Who was Michelle Trachtenberg? All about ‘Gossip Girl’ Star found dead

Michelle Trachtenberg, the actress widely recognized for portraying Georgina Sparks in Gossip Girl and Dawn Summers in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, has passed away at the age of 39. According to reports, she was discovered in her New York City apartment on Wednesday morning by her mother.

Authorities in Manhattan stated that they found the actress “unconscious and unresponsive” upon arrival at her residence. She was pronounced dead at the scene, with officials confirming that there was no suspicion of foul play.

Trachtenberg began her career as a child actress, making her film debut in Harriet the Spy (1996) and appearing in several Nickelodeon productions. Over the years, she took on notable roles in films such as EuroTrip, 17 Again, and Ice Princess. Her last credited performance was in 2023, reprising her role as Georgina Sparks in the Gossip Girl reboot on Max.

The actress’s family confirmed the heartbreaking news in a statement, requesting privacy during this difficult time. Trachtenberg had recently undergone a liver transplant and was possibly experiencing complications. While the cause of death is believed to be natural, an autopsy will be conducted to determine further details.

The New York Police Department also released a statement, reiterating that “criminality is not suspected,” and that the medical examiner will provide the official cause of death.

Following the tragic news, tributes poured in from across Hollywood. Rosie O’Donnell, who starred with Trachtenberg in Harriet the Spy, expressed her sorrow, calling her passing “heartbreaking.” She added, “I loved her very much. She struggled in recent years. I wish I could have helped.”

Actor Ed Westwick, known for his role as Chuck Bass in Gossip Girl, shared a tribute on Instagram, posting a picture of Trachtenberg as Georgina Sparks with the caption, “So sad to hear of the passing of Michelle Trachtenberg. Sending prayers.” Meanwhile, her Buffy the Vampire Slayer co-star David Boreanaz also shared his grief, writing, “So very sad. Horrible news.”

Trachtenberg, who started acting at the age of nine on Nickelodeon’s The Adventures of Pete & Pete, was nominated for multiple awards in the early 2000s, including a Daytime Emmy for her role in Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

Her final Instagram post, shared just days before her passing, featured a nostalgic image where she expressed her desire to “look like naughty #Tinkerbell.”

The entertainment industry mourns the loss of a talented actress whose work left a lasting impact on audiences worldwide.

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