Alyson Hannigan 1989, her first regular role on a TV series came when she was cast in the short-lived ABC sitcom "Free Spirit". As a teenager, Hannigan babysat for the children of her future "How I Met Your Mother" costar, Bob Saget. In 1997, Hannigan was cast to play Willow Rosenberg, Buffy Summers' best friend, on the television series "Buffy the Vampire Slayer". The show became a success, and Hannigan gained recognition, subsequently appearing in several films aimed at teenaged audiences, including "American Pie" (1999), "Boys and Girls" (2000), "American Pie 2" (2001), and "American Wedding" (2003). She also had a guest
Undeveloped Buffy the Vampire Slayer spinoffs in the series "Tru Calling". Ideas intended for the spin-off were later borrowed in small part by Brian K. Vaughan for his "No Future for You" arc in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Eight". "Ripper" was originally a proposed television show based upon the character of Rupert Giles from "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" (created by Joss Whedon). More recent information has suggested that if "Ripper" were ever made it would be a TV-movie or a DVD-movie. Giles, played by British actor Anthony Stewart Head, was nicknamed 'Ripper' while he was dabbling in the occult during his rebellious youth. Whedon said