Michelle Trachtenberg, an actress who grew up in the spotlight and became a fixture in some of television’s most beloved series, has died at the age of 39. From her breakout role as Harriet the Spy to her unforgettable turn as Dawn Summers on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and the scheming Georgina Sparks on Gossip Girl, she built a career filled with memorable performances. Her passing was first reported on The New York Post.
Her career started early, with her first acting role coming in a quintessential New York way — an appearance on Law & Order in 1991. From there, she moved into children’s television, appearing on Nickelodeon’s Clarissa Explains It All before landing a 14-episode stint on The Adventures of Pete & Pete. Like her future Buffy co-star Sarah Michelle Gellar, she also had a role on All My Children before transitioning to film.
Her major breakthrough came in 1996 when she starred in Harriet the Spy, leading an ensemble cast that included Rosie O’Donnell, Eartha Kitt, and J. Smith-Cameron. That role established her as a young talent to watch, and she continued working steadily in both television and film. In 1997, she starred in Meego alongside Bronson Pinchot and Ed Begley Jr., followed by roles in Inspector Gadget and Can’t Be Heaven. Her career took another leap when she joined Buffy the Vampire Slayer in its fifth season, playing Dawn Summers, the younger sister of the title character. She remained on the show until its final episode, becoming a core part of the ensemble.
Beyond Buffy, she found further success on television, appearing in Gossip Girl as Georgina Sparks, a role she played for 28 episodes. She reprised it in the HBO Max reboot three years ago, marking her final on-screen appearance. Other notable credits include Eurotrip, Ice Princess, and 17 Again.
Her death was confirmed by police on Wednesday. She had recently undergone a liver transplant and may have been experiencing complications, though no criminality is suspected.
News of her passing led to an outpouring of tributes from colleagues and friends. Kim Cattrall, her co-star in Ice Princess, shared on Instagram, “Rest in peace sweet Michelle.” David Boreanaz, who played Angel on Buffy, posted on his Instagram stories, “So very sad…horrible news. RIP and prayers to her and her family.” James Marsters, who played Spike, wrote, “My heart is heavy today. We have lost a beautiful soul. Michelle was fiercely intelligent, howlingly funny, and a very talented person. She died much too young, and leaves behind scores of people who knew and loved her. My heart goes out to her family who are good people, and are suffering the greatest loss anyone could bear. I hope everyone can give them space to heal in this most difficult time. Godspeed Michelle. You are missed.”
Blake Lively, who played Serena van der Woodsen opposite Trachtenberg’s Georgina, shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram. “This is the first day I met Michelle,” she wrote, posting a photo of them together. “She was electricity. You knew when she entered a room because the vibration changed. Everything she did, she did 200%. She laughed the fullest at someone’s joke, she faced authority head on when she felt something was wrong, she cared deeply about her work, she was proud to be a part of this community and industry as painful as it could be sometimes, she was fiercely loyal to her friends and brave for those she loved, she was big and bold and distinctly herself.”
Ed Westwick, another Gossip Girl co-star, wrote, “So sad to hear of the passing of Michelle Trachtenberg. Sending prayers.” Rosie O’Donnell, who worked with her on Harriet the Spy, called the news “heartbreaking” and said, “I loved her very much. She struggled the last few years. I wish I could have helped.”
Melissa Gilbert, who starred with her in A Holiday for Love, also shared a tribute: “Oh Michy… and we lived so close to one another… my heart aches for your family and all those who loved you so…”
Kenan Thompson, who was also part of the Nickelodeon era Trachtenberg came up in, wrote, “Our first Nick movie star has departed us!! She was my friend and now she rests!! Check on your people!!!”
Her legacy stretches across decades of television and film, with performances that left a lasting impression on audiences and her peers.
Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, and anime — you name it. When she’s not reading or being a dedicated cinephile, she’s probably playing gacha and tabletop games, or daydreaming of Caleb from Love and Deepspace.
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