Michelle Trachtenberg, the beloved actress who rose to fame as a child star in the 1990s and 2000s, has passed away at the age of 39.
Authorities in Manhattan confirmed that they responded to an emergency call on Wednesday morning and found Trachtenberg unconscious and unresponsive. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Trachtenberg was best known for her role as Dawn Summers in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and later gained recognition as the manipulative Georgina Sparks in Gossip Girl.
She made her film debut in Harriet the Spy (1996) and appeared in several Nickelodeon productions, establishing herself as a talented young actress.
Her family’s representatives released a statement confirming the news, expressing their deep sorrow and requesting privacy.
Police stated that her death is not considered suspicious, and the medical examiner will determine the cause.
Tributes poured in from co-stars and colleagues, remembering her as a fiercely intelligent and deeply passionate individual.
Blake Lively, her Gossip Girl co-star, described her as someone who gave “200%” to everything she did, highlighting her unwavering dedication and loyalty.
James Marsters, who worked with her on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, recalled her as “howlingly funny” and immensely talented.
Rosie O’Donnell, who starred alongside her in Harriet the Spy, expressed heartbreak, revealing that Trachtenberg had faced personal struggles in recent years.
Josh Safran, a writer and producer of Gossip Girl, praised her unique ability to bring scripts to life, noting that her delivery made every line sharper, more real, and often funnier.
Alyson Hannigan, another Buffy alum, shared heartfelt memories and photos, emphasizing the warmth and energy Trachtenberg brought to the set.
Throughout her career, Trachtenberg starred in films such as EuroTrip, Ice Princess, Killing Kennedy, and Sister Cities.
Her final major role came in 2021 as the host of the true-crime docuseries Meet, Marry, Murder. She also returned briefly to the Gossip Girl reboot in 2023.
In 2021, she made headlines when she supported allegations against Buffy the Vampire Slayer creator Joss Whedon, accusing him of inappropriate behavior on set.
Trachtenberg’s passing leaves a void in the entertainment industry, and she will be remembered for her immense talent and lasting impact on television and film.
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