Michelle Trachtenberg, an actor known for her roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Harriet the Spy, died at the age of 39.
Police sources confirmed her death to ABC News and the New York Post. The cause of death has yet to be determined, with police stating on Wednesday that the New York Medical Examiner was investigating but that no foul play was suspected. Trachtenberg recently had a liver transplant, according to sources.
According to ABC, the actor’s mother found her in a New York apartment.
Trachtenberg was a child actor who began her career in commercials at the age of three before appearing on Nickelodeon’s The Adventures of Pete & Pete and the soap opera All My Children.
She later landed her first lead film role in the comedy adventure Harriet the Spy, alongside Rosie O’Donnell and J Smith-Cameron. Trachtenberg later stated that the shoot began on her tenth birthday. “There was a lot required of me,” she stated in 2021. “I’m extremely grateful for the experience.”
J. Smith-Cameron described her as “a very charming little girl”. “She was always very friendly toward me. “I am shocked and disturbed to learn of her death,” she added.
Trachtenberg followed the film with a role in Inspector Gadget, alongside Matthew Broderick.
Trachtenberg was cast as Dawn Summers in Buffy the Vampire Slayer in 2000, and she remained on the show for three years. Her co-star, Spike actor James Masters, told People, “My heart is heavy today.” We’ve lost a beautiful soul. Michelle was a fiercely intelligent, hilariously funny, and extremely talented person. She died far too young, leaving behind scores of people who knew and loved her.
David Boreanaz, who played Angel, wrote on Instagram, “So very sad… horrible news.” “RIP, and prayers for her and her family.” Alyson Hannigan, who played Willow, also wrote, “I am deeply saddened by the news of Michelle’s death. She brought a loving energy to the set of Buffy.”
Later film roles included EuroTrip, a teen comedy, and Gregg Araki’s acclaimed drama Mysterious Skin. “I’m very proud of that film,” she explained. “I was this girl who had done glitzy, PG-themed stuff, and here comes Gregg Araki, director of Doom Generation, and we sat down and had a cup of coffee, and I said, ‘You’re probably not going to hire me, but this is what I got, this is how I feel. If you’re willing to take the risk, I’ll go with you. “It was the most exciting experience I’ve had as an actress.
In 2005, she starred in the Disney drama Ice Princess. Kim Cattrall, her co-star, posted “Rest in peace sweet Michelle” on Instagram today.
She also had a recurring role on HBO’s hit series Six Feet Under.
Before landing the role of Georgina Sparks in the teen drama series Gossip Girl, she appeared on House and in the 2006 remake of Black Christmas. She reprised the role in the 2022 reboot.
“Georgina is actually my favorite character that I’ve played because she’s such an evil B-I-T-C-H,” she told me. “That was fun.”
Trachtenberg’s Gossip Girl co-star Blake Lively paid tribute to her on Wednesday.
“She was electricity,” Lively wrote on Instagram. “You could tell when she entered a room because the vibration changed. She went above and beyond in everything she did. She laughed at jokes, confronted authority when necessary, valued her work, and was proud to be a part of the industry, even if it was difficult at times. She was fiercely loyal to her friends and brave for those she loved. She was big, bold, and distinctly herself. Michelle was a deeply sensitive and good person who passed away. May those who were fortunate enough to witness her fire remember her work and her enormous heart.
Gossip Girl actor Ed Westwick also paid tribute on Instagram, writing, “So sad to hear of Michelle Trachtenberg’s passing. “I’m sending prayers.”
Trachtenberg’s most recent big-screen appearance was in the sci-fi thriller The Scribbler in 2014, but she is working on a drama about mental illness called Spyral, which has yet to be released.
Her ex-boyfriend, X-Men star Shawn Ashmore, paid tribute to her on social media. “Incredibly sad to hear about Michelle’s passing,” a friend wrote. “She was an incredible person, and I will always remember our years together fondly…” This is a tremendous loss.”
