Actor Michelle Trachtenberg, best known for her roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl, has passed away at the age of 39. She was found unresponsive in her Manhattan apartment on Wednesday, February 26, as confirmed by the New York City Police Department. The cause of death is currently under investigation, but authorities have stated that no criminality is suspected.
‘Harriet the Spy’ & ‘Buffy’ Star Michelle Trachtenberg Dies at 39
The news of Trachtenberg's death has prompted an outpouring of grief from colleagues and fans alike. Rosie O'Donnell, who co-starred with her in Harriet the Spy, expressed her sorrow, stating, "I loved her very much. She struggled the last few years. I wish I could have helped." Ed Westwick, her Gossip Girl co-star, shared, "Heartbroken. Michelle was a wonderful person and a dear friend."
Trachtenberg is survived by her longtime partner, Jay Cohen. As the entertainment industry mourns her loss, she is remembered for her significant contributions to film and television, as well as her vibrant spirit.
Michelle Trachtenberg life and career
Born on October 11, 1985, in New York City, Michelle Christine Trachtenberg began her acting career at a young age. She gained early recognition with her role as Nona Mecklenberg on Nickelodeon's The Adventures of Pete & Pete (1994–1996).
Her breakthrough came with the title role in the 1996 film Harriet the Spy, where she starred alongside Rosie O'Donnell. Reflecting on that experience, Trachtenberg once shared, "There was a lot required of me. I'm extremely grateful for the experience."
In 2000, Trachtenberg joined the cast of Buffy the Vampire Slayer as Dawn Summers, the younger sister of the protagonist, a role she held until the series concluded in 2003. She later portrayed Georgina Sparks in Gossip Girl, a character known for stirring drama throughout the series. Discussing this role, she mentioned, "It's kind of easy to be evil when you're saying evil things. It's definitely a lot more fun than playing the good girl."
In the past year, Trachtenberg reportedly underwent a liver transplant, which may have led to health complications. Despite these health challenges, she maintained an active presence on social media. Just a week prior to her passing, she posted a photo from a previous red carpet event, captioning it, "I wanted to look like naughty #tinkerbell #throwback"
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