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
Michelle Trachtenberg, the former child star known for her roles in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Gossip Girl,” was found dead in her New York City apartment on Wednesday. She was 39 years old. Police responded to a 911 call just after 8 a.m. at One Columbus Place, a luxury apartment complex on Central Park South.
Trachtenberg was found “unconscious and unresponsive” and was pronounced dead by emergency medical workers. Her cause of death has not yet been determined, but police are not investigating it as suspicious. Sources say Trachtenberg recently underwent a liver transplant and her body may have rejected the organ.
“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
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
Rosie O’Donnell, who worked with Trachtenberg on the 1996 movie “Harriet the Spy,” issued a statement about her former co-star. “I loved her very much. She struggled the last few years.
Former ‘Gossip Girl’ star’s tragic end
I wish I could have helped,” O’Donnell said. Trachtenberg’s representative, Gary Mantoosh, confirmed her passing in a statement.
So sad. Loved her on Buffy. Rest In Peace, Michelle Trachtenberg. https://t.co/nPWLhW980u
— Frank Conniff (@FrankConniff) February 26, 2025
“It is with great sadness that we confirm Michelle Trachtenberg has passed away. The family requests privacy during this difficult time,” he said. Born in New York City on Oct.
11, 1985, Trachtenberg’s first credited role was at the age of 9 in the Nickelodeon series “The Adventures of Pete and Pete.” She later starred as the title character in the 1996 film “Harriet the Spy.”
As an adult, Trachtenberg took on more mature roles, including playing Dawn Summers on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” for three years and the manipulative Georgina Sparks on “Gossip Girl.”
Concerns about Trachtenberg’s health had been raised by fans in recent months after she posted photos on Instagram where she appeared gaunt and frail. In January, she responded to these concerns, saying she was “happy and healthy” and had never had plastic surgery. Many of Trachtenberg’s former co-stars have expressed their sadness at her passing on social media.
Ed Westwick, who played Chuck Bass in “Gossip Girl,” mourned her loss, while Kim Cattrall shared a heartfelt message along with a photo from their time filming the 2005 movie “Ice Princess.”
Trachtenberg is survived by her longtime boyfriend, talent agent and producer Jay Cohen. Her contributions to film and television have left a lasting impact, and she will be remembered fondly by fans, friends, and family.