Born on March 24, 1974, in Washington, D.C., Alyson Hannigan moved to Hollywood at age 11 to pursue a professional acting career. After appearing in commercials during her childhood, she secured her first major film role in the 1988 science-fiction comedy My Stepmother Is an Alien before gaining widespread prominence through sustained roles in television and film.
Television Breakthroughs
Hannigan gained significant recognition for her role as Willow Rosenberg in the supernatural drama Buffy the Vampire Slayer. She appeared in every episode of the series from 1997 to 2003, winning a Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress on Television and a Teen Choice Award. Her television work continued with a primary role as Lily Aldrin in the sitcom How I Met Your Mother, which aired from 2005 until 2014. This performance resulted in two People's Choice Awards.
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In 1999, Hannigan began portraying Michelle Flaherty in the American Pie film series. She appeared in every entry of the franchise from 1999 to 2012, including American Reunion. Beyond this series, she starred in the 2006 parody film Date Movie, the 2018 slasher film You Might Be the Killer, and the 2021 superhero film Flora & Ulysses. She also held a role in the 2026 romantic comedy Solo Mio.
Hosting and Other Roles
Hannigan expanded her career into presenting and voice acting. She served as the host of Penn & Teller: Fool Us from 2016 to 2023. Additionally, she provided the voice for Claire Clancy in the Disney Junior series Fancy Nancy between 2018 and 2022. In 2023, she participated as a contestant on season 32 of Dancing with the Stars, where she reached the finals and finished in fifth place.
Education and Personal Life
Hannigan attended North Hollywood High School, graduating in 1992, and later earned a degree in psychology from California State University, Northridge, where she was a member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority. She married actor Alexis Denisof on October 11, 2003, at the Two Bunch Palms Resort in Desert Hot Springs, California. The couple resides in Encino, Los Angeles, and Hannigan follows the Jewish faith.
Fast facts
- Born: 24 March 1974, Washington, D.C.
- Education: North Hollywood High School (1992); California State University, Northridge
- Spouse: Alexis Denisof
- Television breakout: Willow Rosenberg in Buffy the Vampire Slayer
- Notable sitcom role: Lily Aldrin in How I Met Your Mother
- Hosting tenure: Penn & Teller: Fool Us (2016–2023)
- Dancing with the Stars finish: Fifth place (Season 32)
- Religion: Judaism
Questions readers ask
What degree does Alyson Hannigan hold?
She earned a degree in psychology from California State University, Northridge.
Did Alyson Hannigan appear in every American Pie film?
Yes, she played the character Michelle Flaherty in every film in the series from 1999 to 2012.
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