Casting Director Shares How Gellar Won Iconic Soap Role

News Desk

Los Angeles: Veteran casting director Judy Blye Wilson has shared insights into how she cast a young Sarah Michelle Gellar as Kendall Hart — the daughter of soap opera icon Erica Kane, played by Susan Lucci — in the long-running daytime drama All My Children.

In an interview with TV Insider, published on October 16, Wilson recalled that Gellar, then just 16 years old, stood out among several actresses auditioning for the coveted role. “She was a young kid and had done a couple of little plays,” Wilson said. “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 phenomenal.”

Read More: https://thepenpk.com/saba-qamar-opens-up-about-emotional-toll-of-role/

Wilson explained that Kendall Hart was envisioned as a younger version of her mother, Erica Kane, created to mirror the same defiant energy that had defined Kane’s character for years. “That relationship was interesting between her and Susan, and they had great chemistry together,” she added.

Reflecting on Gellar’s breakout performance, Wilson noted how the young actress’s talent on All My Children paved the way for her later success in Hollywood. “Obviously, Sarah Michelle went on to do Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” Wilson quipped, acknowledging the enduring legacy of both the character and the actress who brought her to life.