IN CONVERSATION WITH ALYSON HANNIGAN
interview by JANA LETONJA
Alyson Hannigan has been a beloved presence on screen for decades, evolving from a child performer to one of television’s most recognizable and enduring stars. Best known for her iconic roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, How I Met Your Mother, and the American Pie franchise, she has built a career defined by sharp comedic timing and emotional authenticity. In recent years, she has expanded into hosting, voice work, and reality television — charming audiences on Dancing with the Stars and leading shows like Penn & Teller: Fool Us and Food Network’s competition series. Now, she returns to the big screen in the Angel Studios film Solo Mio, which premiered theatrically in February. With a career spanning film, television, and family entertainment, Alyson continues to balance reinvention with the warmth that first made her a fan favorite.
Solo Mio marks your latest film release. What drew you to the role of Meghan?
I loved how absurd she was. I also knew the filmmakers were going to let us really play and have fun, which is always such a great process as an actor. You get to add things and discover the character along the way.
As we developed Meghan, I really leaned into how silly and outrageous she is — this over-the-top American tourist. Kim and I even decided our characters probably lived in Vegas, but we’re the kind of locals who actually go to the Strip every day. We wanted them to be the most extreme version of the tourists you hope you don’t get stuck on a tour with. It was really fun.
What excites you most about taking on new roles today?
I really just want to have a great experience. Once I became a mom, everything changed. My family is my main priority now, so I choose projects that work around that, things that won’t take me away from them for too long or that fit around the school year.
My priorities shifted completely after becoming a mom, and I’m totally fine with that. Maybe I could have done more career-wise, but I don’t regret it at all. This is the best part of my life, and I’m happy putting my family first.
trench and pants 3.1 PHILLIP LIM
shirt THE ATTICO
belt CHRISTIAN DIOR
shoes SIMONE ROCHA
Looking back, how did Buffy the Vampire Slayer shape your career and your sense of storytelling?
It was truly the greatest gift of a job, especially at that time in my life. I had worked as a kid, but nothing at that level. In many ways, Buffy the Vampire Slayer was like my college education in acting. The writing was phenomenal.
It was also incredibly demanding, long hours, night shoots, all of it. Thank goodness I was young, because I definitely couldn’t do that schedule today. But being given those storylines and that character was amazing, and it really spoiled me when it comes to great writing.
trench and pants 3.1 PHILLIP LIM
black shirt THE ATTICO
shoes EMPORIO ARMANI
The American Pie franchise defined an era of comedy. What are your favorite memories from that time?
It was such a wonderful group of people, and we really were kids at the time. On the first film, I actually only worked seven days. It was a tiny independent movie, and no one had any idea it would become such a huge hit.
I remember the first day we shot the classroom scene with Jason. I was already so deep into Michelle’s voice and cadence that by lunchtime some crew members were talking to me like the character. I thought it was so funny. By the end of the day, I’m sure they were hearing that speech pattern in their heads nonstop. But I guess that was a sign of what was to come, because Michelle definitely made an impression on people.
Hosting shows like Penn & Teller: Fool Us and Food Network competitions brought a different energy. What did you enjoy about stepping into that role?
I really enjoyed getting to just be myself. With the Food Network shows, the creativity of the contestants was incredibly inspiring. Watching what they came up with was amazing.
And with Fool Us, the magicians are incredible, but what was really special was seeing them perform in front of their idols. Watching someone’s dream come true like that was really cool. Overall, it’s just fun to show up and get to be me.
white shirt RÓHE
jacket CELINE
jeans LEVI’S
chain necklace DAVID YURMAN
gold rings BOTTEGA VENETA
watch HUBLOT
belt SAINT LAURENT
Competing on Dancing with the Stars revealed a new side of you. What did that experience teach you?
It was one of the most incredible experiences of my life, physically and emotionally. I went into it convinced I couldn’t dance. I never imagined I would ever do that show, but my daughter really wanted me to, so I couldn’t say no.
It ended up being life-changing. I gained a lot of confidence about trying things that are new and uncomfortable. I knew I’d never be the best dancer, but I could bring a positive attitude and work really hard. That lesson has stayed with me, it’s okay to try things you’re not naturally great at. The experience itself is what matters.
