Sarah Michelle Gellar, 44, and Jerry O’Connell, 47, once DATED after meeting in high school

They are both in long-lasting marriages with their respective partners. 

But before finding The One, Sarah Michelle Gellar and Jerry O’Connell once dated after meeting at high school, as they revealed on The Talk on Thursday. 

The Quinn Mallory star, 47, who serves as co-host on the CBS daytime program, admitted he didn’t talk to the actress, 43, at first because he was concerned about the three year age gap.

Spill the beans: The Quinn Mallory star, 47, admitted he didn't talk to the actress, 43, at first because he was concerned about the three year age gap

Former flame: Before finding The One, Sarah Michelle Gellar and Jerry O’Connell once dated after meeting at high school, as they revealed on The Talk on Thursday

Discussing how their personalities have changed since first meeting, Sarah said to Jerry: ‘I think you’re getting the more subdued, calmed down Jerry actually. 

‘You’re getting the more mature, fatherly Jerry, the lessons learned Jerry. I had the actual energetic Jerry.’ 

The actress, who has been married to Freddie Prinze Jr for almost 20 years, continued: ‘I should also tell you that the high school part has all gotten confused because I was a freshman and he was a senior. 

‘He never acknowledged me. It was only later that you would actually talk to me.’

Throwback: It is unclear when the pair actually began dating, but it is believed they became an item around 1998 as they attended the Emmy Awards show together (pictured)

Throwback: It is unclear when the pair actually began dating, but it is believed they became an item around 1998 as they attended the Emmy Awards show together (pictured) 

Real: The actress, who is married to Freddie Prinze Jr, said: 'I should also tell you that the high school part... He never acknowledged me. It was only later that you would actually talk to me'

Real: The actress, who is married to Freddie Prinze Jr, said: ‘I should also tell you that the high school part… He never acknowledged me. It was only later that you would actually talk to me’

Defending himself, The Talk presenter responded: ‘Listen, I was a senior. I didn’t want to come off as too much of a predator. I respected age differences and everything. 

‘By the way, this is not a filter. You have never seen me blush as much as I have on this show.’

Jerry tied the knot with actress Rebecca Romijn in 2007. He added: ‘You look beautiful. I’m so happy for you. I follow you on social media.’

It is unclear when the pair actually began dating, but it is believed they became an item around 1998 as they attended the Emmy Awards show together. 

Honest: Defending himself, The Talk presenter responded: 'Listen, I was a senior. I didn’t want to come off as too much of a predator. I respected age differences and everything'

Honest: Defending himself, The Talk presenter responded: ‘Listen, I was a senior. I didn’t want to come off as too much of a predator. I respected age differences and everything’

Relationship: Jerry tied the knot with actress Rebecca Romijn in 2007. He also said to Sarah: 'You look beautiful. I’m so happy for you. I follow you on social media'

Relationship: Jerry tied the knot with actress Rebecca Romijn in 2007. He also said to Sarah: ‘You look beautiful. I’m so happy for you. I follow you on social media’

Sarah was 21 at the time and starring in Buffy The Vampire Slayer while Jerry was 24 and an actor in the TV series Sliders.  

Jerry announced earlier in July that he would be the first full-time male co-host of The Talk.

For months there was speculation that the favourite guest star would join the table. 

And the actor wore a dark suit and white shirt on the chat show as he broke the news, while praising his co-stars Sheryl Underwood, Amanda Kloots and Elaine Welteroth.  

‘It’s fun, and it works, and we’re going to have a lot of fun,’ the star said. ‘It’s real exciting.’

'I'm in!' Jerry announced earlier in July that he would be the first full-time male co-host of The Talk

‘I’m in!’ Jerry announced earlier in July that he would be the first full-time male co-host of The Talk

Speaking to the panel of ladies, he added: ‘First of all, I want to say, you ladies have been so welcoming to me. I mean, I came here as a guest months ago, and just from the moment I walked in, you’re just gracious, you’re kind, you’re fun, and it worked.

‘And here we are. We’re going to have a lot of fun, we really are.’ 

In a statement, executive producers Heather Gray and Kristin Matthews said: ‘We are beyond thrilled Jerry O’Connell is our new host. 

‘We loved his infectious enthusiasm, humor, openness and insights as a guest co-host and look forward to him now bringing those dynamic qualities to the show every day. 

‘As an accomplished actor, devoted husband and father, Jerry will bring a unique and entertaining perspective to the conversation.’ 

A fave on the show: And the actor broke the news, while praising his co-stars Sheryl Underwood, Amanda Kloots and Elaine Welteroth

A fave on the show: And the actor broke the news, while praising his co-stars Sheryl Underwood, Amanda Kloots and Elaine Welteroth

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