Actress Michelle Trachtenberg, best known for her roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl, has passed away at the age of 39. Authorities in Manhattan confirmed that Trachtenberg was found “unconscious and unresponsive” on Wednesday morning. She was pronounced dead at the scene, with police stating that her death is not being treated as suspicious. The medical examiner will determine the cause of death.
Trachtenberg’s family released a brief statement confirming the tragic news: “It is with great sadness to confirm that Michelle Trachtenberg has passed away. The family requests privacy for their loss.”
Michelle Trachtenberg’s career spanned decades, beginning with her role as Nona Mecklenberg on Nickelodeon’s The Adventures of Pete & Pete at the age of nine. She rose to prominence with her starring role in Harriet the Spy (1996), and later became widely known for playing Dawn Summers, the younger sister of Buffy, in Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
In the 2000s, she transitioned into adult roles, most notably portraying the scheming Georgina Sparks in Gossip Girl from 2007 to 2012. She reprised the role in HBO Max’s 2023 reboot. Her film credits include EuroTrip, Ice Princess, Killing Kennedy, and Sister Cities.
Her final major role came in 2021 when she hosted the true-crime docuseries Meet, Marry, Murder on Tubi.
Tributes poured in from former castmates and friends following the news of her passing.
Blake Lively, her Gossip Girl co-star, remembered Trachtenberg as someone who “did everything… 200%.” She added: “She cared deeply about her work, she was fiercely loyal to her friends, and she was big and bold and distinctly herself.”
Actor Ed Westwick, who played Chuck Bass in Gossip Girl, shared a tribute on Instagram, writing: “So sad to hear of the passing of Michelle Trachtenberg. Sending prayers.”
James Marsters, her Buffy castmate, described her as “fiercely intelligent, howlingly funny, and a very talented person.”
Comedian Rosie O’Donnell, who starred alongside her in Harriet the Spy, said: “I loved her very much. She struggled the last few years. I wish I could have helped.”
In 2021, Trachtenberg spoke out against Buffy the Vampire Slayer creator Joss Whedon, accusing him of inappropriate behavior on set. This followed similar allegations from co-star Charisma Carpenter.
While her cause of death remains unknown, those close to her hint at personal struggles in recent years. Her sudden passing has left Hollywood mourning the loss of a beloved actress whose impact on television and film remains significant.
