Charisma Carpenter Reflects on ‘Buffy’ and ‘Angel’ in Recent Podcast: Fans Would Have Gone “Cuckoo Bananas”

Actress Charisma Carpenter, best known for her role as Cordelia Chase in the iconic TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer and its spin-off, Angel, sat down for a revealing conversation on the RE-VAMPED with Juliet Landau podcast on March 27. During the episode, Carpenter shared her thoughts on the transformative impact social media would have had on her shows, discussed her favorite couple from the Buffyverse, and offered a glimpse into her experiences as a young actress navigating Hollywood.

The Power of Fandom in the Age of Social Media

Charisma Carpenter reflected on the enthusiasm of fans during the original run of Buffy and Angel and speculated how the shows would have fared had they aired in the current era of social media. She stated:

• “Back in the day when I was on Buffy, there wasn’t social media, but there were message boards and conventions.”
• Carpenter believes that the intense fan engagement would have been “cuckoo bananas” with platforms like Twitter and Instagram in play.
• She reminisced about the strong fan responses she witnessed through early internet forums, anticipating even broader support if social media had existed.

The Strength of Fandoms

During the podcast, Carpenter expressed her appreciation for the community built around the shows, saying the conversations happening on message boards and at conventions provided a strong connection between the audience and the cast. She pointed out that:

• Fandoms had a genuine impact on the shows’ narratives and character developments.
• Even without social media, the dedicated fan base contributed significantly to the lifespan of both Buffy and Angel.

Beloved Characters and Unlikely Couples

Turning the conversation towards romantic pairings within the Buffyverse, Carpenter revealed her ultimate favorite couple:

• Angel and Cordelia: Carpenter expressed her affection for this pairing but added that she felt Cordelia, in her essence, was a “solo lady” and didn’t necessarily need to end up with anyone.
• Carpenter portrayed Cordelia Chase in Buffy from 1997 to 1999 and as a series regular on Angel from 1999 to 2003.

In her own words, Carpenter said, “My favorite couple is obviously Angel and Cordelia. However, I don’t think Cordelia should have ended up with anyone. I feel like she was kind of a solo lady.”

Memorable Moments from the Set

Carpenter delved into her favorite scene from Angel, recounting a memorable moment when her character evolved into a higher being:

• Carpenter vividly described being strapped into a harness and lifted hundreds of feet into the air during a shoot.
• This scene took place on an L.A. freeway at dawn, a testament to the unique filming conditions the series often embraced.

Lessons from a Career in Acting

Throughout her podcast appearance, Carpenter reflected on her journey in the entertainment industry, offering advice she would give her younger self:

• She emphasized the importance of having a “plan B” due to the unpredictable nature of acting careers.
• Carpenter noted that her career has spanned a period perceived as the “golden era” of television, where contracts for actors were more favorable than in today’s landscape.

In her closing thoughts, she stated, “Always have a backup plan would probably be the number one thing.”

Moving Forward in a Changing Industry

Carpenter also touched on the evolution of the industry and how it affects aspiring actors today. She shared insights that both seasoned and upcoming actors might find valuable:

• Many high-profile stars do not live the idealized Hollywood lifestyle that’s often portrayed in media.
• The industry is constantly evolving, leading to tougher contracts and fluctuating opportunities for actors.

As Carpenter put it, “People are really surprised to hear that these big, big movie stars and TV stars that are splashed on all the magazines are really not living that quintessential Hollywood life.”

Conclusion

Charisma Carpenter’s recent podcast appearance provided fans with a nostalgic yet insightful look into the world of Buffy and Angel. Her reflections not only highlighted the intense fandom surrounding the shows but also offered valuable perspectives on the realities of a career in acting. As she looks back on her experiences, Carpenter remains a steadfast advocate for aspiring actors, reminding them of the importance of adaptability and resilience in an ever-changing industry.

Keywords

• Charisma Carpenter
• Buffy the Vampire Slayer
• Angel
• RE-VAMPED Podcast
• Hollywood Insights
• Fandom Culture
• Acting Career Advice
• Favorite Buffyverse Couple

Hashtags

• #CharismaCarpenter
• #BuffyTheVampireSlayer
• #Angel
• #RE_VAMPED
• #Fandom
• #ActingAdvice

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