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Gossip Girl, Buffy star Michelle Trachtenberg passes away at 39

Gossip Girl, Buffy star Michelle Trachtenberg passes away at 39

New York Police found the actor unconscious and unresponsive in her Manhattan apartment but do not suspect foul play.
27 Feb, 2025

Michelle Trachtenberg, the actor known for roles in series including Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl, has died, according to US media outlets. She was 39 years old.

Police said officers responded to an emergency call just after 8:00 am local time on Wednesday, The New York Times said, where they found her in her Manhattan apartment unconscious and unresponsive.

Emergency medical workers pronounced her dead without giving a cause. Police said foul play was not suspected.

Citing anonymous sources, ABC News reported that the actor recently underwent a liver transplant, and was perhaps experiencing complications.

New York native Trachtenberg began her career as a child star, with roles including the titular character in the 1996 film Harriet The Spy, which she played alongside Rosie O’Donnell.

She also had credits on the Nickelodeon kids network, including on the television series The Adventure of Pete & Pete.

Her big break came on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” where she played Dawn, the younger sister of Sarah Michelle Gellar’s leading character.

She acted on that show from 2000 to 2003.

Trachtenberg later starred as the socialite villain Georgina Sparks on the hit show Gossip Girl from 2008 to 2012, with co-stars including Blake Lively, Penn Badgley and Leighton Meester.

Her other film roles included EuroTrip, 17 Again and The Scribbler.

Trachtenberg made a number of cameos on television shows including Weeds and Mercy, appearing in the Gossip Girl reboot in 2022, what’s listed as her final acting credit.

Co-stars offer condolences

Condolences poured in from Trachtenberg’s co-stars, including Gossip Girl actors Blake Lively, Taylor Momsen and Ed Westwick.

Lively said Trachtenberg was “pure electricity”, adding that the vibrations changed when she entered a room.

“Everything she did, she did 200% […] May her work and her huge heart be remembered by those who were lucky enough to experience her fire.”

Momsen, in an Instagram post, said she was “in shock” over Trachtenberg’s passing.

“When I met this girl 17 years ago I knew we’d be friends […] I’ll miss our late night calls that no one should ever hear but us. She was always in my corner and there to support me whether I was right or wrong. I will miss you every day, my love.”

Westwick posted a picture of Trachtenberg to his Instagram story and said he was sad to hear of her passing. “Sending prayers,” the actor added.

David Boreanaz, her Buffy the Vampire Slayer co-star said, “So very sad… horrible news. RIP and prayers to her and her family.”

Actor Melissa Joan Hart, who starred with Trachtenberg in Clarissa Explains it All, posted a clip from the show and said she was heartbroken to hear the news.

“So young, so talented and so sweet! Here is a fun scene from when she was on Clarissa Explains it All. I think this was about 1992 and the episode was an idea I had about babysitting a total nightmare. But Michelle was nothing like her character and even this young, we got along wonderfully.”

Kim Cattrall, who was in Ice Princess with the late actor, took to X and said the news was heartbreaking.

“So talented, much too young. RIP sweet beauty.”

Comments

Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad Feb 27, 2025 02:33pm
Gruesome tragedy. Inna Lilla Hay Waa Inna Illehey Rajayoon.
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Taj Ahmad Feb 27, 2025 03:34pm
So sad and heartbreaking, RIP.
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js Feb 27, 2025 11:17pm
RIP Michelle! I grew up watching her in The Adventures of Pete & Pete, Harriet the Spy and Figurre It Out, and Ice Princess was my favourite sports movie. She was ethereal in it.
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