Michelle Trachtenberg, a beloved actress known for her iconic roles in “Gossip Girl” and “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” has passed away at the age of 39. Her death was confirmed by her representatives, who stated that the family requests privacy during this difficult time.
Shw was found unresponsive in her New York City apartment by her mother on February 26, 2025. Authorities have confirmed that her death is not being treated as suspicious.
According to reports, Trachtenberg may have recently undergone a liver transplant and could have been experiencing complications; the exact cause of death remains under investigation.
Trachtenberg began her career at the tender age of three, appearing in commercials and Nickelodeon shows like “The Adventures of Pete and Pete.” She gained widespread recognition for her breakout role as the titular character in the 1996 film “Harriet the Spy.”
Her portrayal of Dawn Summers in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Georgina Sparks in “Gossip Girl” further solidified her place in the entertainment industry.
In recent years. Trachtenberg reprised her role as Georgina Sparks in the HBO Max reboot of “Gossip Girl” in 2023. Her final significant project was hosting the true crime series “Meet, Marry, Murder” in 2021.
Following her passing, tributes poured in from co-stars and friends. Blake Lively shared a heartfelt tribute, while Ed Westwick and Kim Cattrall also expressed their condolences on social media.
Trachtenberg’s “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” co-star James Masters shared a photo with the actress to tribute her. He said, “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.”
He added, “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.”
Blake Lively who shared a screen alongside in “Gossip Girl,” shared a heartfelt tribute on her Instagram “Everything she did was 200%.
She laughed the fullest at someone’s joke, she faced authority head-on when she felt something was wrong, she cared deeply about her work, she was proud to be a part of this community and industry, as painful as it could be sometimes, she was fiercely loyal to her friends and brave for those she loved, she was big and bold and distinctly herself.”
She also wrote, “She was a kind person, through and through. The world lost a deeply sensitive and good person in Michelle. May her work and her huge heart be remembered by those who were lucky enough to experience her fire.”
Rosie O’Donnell, who worked with Trachtenberg on “Harriet the Spy,” expressed her sadness, “Heartbreaking. I loved her very much; she struggled the last few years. I wish I could have helped.”
Michelle Trachtenberg leaves behind a legacy of memorable performances and a devoted fan base. Her contributions to popular culture through her roles will continue to be cherished by audiences worldwide.