How had was the physical part of learning all these choreographies?
It was really interesting because I had to learn how to learn something new. Choreography is such a different skill.
Eventually, I realized I could treat it like a script. I started writing everything down. Right foot here on six, left foot there on seven. Once I approached it that way, like blocking but musical, it clicked for me and helped me remember everything much faster.
suit JIL SANDER
earrings BOTTEGA VENETA
shoes MIU MIU
Having started in commercials at age four, how has growing up in the industry shaped you personally?
I don’t really know any differently, but I think it gave me perspective. I experienced little successes, then quiet periods, then bigger opportunities again.
That taught me how unpredictable the industry is. Sometimes amazing work doesn’t succeed, and sometimes unexpected things become huge hits. There’s no clear formula. So you learn to appreciate the good moments and focus on enjoying the process.
pants 3.1 PHILLIP LIM
white shirt TOVE
black gloves SAINT LAURENT STYLISTS OWN
shoes EMPORIO ARMANI
watch HUBLOT
What has been the biggest challenge in sustaining a long-term career in Hollywood?
I feel very fortunate because I had great successes early on, starting with Buffy the Vampire Slayer. That gave me a sense of security and confidence in my work.
Around the same time, I became a mother, and that shifted my focus completely. My ambition changed direction, so it’s really been a combination of feeling secure in the work I’ve done and choosing to focus on what matters most to me.
What kind of stories feel most meaningful to you right now?
I love being inspired by great storytelling. Recently my daughter and I saw Hamnet, and we spent the entire walk home talking about how incredible it was.
My oldest daughter is a big film buff, so watching movies with her is really fun. She convinced me to watch Sinners, even though I usually avoid gory films, and she was absolutely right, it was amazing. Sharing those experiences together is really special.
How do you balance family life with a busy career?
It really comes down to prioritizing what matters most. For me, that’s my family.
Sometimes a script will come in, but if the dates conflict with something important, like a birthday or a college tour with my daughter, I already know what I’m choosing. Those moments are precious, and you don’t get them back.
My youngest is thirteen and already counting down the years until college, which I’m not ready to think about yet. But it’s a reminder that this time goes by quickly.
suit and shoes EMPORIO ARMANI
white shirt HELMUT LANG
black tie CALVIN KLEIN
trench coat 3.1 PHILLIP LIM
Besides acting, you’re also very into craft. Tell us more about this passion of yours, and what inspires it.
I actually picked up knitting on the set of Buffy the Vampire Slayer during a three-o’clock-in-the-morning night shoot. I realized I needed a hobby besides eating craft services.
I went to a yarn store, learned the basics, bought the biggest knitting needles I could find, and made a giant scarf in one night. At first, the cast teased me for being like a grandma, but two episodes later everyone was crafting with me. We had a little knitting circle during night shoots.
Since then I’ve tried all kinds of crafts. Some stick, some don’t, but I just love making things. Recently I started sharing crafting content on social media, which has been really fun. Now my algorithm is full of craft videos and cute animals. It’s perfect.
What would you still love to explore creatively that you haven’t yet done?
I love watching incredible films by amazing filmmakers and of course it makes you think, “I’d love to do something like that.”
But right now, I’m also really content being close to my family. My dream project would honestly be something like a crafting talk show, a fun mix of creativity and conversation. Maybe something like Martha Stewart meets Ellen. That would be a blast.
suit 3.1 PHILLIP LIM
shoes MIU MIU
watch HUBLOT
TEAM CREDITS
talent ALYSON HANNIGAN
photographer TYLER PATRICK KENNY
stylist ANNA KATSANIS AT WALTER SCHUPFER MANAGEMENT
makeup STEPHEN SOLLITTO AT TMG LA
hair GREGG LENNON JR AT THE ONLY AGENCY
producer JAY SIVAYAVIROJNA
styling assistant NATALIA FORSEY
studio DREAM FACTORY
studio host EVAN DUNING
interior furniture MAX RUDOLF VON STRASSER
editor TIMI LETONJA
interview JANA LETONJA
cover design ARTHUR ROELOFFZEN
