Sarah Michelle Gellar Learned to Drive on Set of 'All My Children'

The actress took driving lessons outside the soap opera's studio during her time on the show from 1993 to 1995.

Feb. 19, 2026 at 4:15am

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Sarah Michelle Gellar revealed that she learned to drive while working on the soap opera 'All My Children' as a teenager. Gellar, who played the role of Kendall Hart from 1993 to 1995, said she took driving lessons outside the show's studio during that time period.

Why it matters

Gellar's experience learning to drive on the set of 'All My Children' provides a unique behind-the-scenes look at the life of a young actress working on a major television show. It also highlights how productions sometimes accommodate the personal needs of their cast members, even when those needs may be unusual.

The details

Gellar was 15 years old when she joined the cast of 'All My Children' in 1993. During her time on the show, which lasted until 1995, Gellar said she took driving lessons in the walkway outside the show's studio, even though she initially didn't want to learn how to drive since she grew up in New York City and was used to taking the subway. Gellar's mother insisted that she get her driver's license, leading Gellar to take those lessons on the 'All My Children' set.

  • Gellar appeared on 'All My Children' from February 1993 to July 1995.
  • Gellar was 15 years old when she joined the cast of 'All My Children'.

The players

Sarah Michelle Gellar

An American actress who is best known for her role as Buffy Summers on the television series 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer'.

Susan Lucci

An American actress who is best known for her role as Erica Kane on the soap opera 'All My Children'.

Kelly Ripa

An American actress and television host who played the role of Hayley Vaughan Santos on 'All My Children'.

Mark Consuelos

An American actor and television host who also appeared on 'All My Children'.

Judy Blye Wilson

A veteran casting director who was responsible for casting Gellar in the role of Kendall Hart on 'All My Children'.

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What they’re saying

“She was a young kid, and she had done a couple of little plays. We tested about four girls, and we tested them with Susan. And there was no question about it. Sarah Michelle was it, period. She really, really nailed that role and continued to do so. She was really phenomenal.”

— Judy Blye Wilson, Veteran casting director (TV Insider)

“I didn't want to learn how to drive. I was like 'I'm never leaving New York City, I'll take the subway...' My mom was like, 'You have to get your license.'”

— Sarah Michelle Gellar (Live With Kelly and Mark)

“I took my driving lesson right outside on the old walkway outside the old studio. And it was so embarrassing. Because, like, I'm trying to be a professional, have an adult job and then my lame driver's car comes with the dual brakes.”

— Sarah Michelle Gellar (Live With Kelly and Mark)

The takeaway

Gellar's experience learning to drive on the set of 'All My Children' as a teenager highlights the unique behind-the-scenes challenges and accommodations that can come with being a young actor working on a major television production.