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Michelle Trachtenberg was an iconic actress, producer, and writer who began her acting career at the young age of three. She started in a commercial and was soon cast as a regular on the Nickelodeon show, The Adventures of Pete and Pete. Her first main role on television paved the way for one of her standout films, Harriet the Spy, which served as an excellent foundation for her career.

While Michelle Trachtenberg primarily acted in television shows, she has also starred in several cult classic films. Over a career spanning three decades, Michelle Trachtenberg has appeared in some of the best shows and films.

Ice Princess Shows the Dual Life of a High Schooler Who Wants To Pursue Her Passion Role: Casey

Ice Princess follows a smart math-leaning student, Casey Carlyle who discovers a new passion for figure skating. Casey mapped out the math behind figure skating but soon realized she wanted to try it,...

Get in touch to send in cinephile news and discoveries. To keep up with our latest features, sign up for the Weekly Edit newsletter and follow us @mubinotebook on Twitter and Instagram.News The Blob.While moviegoing trended downward elsewhere (though box office receipts increased), France, Great Britain, Brazil, and Turkey saw an uptick in cinema attendance last year. French theater owners and analysts point to several nationally specific contributing factors: government art subsidies, distribution laws that mandate long theatrical windows, the inability for urban apartments to accommodate big home-theater setups, and the public's strong cultural connection to the cinema.As more small-town movie theaters close because of low ticket and concession sales, local residents have begun forming nonprofit organizations to save them. In 2023, Nicki Wilson of Great Barrington, Massachusetts, successfully organized a fundraiser to save the Triplex Cinema, the town’s only moviehouse. By means of donations, grants, and volunteer labor,...

Rosie O’Donnell is no longer living in the U.S. The actor and comedian posted a nine-minute video on TikTok sharing that she relocated to Ireland shortly before Donald Trump took office for the second time.

“I moved here on Jan. 15 and it’s been pretty wonderful,” the comedian revealed in the clip. She added that she’s in the process of getting her Irish citizenship, which she is entitled to thanks to her Irish grandparents. “Although I was never someone who thought I would move to another country that...

Before her untimely death on Feb. 26, Michelle Trachtenberg was primarily known for her work in front of the camera on such beloved hits as Harriet the Spy, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Gossip Girl. However, according to producer Casey Tebo, she was so much more than just an accomplished actress. She was, in fact, "an incredible writer," and now he's making it his mission to bring a screenplay she wrote to life.

Speaking with People recently, Tebo said he was presented with Trachtenberg's script, Toy Monster, by her boyfriend, Jay Cohen. "I don't remember when, but my dear friend Jay Cohen sent me a script she had written called Toy Monster," he told the outlet, adding:

"The only scripts I remember staying with me like that in recent memory were two. Here Comes the Flood by Simon Kinberg and Toy Monster around 2019. Because they were the two best, by a landslide.

The 2025 Oscars ignited controversy for leaving out actors such as Michelle Trachtenberg, Tony Todd and Olivia Hussey. “Beverly Hills, 90210” star Shannen Doherty was also omitted, which her co-star Jennie Garth called “messed up” when asked by TMZ to give her thoughts on the snub (via People). Garth added that “maybe” the Academy should apologize to Doherty’s family for the exclusion.

Garth and Doherty became teen icons together as stars of “Beverly Hills, 90210.” They were both series regulars for four seasons. Doherty exited the series before Season 5. Garth continued for all 10 seasons. They later reunited as their characters, Kelly Taylor and Brenda Walsh, for appearances on The CW’s “90210” reboot.

Doherty died in July 2024 after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015. In June 2023, she said she had been receiving radiation for cancer that had spread to her brain. She became a popular podcast host in the years...

The Academy Awards ceremony took place on Sunday night, and as with every year, the show featured an In Memoriam segment honoring some of the movie stars and creatives who've passed away since last year's show. Some keys were left out, with fans of horror legend Tony Todd disappointed not to see the actor included after his passing in November.

Per TMZ, Todd's family has since weighed in on the Candyman star's absence from the In Memoriam segment. The actor's widow, Fatima, said she was left feeling "angry" after the snub. She reportedly believes that there's a "racial element" that resulted in the omission, with the report noting that Fatima feels "people of color and women are often ignored as much as possible" with the Academy's In Memoriam tributes.

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Here’s something that’ll hit every early 2000s kid right in the nostalgia—Michelle Trachtenberg, the face behind some of TV’s most memorable characters, is no more. Whether you remember her as the cunning Georgina Sparks from Gossip Girl, the fierce yet vulnerable Dawn Summers in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, or even the curious young Harriet in Harriet the Spy, she had a way of making every role unforgettable. Sadly, she passed away at just 39, leaving behind a career filled with standout performances and fans who adored her.

