Michelle Trachtenberg— who starred in cult classics like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Harriet the Spy, and Gossip Girl— has passed away at the age of 39. There is already an outpouring of messages from fans and celebrity co-stars who worked with her throughout her three decade long career.
The actress was found ‘unconscious and unresponsive’ in her New York City home on 26 February, 2025, although an exact cause of death is yet to be determined.
The star had undergone a liver transplant in the months leading up to her death, although she never spoke publicly about any health issues. ABC News reported that after the procedure, she ‘may have been experiencing complications.’
Last year, Michelle responded to critics questioning her health after she posted a selfie to Instagram. She followed up with another photo this time captioned, ‘Fun fact. This is my face. Not malnutrition no problems. Why do you have to hate? Get a calendar.’ After even more comments about her appearance, she captioned one of her next posts, ‘I’ve received several comments recently about my appearance. I have never had plastic surgery I am happy and healthy. Check yourself haters.’
Michelle Trachtenberg was born in New York City on October 11, 1985. She got her start on Nickelodeon in 1994 with The Adventures of Pete & Pete. Her first film role was in 1996’s cult classic Harriet the Spy where she played the titular character, followed by a starring role in 1999’s Inspector Gadget. The following year, she became Buffy’s younger sister Dawn in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, propelling her to bonafide teen idol status. The role earned her multiple Saturn Award nominations for Best Supporting Actress as well as a Young Artist Award.
What followed was roles in EuroTrip (2004), Mysterious Skin (2004), Ice Princess (2005) and a recurring role in Six Feet Under.
In 2008, she nabbed the role of Georgina Sparks in Gossip Girl, a part she would play on and off for four years before returning briefly in the reboot in 2022. The role earned her a second Teen Choice Award nomination, this time for Choice TV villain. In 2009, she starred alongside Zac Efron in the fantasy comedy 17 again.
Sarah O'Byrne is a writer for Grazia, heat, Closer, Yours, Bella and Crime Monthly. She primarily focuses on celebrity and entertainment news.