Michelle Trachtenberg, the former child star best known for her roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl, has died at the age of 39. The actress was found unresponsive in her Manhattan apartment early Wednesday morning by her mother, according to reports. Police and emergency responders arrived at One Columbus Place, a luxury high-rise near Central Park, but Trachtenberg was pronounced dead at the scene.
While an official cause of death has not been determined, authorities do not suspect foul play. Sources revealed that Trachtenberg had undergone a liver transplant within the past year, and there are indications that her body may have rejected the organ. The medical examiner’s office will confirm the exact cause of death.
Her representative, Gary Mantoosh, confirmed the news in a statement: “It is with great sadness to confirm that Michelle Trachtenberg has passed away. The family requests privacy for their loss.”
A Career That Spanned Decades
Born in New York City on October 11, 1985, Trachtenberg grew up in Brooklyn’s Sheepshead Bay neighborhood. She began acting at a young age, landing her first role on Law & Order in 1991. She gained early recognition as Nona Mecklenberg on Nickelodeon’s The Adventures of Pete & Pete and soon made her big-screen debut in 1996’s Harriet the Spy, solidifying her status as a child star.
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Her breakthrough role came in 2000 when she joined Buffy the Vampire Slayer as Dawn Summers, the younger sister of Sarah Michelle Gellar’s titular character. She played the role for three seasons, earning praise for her portrayal of a vulnerable yet strong-willed teenager.
As an adult, she transitioned to more mature roles, most notably as Georgina Sparks in Gossip Girl. Georgina, a manipulative socialite, became one of the show’s most memorable villains, appearing throughout its six-season run from 2007 to 2012. Trachtenberg also made a return for two episodes in HBO Max’s Gossip Girl reboot in 2023. Her film career included roles in EuroTrip (2004), Ice Princess (2005), and Killing Kennedy (2013). In 2021, she hosted the true-crime docuseries Meet, Marry, Murder.
Allegations Against Joss Whedon
In 2021, Trachtenberg spoke out about alleged mistreatment on the set of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. She claimed that series creator Joss Whedon had been physically abusive and that there was a “rule” preventing him from being alone with her during filming. Whedon later denied the allegations in an interview with New York Magazine.
Health Struggles and Public Concern
In the months leading up to her death, fans had expressed concern over Trachtenberg’s health. She appeared noticeably thinner in social media posts, and some followers speculated about possible illness. In January 2023, she assured fans she was “happy and healthy” and dismissed rumors about plastic surgery. However, some eagle-eyed fans pointed out a yellowish tint in her eyes, which can be a sign of liver disease.
Tributes from Hollywood
News of Trachtenberg’s passing prompted an outpouring of grief from colleagues and fans alike. Her Gossip Girl co-star Blake Lively praised her vibrant personality, saying, “She did everything 200%. She laughed the fullest at someone’s joke… she was fiercely loyal to her friends and brave for those she loved.”
Rosie O’Donnell, who starred alongside Trachtenberg in Harriet the Spy, described the news as “heartbreaking,” expressing her sorrow: “I loved her very much. She struggled the last few years. I wish I could have helped,” she told Us Weekly. Ed Westwick, known for playing Chuck Bass in Gossip Girl, honored Trachtenberg by sharing a photo of her in character, writing, “So sad to hear of the passing of Michelle Trachtenberg. Sending prayers.” David Boreanaz, her Buffy the Vampire Slayer co-star, also paid tribute, calling her passing “so very sad” and “horrible news.” He added, “RIP and prayers to her and her family.”
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Michelle Trachtenberg’s career spanned more than three decades, making her a familiar face to multiple generations of fans. From childhood adventures in Harriet the Spy to teen drama in Buffy and Gossip Girl, she left a lasting impact on television and film. Her passing at just 39 years old is a tragic loss to the entertainment industry and to those who admired her talent.