Michelle Trachtenberg, known for her roles in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Gossip Girl,” was found dead in her New York City apartment on Wednesday morning. She was 39 years old. Police responded to a 911 call at Trachtenberg’s luxury apartment in Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood around 8 a.m. Officers found her unconscious and unresponsive.
Paramedics pronounced her dead at the scene. No foul play is suspected, and the New York Medical Examiner is investigating the cause of death. Trachtenberg’s representative, Gary Mantoosh, said, “The family requests privacy for their loss.”
Blake Lively pays tribute to ‘Gossip Girl’ co-star Michelle Trachtenberg:
“She was electricity. You knew when she entered a room because the vibration changed. Everything she did, she did 200%…hold those you love and have loved dear.” pic.twitter.com/ahbtnu01Lz
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) February 27, 2025
The actress began her career as a child star, appearing in the 1996 movie “Harriet the Spy” and the TV series “The Adventures of Pete & Pete.” She later joined the cast of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” as Dawn Summers, the younger sister of the title character played by Sarah Michelle Gellar.
“Harriet the Spy” star Michelle Trachtenberg has died, the New York Post reports. She was 39. https://t.co/jpTkub7NqX
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) February 26, 2025
Trachtenberg also had recurring roles on “Six Feet Under,” “Weeds,” and “Gossip Girl,” where she played the scheming Georgina Sparks. In 2012, she received a Teen Choice Award nomination for her portrayal of the TV villain. Trachtenberg’s “Gossip Girl” co-star, Blake Lively honored her on Instagram, saying, “The world lost a deeply sensitive and good person in Michelle.
NEW: Actress Michelle Trachtenberg, known for her role in "Gossip Girl," has passed away at the age of 39.
Trachtenberg was found by her mother in her apartment complex in Manhattan on Wednesday morning.
The actress, according to ABC News, had recently undergone a… pic.twitter.com/H1XIjQ8RxY
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) February 26, 2025
May those who were lucky enough to experience her fire remember her work and her huge heart.”
According to a report, Trachtenberg’s mom, Lana, saw her daughter alive just 10 hours before finding her dead in bed. Despite health concerns over the last year, the actress has maintained an active life and recently went to a restaurant in Soho with friends.
So sad. Loved her on Buffy. Rest In Peace, Michelle Trachtenberg. https://t.co/nPWLhW980u
— Frank Conniff (@FrankConniff) February 26, 2025
Michelle Trachtenberg’s tragic passing
A close friend, photographer Amanda de Cadenet, revealed that Trachtenberg had been hospitalized recently and knew there was a high chance of dying. De Cadenet wrote, “Seeing your face from the hospital bed when we FaceTimed recently, even though you did not look like you, your sweetness and humor were still alive.”
In the months before her death, some of Trachtenberg’s followers noticed her gaunt and frail appearance, sparking health concerns. The actress responded in January, saying she was “happy and healthy” and had never had plastic surgery.
A source disclosed that Trachtenberg had confided in friends about her emotional downswings and mounting health issues in the year leading up to her death. The actress appeared “pale, gaunt,” and “very thin,” according to the insider. Hollywood has taken to social media to mourn the loss of Trachtenberg, who transitioned from child star to teen queen to adult actor.
Many will remember her impact in film and television, which was marked by her talent, versatility, and the indelible characters she brought to life.