The heartbreaking news came when authorities confirmed she was found in her New York apartment, reportedly discovered by her mother. While the cause of death is still being investigated, no foul play is suspected. What’s known is that she had recently undergone a liver transplant.

Trachtenberg’s career was a testament to her versatility—she could do drama, comedy,...

Michelle Trachtenberg, known for her roles in Gossip Girl and Harriet the Spy, was not only a gifted actress but also an accomplished writer. Before her unexpected death at 39 on February 26, Trachtenberg was immersed in the creation of a screenplay titled Toy Monster, based on Jerry Oppenheimer’s book of the same name. Casey Tebo, the director attached to the project, spoke exclusively to People…

Source...

Oftentimes, if a celebrity dies too close to the Academy Awards, they may not make it into that year’s In Memoriam segment. And for a moment, it looked as if Gene Hackman — whose death was announced mere days before Sunday’s ceremony — wouldn’t be making the cut, as Morgan Freeman looked to be paying a special tribute to his friend and co-star. Yet, Hackman and some other notable 2025 deaths (including David Lynch) were included. But as is the case every year, there were many names left out. So who did the Academy snub this year?

Among the most notable names missing from the In Memoriam segment was one who also passed away last month: Michelle Trachtenberg, star of Harriet the Spy and Eurotrip. Along with her, horror icon Tony Todd (Candyman) was also omitted. Also failing to make the cut were Heathers’ Shannen Doherty, Clue’s Martin Mull and Olivia Hussey,...

The 2025 Academy Awards featured its annual In Memoriam segment, honoring industry figures who passed away over the last year. While the tribute recognized film legends such as David Lynch, James Earl Jones, Donald Sutherland, Maggie Smith, Roger Corman, Shelley Duvall, and Bob Newhart, many viewers quickly pointed out names missing from the televised montage.

Morgan Freeman introduced a special remembrance for two-time Oscar winner Gene Hackman, who was found dead alongside his wife, Betsy Arakawa, last Wednesday. Quincy Jones also received his own tribute later in the show. The rest of the segment, set to Mozart’s Requiem in D Minor, displayed a montage of those the Academy selected for recognition.

Social media reaction grew as fans noted the absence of several well-known actors and filmmakers. Tony Todd, known for his lead role in Candyman, was not featured. Todd, who died in November at 69, was a familiar face in horror,...

On February 26, 2025, the entertainment industry mourned the loss of Michelle Trachtenberg, a versatile actress known for her roles in “Harriet the Spy,” “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” and “Gossip Girl.” She was found unresponsive in her Manhattan apartment by her mother and was pronounced dead at the age of 39.

Career Highlights

Trachtenberg began her acting career at a young age, gaining prominence with her lead role in “Harriet the Spy” (1996). She further captivated audiences as Dawn Summers in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and as Georgina Sparks in “Gossip Girl.” Her filmography includes notable performances in “Ice Princess” (2005) and “EuroTrip” (2004).

Circumstances Surrounding Her Death

In early 2024, Trachtenberg addressed public concerns about her health, reassuring fans that she was “happy and healthy” despite noticeable weight loss and signs of jaundice. She underwent a liver transplant prior to her death. On the morning of February 26, 2025, she was found unresponsive in her Manhattan apartment by her mother.

The In Memoriam portion of the 2025 Oscars telecast on Sunday night paid a moving tribute to several stars and movie industry folk who have died over the last year, but there were some notable omissions that were quickly pointed out on social media.

The In Memoriam segment of the show, that was soundtracked to the “Lacrimosa” portion of Mozart’s “Requiem in D Minor,” featured moving tributes to entertainment industry giants the likes of David Lynch, Maggie Smith, Roger Corman, Shelley Duvall, Bob Newhart, James Earl Jones and Donald Sutherland. Two-time Oscar-winner Gene Hackman, who was found dead inside his Sante Fe home alongside his wife Betsy Arakawa, was given a moving special tribute by his longtime friend Morgan Freeman.

But as ever with the Academy Awards and the In Memoriam segment, much of the discussion online is who was omitted from the televised tribute. One of the more glaring omissions was actor Tony Todd,...

While Gene Hackman and Quincy Jones received stand-alone memorial tributes during Sunday’s Oscars telecast, several other notables did not appear in the show’s annual “in memoriam” segment.

Michelle Trachtenberg, who died suddenly last week at age 39, was one prominent name not included, to the dismay of many social media users. While perhaps best-known for work on TV series like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, she also appeared in a number of films including Harriet the Spy, EuroTrip and Ice Princess.

Others excluded from the montage included British actress Olivia Hussey. She won numerous awards, including a Golden Globe for playing the female lead in Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 film version of Romeo & Juliet and later turned up in Black Christmas and Death on the Nile.

Hussey and her then-young co-star Leonard Whiting sued Paramount Pictures in 2023, alleging they suffered physical and mental pain as well as “extreme and severe...

The 2025 Oscars got reflective with the traditional In Memoriam segment celebrating the entertainment figures who died over the past year as the names scrolled onscreen. Notable names in filmmaking including David Lynch, Maggie Smith, James Earl Jones and Donald Sutherland were recognized during the emotional segment.

“Harriet the Spy” star Michelle Trachtenberg, who died the Wednesday before the Oscars, was not included in the In Memoriam segment. This year, actors including Tony Todd, Chance Perdomo, Alain Delon, “Annie Hall” star Tony Roberts, Linda Lavin, James Darren, Mitzi Gaynor, Martin Mull and “Romeo and Juliet” star Olivia Hussey were also omitted, along with documentary filmmaker Morgan Spurlock.

Gene Hackman, who was found dead with his wife on Wednesday, was remembered with a tribute from Morgan Freeman, who worked with the two-time Oscar winner on “Unforgiven” and “Under Suspicion.”

Quincy Jones also got his own separate Oscars tribute later in the show.

The Oscars In Memoriam tribute, set to Mozart’s “Requiem in D Minor,” began with a tribute from Morgan Freeman to his “Unforgiven” and “Under Suspicion” co-star Gene Hackman. Hackman, who was 95, was found dead last week in his Santa Fe home along with his wife, Betsy Arakawa.

“I had the pleasure of working alongside Gene on ‘Unforgiven’ and ‘Under Suspicion.’ I learned he was a generous performer and a man whose gifts elevated everyone’s work,” said Freeman. “He received two Oscars. He won the hearts of film lovers all over the world. Gene always said, ‘I don’t think about legacy, I just think people remember me as someone who tried to do good work.'”

Hackman won Best Actor in a Supporting Role in 1993 for playing a sadistic sheriff in Clint Eastwood’s “Unforgiven.” He also won Best Actor in a Leading Role for playing a broken...

The producer of Michelle Trachtenberg’s final film confirmed that the late actress was scheduled to make a rare public appearance at the 2025 South by Southwest (SXSW) festival set for March 12 in Austin, Texas. The Buffy the Vampire Slayerstar was found deceased in her apartment on Feb. 26.

Jennifer Hutchins, who produced the film Spyral (2024), which Trachtenberg stars in, told People that Trachtenberg was set to appear at an upcoming benefit screening of the documentary film. Hutchins said Trachtenberg was going to attend either in person or virtually “depending on her health.” Spyral was written and directed by two-time Academy Award-winning documentary filmmaker Bill Guttentag.

“There was no public announcement planned as we knew it would be a last-minute decision if she was up for it,” Hutchins said.

RelatedSarah Michelle Gellar Pays Tribute to Michelle Trachtenberg With Buffy the Vampire Slayer Quote

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Hollywood is mourning the death of Buffy and Gossip Girl alum Michelle Trachtenberg at the age of 39. The actress was found unresponsive at her Manhattan apartment on Wednesday morning and was pronounced dead by Ems workers. Trachtenberg was in a long-term relationship with producer Jay Cohen.

The EuroTrip actress recently shared a loving message for Cohen on Valentine’s Day, sharing their Halloween pic. It is assumed that the two started dating in 2020, even though they probably met sometime after 2014 when Trachtenberg signed on to Gersh Agency. Cohen is a partner at the agency, which happens to be one of Hollywood’s oldest talent agencies.

Michelle Trachtenberg with her partner Jay Cohen | Credits: @michelletrachtenberg/Ig

Fans are still shocked by Trachtenberg’s sudden death. She began her career in small ad roles before she landed her roles on Nickelodeon’s The Adventures of Pete & Pete and All My Children.

Earlier this week the world received the sad news that beloved Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl actress Michelle Trachtenberg was found dead in her home at just 39 years old. Her passing prompted an outpouring of support from those that knew her best, and the fans who had grown up with her thanks to such films as Harriet the Spy and EuroTrip. While there was much speculation on social media as to why she died, the real reason will never be known.

Per Vulture, Trachtenberg's family has declined to have an autopsy performed on the late star for religious reasons. The New York City Medical Examiner has honored that request, and has thus ruled her death as "undetermined" on the official certificate. The NYPD believes that no foul play was involved in Trachtenberg's passing, so it is not being investigated as suspicious. She was found dead in her New...

Michelle Trachtenberg’s cause of death will remain a mystery as her family has decided not to perform an autopsy.

According to the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Trachtenberg’s family opted not to have an autopsy performed on the 39-year-old actress. An autopsy is required if foul play is suspected but since none is in this case, the examiner is following the family’s choice.

