The star, known for her roles in Michelle Trutchenberg, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Gossip Girl, Spy the Spy and Eurotrip, passed away at the age of 39.
A spokesman for Trachtenberg’s family confirmed the news and said, “It is a great sadness to confirm that Michelle Trachtenberg has passed away. The family will demand privacy for their losses. There are no further details at this time.”
Police sources told ABC News (USA) that Trachtenberg was found unresponsive at an apartment in New York City near Columbus Circle shortly after her mother called emergency services at 8am on Wednesday. The news outlet reports that the actress had recently undergone a liver transplant and may have experienced complications. No foul play is suspected, and New York medical inspectors are investigating the cause of death.
A decades-long career
Born in New York City on October 11, 1985, Trachtenberg began his acting career at a young age, making his commercial debut on television at the age of just three. After being recognized early for her role in Pete & Pete’s Adventures and the long-running soap opera All My Children’s Adventures, her breakout moment came in 1996, starring as Harriet M. Welsh in Spy Harriet.
In 2000 she joined Buffy the Vampire Slayer as Dawn Summers, the younger sister of Sarah Michelle Geller. It was a role that introduced her to a dedicated fanbase and set the stage for a diverse career. She later starred in the cult comedy Eurotrip (2004), the Disney sports drama Ice Princess (2005), and the hit teen drama Gossip Girl, where she played the manipulative Georginas Parks.
Trachtenberg continued to work steadily on television, with guest roles in Home, Weed, NCIS: Los Angeles and Sleepy Hollow. She also called out to animation projects such as Robot Chicken, recreating her role as Georginas Parks in the 2023 sequel to Max’s Gossip Girl.
Tribute and Legacy
A tribute was poured from people who worked with her and admired her. Spy Director Bronwen Hughes Harriet reflected on Hollywood’s early talent by saying to a Hollywood reporter, “Michelle was like a lightning bolt of casting’s discovery.” She had fire, sparks, truth, and Harriet’s beliefs, like her sense of self. No one else came to such a room. So she had that acting gene you really can’t teach. It’s innate and it’s not something you find that often. She certainly had a factor in “that.” ”
Rosie O’Donnell, who starred with her in Spy Harriet, told people: She has struggled for the past few years. I wish they could help me. ”
Blake Lively, who starred alongside Trachtenberg in Gossip Girl, shared her tribute on her Instagram story. “She was electricity. You knew when she entered the room because of the vibrations changed… She was fiercely loyal to her friends, brave for those she loved, she was big, bold, and clearly herself.”
Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s David Boleanaz, James Marster, Allison Hannigan and Gossip Girl cast members Chase Crawford and Ed Westwick also shared the meaning of Pathetic Dol. Borenaz wrote on Instagram: “It’s so sad… horrifying news. I pray for her and her family.”
Trachtenberg’s impact on television and film continues to resonate with her fans and colleagues, reminiscing about her as a dynamic performer with a strong presence both on and off screen.
Here are some of the many compliments:
