Gina Heslop
Michelle Trachtenberg, the actress known for her roles in Gossip Girl and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, has passed away at the age of 39.
The news was confirmed by CBS News, shocking fans and colleagues who remember her as a talented actress who rose to fame as a child star in the 1990s and early 2000s.
According to reports, the New York Police Department (NYPD) responded to a 911 call at 8:01 a.m. on Wednesday morning. When first responders arrived at her Manhattan home, they found her unresponsive.
Authorities have stated that no foul play is suspected, and an investigation is currently underway. “Criminality is not suspected. The Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death,” the NYPD said in a statement.
A representative for Trachtenberg’s family confirmed her passing and requested privacy during this difficult time.
Reports from ABC News suggest that she had recently undergone a liver transplant and may have suffered complications from the procedure. However, an autopsy will be conducted to determine the exact cause of her death.
Trachtenberg began her acting career at the age of nine. She first gained recognition on the Nickelodeon television series The Adventures of Pete & Pete, which led to more opportunities in film and television.
She became widely known for her role as Dawn Summers in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, which earned her a Daytime Emmy Award nomination.
Throughout her career, she starred in various films, including EuroTrip, Ice Princess, Killing Kennedy, and Sister Cities. She also played Georgina Sparks in Gossip Girl, a character that became a fan favorite.
The news of her sudden passing has left fans and fellow actors heartbroken. Many have taken to social media to pay tribute.
Comedian Rosie O’Donnell, who starred alongside Trachtenberg in Harriet the Spy, expressed her grief, saying, “I loved her very much. She struggled the last few years.
I wish I could have helped.” Ed Westwick, her Gossip Girl co-star, also shared his condolences, writing, “So sad to hear of the passing of Michelle Trachtenberg. Sending prayers.”
Before her passing, Trachtenberg was active on social media, often sharing nostalgic moments from her career. In one of her last posts, she shared a throwback photo with Buffy co-star Sarah Michelle Gellar, captioning it, “Slay all day! Always loved this twinning photo of us! #buffy #dawn #sister #womancrushwednesday.”
Her final Instagram post was a throwback picture from the Killing Kennedy premiere in Beverly Hills on November 4, 2013.
Her sudden death has left a void in the entertainment industry, but her legacy as a beloved actress will live on through her many memorable roles.