Trachtenberg, the former child star known for her roles in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Gossip Girl,” died Wednesday, Feb. 26. She was 39.

“It is with great sadness to confirm that Michelle Trachtenberg has passed away,” her publicist told TheWrap on Wednesday. “The family requests privacy for their loss. There are no further details at this time.”

Per ABC News, Trachtenberg’s mother found her unresponsive at her New York City apartment early Wednesday morning. Her death is not considered suspicious...

After the shocking death of Michelle Trachtenberg, it has been reported that her cause of death will remain undetermined. The news follows the announcement on Wednesday that Trachtenberg had died at the age of 39.

Per Variety, Trachtenberg's family has declined to have an autopsy performed on the late Buffy the Vampire Slayer star. As noted in the report, families are free to decline autopsies if there is no evidence of foul play, or for religious reasons. While it's unclear how Trachtenberg died, what's known is that he was found unresponsive at her apartment on Wednesday morning with first responders declaring her dead at the scene when they arrived. No criminal activity is suspected in her death, and without an autopsy, it will never be known for certain.

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The cause of death for Michelle Trachtenberg, the “Gossip Girl” and “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” star, will remain undetermined as her family declined an autopsy, Variety has confirmed.

Families can decline autopsies when there is so evidence of foul play or for religious reasons. According to the NYPD, 39-year-old Trachtenberg was found “unconscious and unresponsive” at her New York City apartment on Wednesday morning. The Ems then arrived and pronounced her deceased. Criminality was not suspected and, as such, her cause of death will remain unknown.

Trachtenberg began acting at a young age, getting her start in commercials at three years old before landing her first TV role on the Nickelodeon series “The Adventures of Pete & Pete” in the mid-’90s. At age 10, she scored her first major film role with 1996’s “Harriet the Spy,” in which she played the title character. In the early 2000s, she played Dawn Summers...

The cause and manner of Michelle Trachtenberg’s death will remain undetermined, according to the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

Trachtenberg’s famly requested that no autopsy be conducted because of religious reasons. The medical examiner’s office would automatically do an autopsy if foul play or criminality was suspected, but there is none, so the office did not overrule the family’s decision.

Police responded to a 911 call shortly after 8 a.m. Wednesday at a luxury residential tower in midtown Manhattan where Trachtenberg was found unresponsive. Paramedics pronounced her dead at the scene. She was 39.

The former Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl star had recently undergone a liver transplant and may have suffered complications, police sources told ABC News.

A spokesperson for the family issued a statement Wednesday confirming her death. “It is with great sadness to confirm that Michelle Trachtenberg has passed away.

The entertainment industry has already lost several notable figures in 2025. The film world was shaken by the death of “Blue Velvet” and “Twin Peaks” director David Lynch, with tributes to the visionary filmmaker continuing for weeks. Two-time Oscar winner Gene Hackman was found dead with his wife in late February in Santa Fe, N.M., while “Harriet the Spy” star Michelle Trachtenberg died in New York on Feb. 26.

In music, Garth Hudson, the last remaining member of The Band, died in January, while Peter, Paul and Mary lost Peter Yarrow. “Killing Me Softly” singer Roberta Flack died in February. Notable actresses who died in January include Joan Plowright and Leslie Charleson.

Last year, the entertainment business said goodbye to stars including Shannen Doherty, Bob Newhart, Louis Gossett Jr., Donald Sutherland and James Earl Jones.

Michelle Trachtenberg, who played the role of Lily Benton Montgomery on All My Children, has passed away at age 39.

Trachtenberg Stole Every Scene She Was In

Her mother found her unresponsive and unconscious in her New York City residence on the morning of Wednesday, February 26. She was pronounced dead by emergency medical workers. Trachtenberg never publicly revealed any health issues.

According to a source, Trachtenberg recently underwent a liver transplant and “may have been experiencing complications” after the surgery. The actress was born in New York City on October 11, 1985.

Trachtenberg became a child actress and landed parts in commercials first until her big break on All My Children at age eight. She played on the soap from 1993 to 1996.

Her character, Lily, was the autistic daughter of Laurel Bannon and was adopted by her stepfather, Jackson Montgomery. While playing Lily, she also played on the Nickelodeon sitcom The Adventures of Pete & Pete.

Following the shocking news of Michelle Trachtenberg on Feb. 26, Sarah Michelle Gellar broke her silence on social media. She paid tribute to her late co-star with a sweet Buffy the Vampire Slayer quote.

On Instagram, Gellar shared a carousel of photos with her and Trachtenberg, both from the beloved fantasy series and in real life. She captioned the set, "Michelle, listen to me. Listen. I love you. I will always love you.The hardest thing in this world, is to live in it. I will be brave. I will live... for you." She added three broken-heart emojis, as well as a key emoji, a reference to Dawn Summers' real essence in the show. Sadly, the last photo in the post was of Gellar with Trachenberg and the late actress Shannen Doherty, who passed away in 2024.

