‘Gossip Girl’ Star Passes Away At 39

Roommates, Hollywood recently lost one of its young vets. On Wednesday (February 26), the New York Post reported that Michelle Trachtenberg passed away at age 39. She started her career as a child actor in 1985 and secured her film breakout role in ‘Harriet the Spy’ in 1996. Ultimately, the entertainer landed roles in pop culture hits like ‘Gossip Girl’ and ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer.’

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More Details About Michelle Trachtenberg’s Death

Though NYP was the first to report, multiple outlets, including ABC News, have also reported the high-profile death.

In the New York Post report, the details said Michelle’s mother discovered her “unconscious and unresponsive” at around 8 a.m. She reportedly passed away at a luxury apartment complex in Manhattan called One Columbus Place. At this time, sources also claimed Michelle Trachtenberg’s cause of death is linked to complications following an alleged liver transplant.

Keep in mind that the city medical examiner still has to release their official report. At the time, NYP stated that the actress’ death did not appear suspicious.

Former Network & Co-Stars Speak Out

Michelle Trachtenberg’s resume was far from a one-hit wonder. As mentioned, she was not new to Hollywood, from TV to films. From 2000 to 2003, she played Dawn, Buffy’s little sister, in Buffy the Vampire Slayer. She was nominated for a Teen Choice Award for TV sidekick one year into the show. Her co-star in the teen drama, David Boreanaz, who played Angel, posted a tribute on IG Stories. “So very sad…horrible news. R.I.P. and prayers to her and her family,” he wrote. 20th Television, the studio behind ‘Buffy The Vampire Slayer,’ shared a statement.

“Michelle touched a generation of television fans throughout her career, including in her unforgettable role as the independent and strong-willed Dawn Summers in Buffy,” a rep for 20th Television said. “She brought depth, heart, and authenticity to every performance and will be remembered for her remarkable talent. Our sincere condolences go out to her family and friends — she will be deeply missed.”

Meanwhile, from 2008 to 2012, she played Georgina Sparks, the villain in ‘Gossip Girl.’ That role earned her another Teen Choice nomination in 2012. Trachtenberg’s co-star from the show, Ed Westwick, also shared an IG Stories post about the passing. “So sad to hear the passing. Sending prayers.” he wrote on a throwback picture of Michelle Trachtenberg and tagged her.

The actress has other shows on her resume, including Weeds, Mercy, and a Gossip Girl reboot from 2022. Michelle’s supporters also saw her act in the movies ’17 Again’ and ‘The Scribbler.’ A statement from 20th Television addressed the actress’ death.

Blake Lively Breaks Her Silence On Michelle’s Death

Blake Lively, the lead actress in Gossip Girl’ penned a lengthy message about losing Michelle and a photo of the first day they met.

“She was electricity. You knew when she entered a room because the vibration changed. Everything she did, she did 200%. She laughed at the fullest at someone’s joke, she faced authority head-on when she felt something was wrong, she cared deeply about her work, she was proud to be a part of this community and this industry as painful as it could be sometimes, she was fiercely loyal to her friends and brave for those she loved, she was big and bold and distinctly herself.”

After describing Michelle some more, Blake discussed missing opportunities to bond with an old friend. “Time passes. You take for granted that you get the chance to see an old friend. To paraphrase, the real tragedies in life are the ones that blindside you on an idle Tuesday. Hold those you love and have loved dear. The world lost a deeply sensitive and good resin in Michelle,” Lively added.