to tear us down. [So when] we started to have such a strong year this year, I thought, ''This is how I want to go out -- on top, at our best.'' I was 18 when I started the show; I'm 26. I'm married. I never see my husband. This has been the longest span of my life in one place. There've been times where that's been difficult -- you want to pick up and go, try other things, live in different places. It feels right, and you have to listen to that. The show, as we know it, is over.

Why do you say ''as we know it''?
I know they are planning a spin-off, and I would love to come back [for some episodes] -- assuming, of course, that they don't kill [Buffy]. The moment I say all this, I'm going to get the last script and go, ''Oh, my God!'' Look, this is so scary. I love this job, I love the fans. I love telling the stories we tell. This isn't about leaving for a career in movies, or in theater -- it's more of a personal decision. I need a rest. Teachers get sabbaticals. Actors don't.


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