View this post on InstagramA post shared by Sarah Michelle (@sarahmgellar)

Related'i'm Heartbroken': Michelle Trachtenberg Remembered by Gossip Girl,...

Following the news of Michelle Trachtenberg's untimely passing yesterday, tributes are pouring in from fans and colleagues alike. Their sentiments have been beautiful as they reflect on Trachtenberg's impact on the industry through her work, which reached a wide-ranging fandom, but Buffy the Vampire Slayer fans were most eager to hear from Trachtenberg's TV sister, Sarah Michelle Gellar. The pair played siblings on the hit genre series, with Trachtenberg's unexpected arrival during Season 5 seen by many to be one of the show's best story arcs. It seems only fitting that Gellar broke her silence on Trachtenberg's death with a callback to their bond on Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

Gellar took to her Instagram page and posted a series of pictures that were a mix of snapshots from the pair's time on Buffy and photos from various events. Gellar's caption was short and sweet but it will mean a lot...

Michelle Trachtenberg's death came as a shock to everyone. The actress, who passed away at the age of 39, had played a series of hit roles, including in fan-favorite series Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl.

So far, Trachtenberg's cause of death is not public, although police are not believing there is anything suspicious and an autopsy will reveal what happened. The actress reportedly underwent a liver transplant recently. Amid the worldwide tributes from fans and fellow actors, Gossip Girl star Blake Lively made her return to social media to share her experience working with the actress on her Instagram Stories.

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Lively shared a photo from Gossip Girl, revealing, "This is the first day I met Michelle. She was electricity. You knew when she entered a room because the vibration changed.

Michelle Trachtenberg’s death at age 39 hit her legion of fans quite hard on Wednesday, and her onscreen sister from “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” was no different.

Sarah Michelle Gellar quoted her iconic character in her tribute to the actress behind little sister Dawn on Thursday.

“Michelle, listen to me. Listen. I love you. I will always love you. The hardest thing in this world, is to live in it. I will be brave. I will live… for you,” she wrote on Instagram, referencing Season 5, Episode 22 “The Gift.” Her message was accompanied by eight photos of the pair from throughout their time together.

Trachtenberg received similar outpourings of love from many of her former co-stars upon her death — including fellow “Buffy” stars Alyson Hannigan, David Boreanaz, James Marsters and Emma Caulfield, as well as Rosie O’Donnell, Kim Cattrall, Ed Westwick and Chace Crawford.

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A post...

Sarah Michelle Gellar is paying tribute to her “Buffy” sister, Michelle Trachtenberg, who died on Feb. 26 at 39 years old. Trachtenberg, who had been acting since age three, was found unresponsive in her New York City apartment, according to police. At the time of publication, her cause of death has not been confirmed.

“Michelle, listen to me. Listen. I love you. I will always love you,” Gellar wrote on Instagram accompanied by a photo gallery of the two actors together in “Buffy.” “The hardest thing in this world, is to live in it. I will be brave. I will live… for you”

Trachtenberg broke through as Buffy’s sister, Dawn Summers. She joined the series during Season 5 in 2000 and went on to appear on 66 episodes, remaining on the show until it ended in 2003.

Trachtenberg started her career in commercials and, like many, made her TV debut on a 1991 episode of “Law & Order.

Sarah Michelle Gellar is mourning the loss of Michelle Trachtenberg. One day after her Buffy the Vampire Slayer costar died at the age of 39, the actress took to Instagram to share a series of photos from their time together, along with a touching tribute. “Michelle, listen to me. Listen. I love you. I will always love you. The hardest thing in this world, is to live in it. I will be brave. I will live… for you,” she captioned her post. Trachtenberg played Gellar’s younger sister on Buffy. She was in 66 episodes of the series between 2000-2003. Other Buffy costars also took to social media to mourn the late star, who also appeared in shows like Gossip Girl and All My Children, as well as movies like Harriet the Spy and Ice Princess. Courtesy Everett Collection “I am deeply saddened by the news of Michelle’s passing. She brought...

Hollywood is mourning the death of Buffy and Gossip Girl alum Michelle Trachtenberg at the age of 39. The actress was found unresponsive at her Manhattan apartment on Wednesday morning and was pronounced dead by Ems workers. Over the years, she has starred in several movies and TV shows. She last appeared on the screen in the Max reboot of Gossip Girl.

