Michelle Trachtenberg, the actor whose notable projects like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Gossip Girl, Ice Princess, and Harriet the Spy defined both the childhood and teenage years of millennial audiences, has died at the age of 39, multiple sources report. No cause of death has been determined, though police do not suspect it was criminal. The New York Post reports that Trachtenberg had recently undergone a liver transplant. She responded to fan concerns about her appearance on Instagram last year, saying she was “happy and healthy.”
Born in New York City in 1985, Trachtenberg began acting in commercials at just three years old and made her TV debut on Nickelodeon’s The Adventures of Pete & Pete by the time she was nine. She kept working throughout her childhood, appearing in several series (including the soap All My Children), and landed her first film role with 1996’s Harriet the Spy alongside Rosie O’Donnell.
By her early twenties, Trachtenberg was a pop culture staple, appearing in 2004’s EuroTrip, Weeds, Six Feet Under, and as Georgina Sparks on the CW’s original Gossip Girl, from 2007-2012. She also starred on Buffy the Vampire Slayer for three years, playing Dawn Summers, the younger sister of the titular Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar). She has recently reprised her role as Georgina on Max’s Gossip Girl reboot.
Friends and former costars of Trachtenberg shared their remembrances.
In a statement to Us Weekly, O’Donnell called the news “heartbreaking,” adding, “I loved her very much. She struggled the last few years. I wish I could have helped.”
Michelle Trachtenberg and Rosie O’Donnell in Harriet the Spy
Paramount/Kobal/Shutterstock
Blake Lively shared a photo from the day she met Trachtenberg on the set of Gossip Girl, writing, “This is the first day I met Michelle. She was electricity. You knew when she entered a room because the vibration changed. Everything she did, she did 200%…Hold those you love and have loved dear.”
Fellow ’90s child star Mara Wilson shared a photo of Trachtenberg on her Instagram stories, writing, “My heart is breaking for my childhood friend. Your memory will be a blessing, Michelle.”
Kim Cattrall, who starred in the 2005 Disney movie Ice Princess with Trachtenberg, shared a photo of the pair on set on Instagram, writing, “Rest in peace sweet Michelle.”
Trachtenberg’s Gossip Girl co-star Chace Crawford penned a tribute on Instagram, writing, “Michelle was one of a kind. I remember her coming on set for the first time and just absolutely owning it. She was a force of nature and just so so unapologetically funny and magnetic.”
On Instagram, SNL’s Kenan Thompson shared a clip of Trachtenberg from Nickelodeon and a photo of the two, writing, “Our first Nick movie star has departed us!! She was my friend and now she rests!! 🙏🏾 Check on your people!!!”
Melissa Joan Hart shared a clip of a very young Trachtenberg acting with on her sitcom Clarissa Explains It All. “I think this was about 1992 and the episode was an idea I had about babysitting a total nightmare,” Hart wrote. “But Michelle was nothing like her character and even this young, we got along wonderfully.”
Glee star Chris Colfer remembered Trachtenberg, writing on Instagram, “Michelle was the absolute sweetest and one of the most supportive people I knew. I’m so lucky I got to be her friend.”
Buffy star Emma Caulfield wrote on Instagram, “I’m so sorry your bright light died so young. Our Buffy family lost a little sister today. Rest in peace, lovely Mish Mish. You were loved.”
David Boreanaz, who played Angel on Buffy the Vampire Slayer (and the Buffy spinoff, Angel), wrote on his Instagram story: “So very sad… horrible news. R.I.P. and prayers to her and her family.”
James Marsters, who also starred with Trachtenberg on Buffy as the vampire Spike, shared a statement with People saying, “My heart is heavy today. We have lost a beautiful soul. Michelle was fiercely intelligent, howlingly funny and a very talented person. She died much too young, and leaves behind scores of people who knew and loved her. My heart goes out to her family, who are good people and are suffering the greatest loss anyone could bear. I hope everyone can give them space to heal in this most difficult time. Godspeed Michelle. You are missed.”
Gossip Girl creators John Schwartz and Stephanie Savage shared a statement to NBC News saying, “We are deeply saddened by the news of Michelle’s passing. Michelle was so funny, kind, and talented. Her portrayal of Georgina Sparks was an iconic fan favorite, and grew from a one season villain to a beloved character who returned over the course of six seasons. She was a delight to have on set and will be deeply missed. Our thoughts are with her family.”
This article was originally published on
