Michelle Trachtenberg, acclaimed for her roles in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Gossip Girl,” was found dead in her Manhattan apartment on Wednesday, February 26, 2025. Her mother discovered her body early in the morning, police reported. She was 39.
Trachtenberg, who embarked on her acting career as a child, gained prominence through her performances in renowned TV series and films such as “Harriet the Spy,” “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” and “Gossip Girl.” Her sudden death has elicited an outpouring of tributes from her former colleagues and friends in the entertainment industry.
Although officials have yet to confirm the cause of her death, sources close to Trachtenberg have indicated that she may have passed away due to complications from a recent liver transplant, as reported by KFSN, an ABC affiliate. The authorities do not suspect any foul play.
Forensic vehicles and a government van were noticed outside Trachtenberg’s upscale Manhattan building near Central Park on the day of her death. Her last public appearance was the previous Thursday, dining with friends at Sartiano’s, an Italian restaurant in New York City.
In the days leading up to her death, Trachtenberg remained active on social media, posting selfies and throwback images that raised concerns among her fans. Her final post, a selfie with the caption “the warmth before the storm,” incited worried comments from followers about her appearance and state of health.
A representative for Trachtenberg confirmed her death but refrained from providing further details regarding the circumstances.
Trachtenberg, born in New York City in 1985, shared with Radio Free in 2005 that her father, Michael, had immigrated from Germany, and her mother, Lana, was originally from Russia. She was raised between New York and Los Angeles, with her mother and sister Irene residing in the Los Angeles suburb of Tarzana, and her father living in Brooklyn, New York.
Starting her acting career at only three years old on Nickelodeon, Trachtenberg landed major roles that would shape her career. She played Nona Mecklenberg in “The Adventures of Pete & Pete” before claiming the leading role in the 1996 film “Harriet the Spy.” She gained widespread recognition when she joined the cast of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” as Dawn Summers, the younger sibling of Sarah Michelle Gellar’s character.
From 2008 to 2012, Trachtenberg gained notoriety for her role as the cunning socialite Georgina Sparks on “Gossip Girl,” a role she reprised in the 2022-2023 reboot of the show. In addition to her roles in over 62 movies and TV shows, her filmography also includes “EuroTrip,” “Ice Princess,” and “17 Again.”
Long-time colleagues and friends have publicly mourned Trachtenberg’s unexpected death. Rosie O’Donnell, a co-star from “Harriet the Spy,” provided a heartfelt tribute. “I loved her very much. She struggled the last few years. I wish I could have helped,” O’Donnell stated, as reported by People.
Kim Cattrall, who acted alongside Trachtenberg in “Ice Princess,” shared a set photo of the two with the caption, “Rest in peace sweet Michelle.”
Ed Westwick, known for his role as Chuck Bass on “Gossip Girl,” expressed his grief with a photo of Trachtenberg from her time on the show. David Boreanaz, her “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” co-star, wrote on Instagram, “So very sad […] horrible news. RIP and prayers to her and her family.”
James Marsters, her “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” co-star, characterized Trachtenberg as “fiercely intelligent, howlingly funny, and a very talented person.” Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage, the creators of “Gossip Girl,” praised her portrayal of Georgina Sparks as “an iconic fan-favorite” and described her as a “delight to have on set.”
Kenan Thompson, a fellow Nickelodeon star, posted a farewell message, writing, “Our first Nick movie star has departed us!! She was my friend and now she rests!! Check on your people!!!”
Melissa Joan Hart, who worked with Trachtenberg on “Clarissa Explains It All,” shared her sorrow over the actress’s death, describing her as “so young, so talented and so sweet!”
In a 2020 interview with Collider, Trachtenberg discussed the challenges she faced as a first-generation American breaking into the entertainment industry. “My mom wasn’t even familiar with how to go on auditions and push your daughter here,” she said. Despite those challenges, Trachtenberg was passionate about acting from an early age.
In the same interview, Trachtenberg expressed her continued love for her craft. “I love what I do. As long as I have that feeling, then I’m gonna stick to it,” she said. “As long as I’m lucky enough to get projects and keep working, I will always be grateful for it.”
Throughout her career, Trachtenberg earned several nominations for her performances, including Teen Choice Award nominations for her roles in both “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Gossip Girl.” She also received nominations for a Young Artist Award and a Saturn Award for her work on “Buffy.”
In recent years, Trachtenberg had been less active in acting but kept in touch with her fans through social media. Last year, she addressed concerns about her appearance, reassuring followers that she was “happy and healthy.”
According to a 2020 report by Us Weekly, Trachtenberg was in a relationship with her talent agent, Jay Cohen. In 2023, Cohen posted a photo of Trachtenberg, referring to her as his Valentine, though their relationship status at the time of her death remains unclear.
The news of Trachtenberg’s death has deeply affected those who grew up watching her performances in beloved 90s and 2000s TV shows and films. Her varied roles and memorable performances have left a significant mark on the entertainment industry and her loyal fans.