Michelle Trachtenberg as Dawn Summers in Buffy the Vampire Slayer | Credits: 20th Century Fox Television

Many fans weren’t aware that Michelle Trachtenberg could’ve played one of the leading roles in the blockbuster Twilight Saga. It would’ve been her second appearance in a vampire story after playing the titular character’s sister in Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

Michelle Trachtenberg could’ve played Bella in The Twilight Saga Michelle Trachtenberg as Chloe Payne in Mercy | Credits: NBC

Michelle Trachtenberg‘s career could’ve taken a different direction in...

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Michelle Trachtenberg, one of the Gossip Girl alumni, died at 39. Throughout her life, she had several films and series in her arsenal to boast. From her debut film Harriet the Spy, Buffy the Vampire Slayer to one of the most iconic series Gossip Girl, the list is impressive.

Michelle Trachtenberg in Gossip Girl | Credit: Max

Trachtenberg was found dead in her New York apartment on February 26, 2025, after a 911 call was made. She has a natural death as per the city medical examiners. It was reported that she had recently gone through a liver transplant and her body may have rejected the organ, which led to her ultimate demise.

Just like her diverse Hollywood career, Trachtenberg had a diverse dating life. She has dated quite a few famous names from her industry.

Michelle Trachtenberg Candid Shot (Photo Credit – Instagram)

The entertainment industry is reeling from the tragic demise of Michelle Trachtenberg, the actress known for bringing wit and charm to screens in ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ and ‘Gossip Girl.’

Trachtenberg passed away at just 39 years old, with the authorities confirming that complications from her liver transplant led to her untimely death.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Michelle Trachtenberg (@michelletrachtenberg)

Michelle Trachtenberg’s Body Was Found By Her Mother

The news came to light after Trachtenberg’s mother reportedly made the heartbreaking discovery at 8 am at her New York City apartment near Columbus Circle early on Wednesday, February 26. The case is not treated suspiciously, as law enforcement has ruled out foul play.

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Life’s too short to hold grudges or wait for the perfect moment. It’s a saying we often hear, but when something as heart-wrenching as the sudden passing of Michelle Trachtenberg happens, it hits a lot harder. At the tender age of 39, her death has left a void, one that’s hard to come to terms with.

As news broke on February 26th, the world paused for a moment, reflecting on a life filled with potential, yet ultimately snuffed out too soon. For those who grew up watching her charm and wit on screen, hearing that she underwent a liver transplant before her death only deepens the mystery.

Michelle Trachtenberg in Gossip Girl | Credits: The CW

She seemed to be at the peak of her health, fighting back against trolls on social media and looking confident in her own skin. But behind that sparkle, Trachtenberg was facing battles that few knew about.

Fans were shocked to hear that Buffy and Gossip Girl alum Michelle Trachtenberg passed away at the age of 39. While her official cause of death is unknown yet, sources shared that she recently underwent a liver transplant and was struggling with her health. Last year, fans were concerned about the actress’ health after she posted a selfie with fellow Spy Kids star Alexa PenaVega.

Michelle Trachtenberg as Dawn Summers in Buffy the Vampire Slayer | Credits: 20th Century Fox Television

Trachtenberg wasn’t exactly happy about the concerns and lashed back at a fan who asked her if she was sick. Her last onscreen appearance was the Max reboot of Gossip Girl where she reprised her role as Georgina Sparks for two episodes.

Michelle Trachtenberg’s health concerned fans before her death Michelle Trachtenberg as Georgina Sparks in Gossip Girl | Credits: The CW

According to The New York Post, Michelle Trachtenberg...

Life can sometimes feel like it’s stacking the odds against you, but the trick is to keep grinding, to never let up. That relentless spirit is exactly what Michelle Trachtenberg carried with her throughout her career. From her first steps into the spotlight at age three on The Adventures of Pete & Pete, to leaving a lasting impression on fans through iconic roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl, she faced both triumphs and hurdles along the way.

Though we no longer have the privilege of her vibrant energy—she passed away far too soon at just 39—the legacy she carved on screen is one that will stand the test of time.

Michelle Trachtenberg in Ice Princess (2005) | Credit: Walt Disney Pictures

Her net worth may have been around $7 million at the time of her death, which might not sound like the massive fortune of some of her peers,...

Blake Lively broke her social media silence on Wednesday to pay tribute to her late “Gossip Girl” co-star Michelle Trachtenberg, who died Wednesday morning at 39.

In an Instagram Story, Lively remembered Trachtenberg as a “fiercly loyal” and “kind person, through and through.”

“She was electricity. You knew when she entered a room because the vibration changed,” Lively, who played Serena Van Der Woodsen on the CW series, wrote in an Instagram story Wednesday. “Everything she did, she did 200%.”

Trachtenberg joined the cult-favorite teen drama series as Georgina Sparks as a recurring character from 2008 to 2012. Lively shared that the child star “cared deeply about her work” and “faced authority head on when she felt something was wrong.”

