Gossip Girl and Buffy the Vampire Slayer stars lead tributes after Michelle Trachtenberg dies aged 39
'My heart is heavy today.'
Michelle Trachtenberg’s devastated co-stars have led celebrity tributes following her death at the age of 39.
The actress, most known for her roles in Gossip Girl and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, died earlier today in Manhattan, New York.
She was reportedly found by her mother in a luxury apartment complex near Central Park, with an autopsy set to be conducted by the medical examiner’s office.
In the wake of the news, many of her former castmates have shared their condolences on social media, led by Ed Westwick.
The 37-year-old – who starred opposite Trachtenberg in Gossip Girl – posted a picture of her from set on his Instagram story, with the message: ‘So sad to hear of the passing of @MichelleTrachtenberg. Sending prayers.’
Buffy and Angel actor David Boreneaz followed suit with a message on his own story, commenting: ‘So very sad… Horrible news. RIP and prayers to her and her family.’
The actress played Dawn in Buffy the Vampire Slayer (Picture: 20th Century Fox)‘My heart is heavy today. We have lost a beautiful soul,’ Buffy’s James Masters said in a statement to People Magazine.
‘Michelle was fiercely intelligent, howlingly funny, and a very talented person. She died much too young, and leaves behind scores of people who knew and loved her.
‘My heart goes out to her family who are good people, and are suffering the greatest loss anyone could bear. I hope everyone can give them space to heal in this most difficult time.
‘Godspeed Michelle. You are missed.’
Her co-stars led tributes on social media(Picture: 20th Century Fox)Kenan Thompson posted a video of Michelle on Nickelodeon, with the Instagram caption: ‘Our first Nick movie star has departed us!! She was my friend and now she rests!! Check on your people!!!’
Harriet the Spy’s Rosie O’Donnell told Entertainment Tonight that it was a ‘heartbreaking’ time after they shared the screen in Trachtenberg’s film debut.
‘I loved her very much,’ she added. ‘She struggled the last few years. I wish I could have helped.’
Kim Cattrall, who shared the screen with the late star in 2005’s Ice Princess, simply posted: ‘Rest in peace sweet Michelle.’
Melissa Joan Hart, who appeared in Clarissa Explains It All with Trachtenberg, wrote on Instagram: ‘I’m heartbroken to hear of the passing of @michelletrachtenberg!! So young, so talented and so sweet!
‘Here is a fun scene from when she was on #ClarissaExplainsItAll. I think this was about 1992 and the episode was an idea I had about babysitting a total nightmare.
‘But Michelle was nothing like her character and even this young, we got along wonderfully. #gonetoosoon #RIP #GodBlesstheFunnyPeople.’
Trachtenberg was found ‘unconscious and unresponsive’ by police this morning, but her death is not being investigated as suspicious.
She shot to superstardom with the supernatural role (Picture: 20th Century Fox)Her reps confirmed the news of her death in a statement to Metro, which read: ‘It is with great sadness to confirm that Michelle Trachtenberg has passed away.
‘The family requests privacy for their loss. There are no further details at this time.’
Her cause of death has not yet been confirmed.
An NYPD spokesperson said in a statement to Metro: ‘On Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at approximately 0801 hours, police responded to a 911 call of an aided individual.
She stole the show as Georgina Sparks in Gossip Girl (Picture: GC Images)‘Upon arrival, officers observed a 39-year-old female unconscious and unresponsive.
‘EMS responded to the location and pronounced the victim deceased.
‘Criminality is not suspected. The Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death. The investigation remains ongoing.’
The New York-born star stepped into the spotlight as a young child, and appeared in adverts from the age of three.
Michelle starred opposite Blake Lively in the role (Picture: CW)In 1996, she made her film debut in Harriet the Spy – opposite O’Donnell – before commanding the screen in Inspector Gadget, Mysterious Skin, Black Christmas and 17 Again.
Her small screen roles include the Adventures of Pete & Pete, Truth or Scare, Meego and Figure It Out.
It was her introduction as Dawn Summers in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, in 2000, that shot her to superstardom.
Trachtenberg joined the fold as Buffy’s (Sarah Michelle Gellar) younger sister, with the cast also including Alyson Hannigan, Seth Green, Nicholas Brendon, Charisma Carpenter and Boreneaz.
Michelle died at the age of 39 (Picture: Getty)From there, she landed the role of Georgina Sparks in teen drama Gossip Girl, and proceeded to steal the scene in every episode she was in.
Unpacking her role in 2009, she shared that it was ‘much more fun’ playing the villain in the CW series, and stirring up the plots.
‘It’s easy to be evil when you’re saying evil things,’ she insisted. ‘It’s definitely a lot more fun than playing the good girl. I love the reaction you get.
‘I never understood why some actors don’t want to play villains or evil characters.’
In a chat with Entertainment Weekly just a few years ago, she maintained: ‘Georgina is actually my favorite character that I’ve played.’
Michelle called out comments about her looks just last year (Picture: Getty)Her last major role came in 2021, hosting true-crime docuseries, Meet, Marry, Murder.
Last year, Trachtenberg made headlines after slamming speculation about her appearance, following comments from fans.
‘I’ve received several comments recently about my appearance,’ she said at the time.
‘I have never had plastic surgery I am happy and healthy. Check yourself haters.’
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