Anya: There are no small parts....

[obcooke]

There are no small parts....

...OR that noise you hear is opportunity knocking.

According to a recent talk by Jane Esperson at Ball State University:

Another actress was selected to play Anya, but when she found out that the character was only going to be in two episodes, she decided that she didn't want to do it.

Emma was offered the role and she did such a good job...

...well, the rest is history.

Seems like there's an important life lesson in that story.

 

[markpud]

How often do you hear this tale in various places?

A good actor can make a role their own and the writing team will find a way to bring them back into it..

I'm sure most of you know Spike was supposed to die when the church organ fell on him half-way through season 2, and Angelus was to continue as the big bad for the season, but James Marsters had such a strong presence on-screen that he's still with us now in season 7....