“She was proud to be a part of this community and industry as painful as it could be sometimes,” Lively wrote. “She was fiercely loyal to her friends and brave for those she loved,...

Zane Carney paid tribute to his late ex Michelle Trachtenberg.

Michelle tragically passed away at the age of 39 at her home in NYC this week. Tributes have been pouring in from costars, friends and former collaborators.

On Wednesday night (February 26), Zane reflected on losing the actress, who he described as his “first love.” He shared details about their relationship and how they had stayed in touch over the years.

Keep reading to find out more…

Zane posted a throwback photo with Michelle on Instagram.

You can read his full statement below:

“I just heard the news about Michelle and I’m in shock…very few of you know about my former child acting days, but I was on a sitcom from 1993-1997 called Dave’s World, long before I picked up a guitar.

I remember seeing Harriet The Spy and Immediately developing the biggest crush on Michelle (the lead!) I bought all the merch,...

Following the death of Michelle Trachtenberg, who played the fan favorite antagonist Georgina Sparks on Gossip Girl, her co-star Blake Lively shared a heartfelt tribute on social media remembering the actress’ kindness and dedication to her craft.

“This is the first day I met Michelle,” Lively wrote on her Instagram story, alongside a photo of them on the Gossip Girl set. “She was electricity. You knew when she entered a room because the vibration changed. Everything she did, she did 200%.”

Lively described Trachtenberg as someone who “laughed the fullest at...

Gossip Girl alum Blake Lively has joined in the ongoing tributes for her co-star Michelle Trachtenberg, whose death was confirmed this morning. The actress was found unresponsive in her New York City home and pronounced dead at the age of 39.

Lively posted a lengthy statement to her Instagram Story in remembrance of the actress, who played Georgina Sparks alongside Lively’s Serena van der Woodsen on the late 2000s CW teen soap.

“This is the first day I met Michelle,” Lively captioned a still of them in Gossip Girl. “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,...

The news that actress Michelle Trachtenberg, died at the age of 39 was a shock to many, including the Buffy the Vampire Slayerstar’s friends and co-stars. Trachtenberg was found dead in her New York City apartment on the morning of Feb. 29. According to police, per Variety, the cause of her death has not been revealed, but officials are not investigating her death as suspicious.

Trachtenberg’s roles stretched from Buffy to Gossip Girl and the films Harriet the Spy, Eurotrip, 17 Again, and Cop Out. She appeared in 28 episodes of Gossip Girl from 2008 to 2012 and again in the Max reboot series in 2022-23, playing socialite Georgina Sparks.

RelatedGossip Girl and Buffy the Vampire Slayer Star Michelle Trachtenberg Dies at 39

The Gossip Girl's death is reportedly not "suspicious"

Gossip Girl Stars Remember Trachtenberg

Chace Crawford, who played Nate Archibald in Gossip Girl, paid tribute to his co-star via Instagram on Feb.

Michelle Trachtenberg, best known for her work on Buffy The Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl, has died at 39, leaving friends and former co-stars mourning her untimely death and sharing heartbreaking tributes online. Police confirmed that Trachtenberg was found deceased in her New York City apartment by her mother on Wednesday, February 26. The cause of death has not yet been revealed, though it is known she recently underwent a liver transplant.

Trachtenberg's career began with commercials before appearing on Law & Order and Clarissa Explains It All while she was still a child. She later gained recognition in Nickelodeon's The Adventures of Pete & Pete, All My Children, and the 1996 film Harriet the Spy. In 2000, she joined Buffy the Vampire Slayer as Dawn Summers, Buffy's younger sister, a role she played until the show's conclusion in 2003. From 2008 to 2012, she portrayed the memorable Georgina Sparks on Gossip Girl, reprising the role for the 2022-2023 revival,...

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As you may have heard by now, tragedy has once again struck Hollywood:

Michelle Trachtenberg, an actress best known for roles on Gossip Girl and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, has passed away at a very young age. She was only 39 years old.

The star was found “unconscious and unresponsive” by her mother on the morning of Wednesday, February 26, according to various sources.

A cause of death has not been confirmed, although Trachtenberg had recently undergone a liver transplant.

Michele Trachtenberg attends Michael Muller’s Heaven, presented by The Art of Elysium, on January 5, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Getty)

“Ems responded to the location and pronounced the victim deceased,” NYPD said on Wednesday. “Criminality is not suspected. The Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death. The investigation remains ongoing.”

In response to this horrible news, a number of celebrities have taken to social media in order to pay respects to Michele Trachtenberg,...

This article contains a discussion of addiction.

