Sarah Michelle Gellar opens up about what has helped her 23-year marriage to Freddie Prinze Jr. last, sharing that privacy, effort, and a simple household rule have played a big part in their life together. In a new interview with People, Gellar spoke candidly about protecting her family life, growing with her husband over time, and why she believes long-term relationships require steady work rather than easy replacement.
Sarah Michelle Gellar’s marriage to Freddie Prinze Jr.
In the new People cover story, Gellar reflected on the balance between her public image and her private world with Prinze. “I always say I’m two people: I’m Sarah Michelle Gellar and I’m Sarah Prinze,” the 48-year-old actress said. “They’re different people.”She explained that the version of herself at home is far more private. “A quieter life and a private life,” she said. “And we’re allowed to live in that. And our fans have been so respectful of that.” Gellar and Prinze, 50, have been together since 2000 after meeting on the set of ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer.’ They married in September 2002 and share two children, daughter Charlotte, 16, and son Rocky, 13.
Sarah Michelle Gellar’s relationship advice and family life
Gellar also shared the line she jokes is the real secret to a lasting marriage. “One bedroom, two bathrooms.” She added, “You don’t have to be so fancy that there’s two bathrooms in your bedroom! There just has to be another bathroom available.” Access to that, she said, “stops a lot of petty fighting.”Her comments match what Prinze said in a July 2025 interview with Variety while promoting the ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ sequel. He said the couple continues to “work at” their marriage. “I’m not perfect. She’s not perfect. We piss each other off, but we respect one another,” he said. “We were friends first. Maybe that’s the secret?”Gellar told People that commitment matters in every close bond. “You have to be willing to work. And that goes for relationships, friendships, anything. You have to put the work in.”She also said modern life can make people too quick to move on. “I do feel like we live in this very disposable society,” she said. Professionally, Gellar has a full 2026 ahead with Netflix’s ‘Star Search’ and ‘Ready or Not 2: Here I Come.’ The actor is balancing a busy slate while continuing to prioritize family life.