Based (very loosely) on Cecily von Ziegesar's book series, "Gossip Girl" started its run on The CW in 2007 and, in the hands of Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage, let us into the exclusive world of a bunch of uber-wealthy Manhattan teenagers, all of whom were played by beautiful twenty-somethings. The whole story begins with the return of the troubled but beautiful socialite Serena van der Woodsen (Blake Lively), who ran away to boarding school in Connecticut after some sort of traumatizing life experience before the show's narrative began — and when she does come back to New York, she tries to start fresh. Unfortunately for her, that's not an option thanks to one conniving, unhinged troublemaker: Georgina Sparks, played to perfection by Michelle Trachtenberg.

When news broke that Trachtenberg passed away on February 26 at the age of 39, I thought of her starring role...

Hollywood is grieving the unexpected loss of Michelle Trachtenberg, including several of the actress’ co-stars.

Trachtenberg — beloved for her roles in TV shows Buffy the Vampire Slayer, where she played Dawn Summers, and Gossip Girl, where she played Georgina Sparks — was declared dead on Wednesday at age 39. “It is with great sadness to confirm that Michelle Trachtenberg has passed away. The family requests privacy for their loss. There are no further details at this time,” the actress’ rep confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter.

Trachtenberg was found dead in her New York City apartment by her mother on Wednesday morning, according to ABC News. The outlet reported that she is believed to have died from natural causes after experiencing complications from a liver transplant procedure.

Trachtenberg started her career as a child star. Her first feature film was at 10 years old in 1996’s Harriet the Spy, where she starred alongside Rosie O’Donnell,...

The sudden passing of actor Michelle Trachtenberg at the age of 39 has occasioned a flood of heartfelt remembrances from fans, friends, and former co-stars. Trachtenberg first won the hearts of television viewers as Nona F. Mecklenberg on the Nickelodeon series "The Adventures of Pete & Pete" before hitting the big screen as the intrepid Harriet M. Welsch in Bronwen Hughes' underrated family film "Harriet the Spy." She then found widespread fame as Buffy Summers' kid sister Dawn in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." Though initially dismissed by some as a Cousin Oliver-esque addition to a series struggling to remain relevant, Trachtenberg won everyone over through the sheer force of her preternatural pluck and formidable acting chops.

Trachtenberg's death was just announced earlier today, so tributes are still coming in from those who had the great pleasure of working alongside her. Here's how her "Buffy" family has memorialized her thus far.

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For millennials of a Certain Age, Michelle Trachtenberg was a constant. Whether it was her film debut in the 1996 classic Harriet the Spy or her appearances on The Adventures of Pete & Pete and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, she was an emblem of spunky curiosity to the millions who saw her on-screen. When news spread of her death at just 39 years old, the outpouring of tributes made it clear how inextricable many of her beloved roles were from her fans’ childhood memories.

Standing out among them is a role that...

The 1990s were honestly a pretty idyllic time to be a kid. Social media didn't exist yet, so we were still relatively cut off from the horrors of the world (outside of what we learned from our parents or maybe a clip on the nightly news), leaving kids to just be kids. It was also the time when kids were first getting to really see themselves represented in the media -- not just on parent-approved things like "The Mickey Mouse Club" but also the subversive, silly side of things on Nickelodeon. Nickelodeon was truly tailored for its young audience, with shows like the perfectly scary "Are You Afraid of the Dark?" and the silly and gross sketch series "All That" taking what kids wanted seriously. And one of the very best shows on Nickelodeon was "The Adventures of Pete & Pete."

"The Adventures of Pete & Pete" followed brothers Big Pete (Michael C.

Joss Whedon has been a part of several projects, whether as a screenwriter or director. The most notable of the lot would be his work on Buffy the Vampire Slayer. While he created some of the most amazing cinematic pieces out there, his behavior on the set of these projects has always been a point of contention. The most shocking allegation came from actress Michelle Trachtenberg, who played the role of Dawn Summers on Buffy.

Michelle Trachtenberg in Harriet The Spy | Credits: Paramount Pictures

She made serious accusations against him, revealing that Whedon was not allowed to be alone with her in a room. This remark spread like wildfire, with several other actors also stepping forward to share their experiences with the director.

Now, following Trachtenberg’s recent passing at the age of 39, this case has resurfaced again. Let’s dive deeper to understand what actually happened and what other...

Sarah Michelle Gellar, Rosie O’Donnell, James Marsters, and the creators of Gossip Girl have shared tributes to actress Michelle Trachtenberg after her unexpected death Wednesday, Feb. 26.

“Michelle, listen to me. Listen. I love you. I will always love you. The hardest thing in this world, is to live in it. I will be brave. I will live… for you,” Gellar captioned an Instagram post of herself with Trachtenberg, who starred alongside her in Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

O’Donnell was Trachtenberg’s A-list co-star in Harriet the Spy, the 1996 kids movie...