Michelle Trachtenberg, the former child star known for her roles in the 1996 movie Harriet the Spy and hit TV shows Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl, has passed away at the age of 39.
Police responded to a 911 call early in the morning at a luxury apartment tower in Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen. Upon arrival, officers found Trachtenberg “unconscious and unresponsive.” Paramedics declared her dead at the scene. Authorities have stated that no foul play is suspected, and the New York Medical Examiner is investigating the cause of death.
A representative for Trachtenberg, Gary Mantoosh, released a statement requesting privacy for her family during this difficult time.
Trachtenberg began her career at age 8, playing Nona Mecklenberg on the Nickelodeon series The Adventures of Pete & Pete from 1994 to 1996. She later starred in the film adaptations of Harriet the Spy and Inspector Gadget, alongside Matthew Broderick.
Michelle Trachtenberg was known for her authenticity, which made her relatable to many. Debby Beece, president of Nickelodeon Movies in 1996, praised her for being a genuine young talent that everyone could connect with.
In 2000, Trachtenberg joined the cast of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, playing Dawn Summers, the younger sister of the main character, Buffy, portrayed by Sarah Michelle Gellar. She remained part of the show until 2003.
In 2021, Trachtenberg publicly thanked Sarah Michelle Gellar for speaking out against Buffy creator Joss Whedon after abuse allegations surfaced. Trachtenberg expressed her support on social media, revealing that as a 35-year-old woman, she felt strong enough to share her own experience with “inappropriate behavior” she faced as a teenage actress.
In 2001, Trachtenberg was nominated for a Daytime Emmy for hosting Truth or Scare on Discovery. She also appeared in recurring roles on shows like Six Feet Under, Weeds, and Gossip Girl, where she played the manipulative character Georgina Sparks.
Michelle Trachtenberg, known for her iconic role in Gossip Girl, was nominated for a Teen Choice Award in 2012 as a TV villain for her portrayal of Georgina Sparks. In a 2009 interview with Seventeen, she shared how much she enjoyed playing the villainous character, saying, “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.”
Trachtenberg also returned for guest appearances in the 2021 Gossip Girl reboot, further solidifying her connection to the beloved series.
Blake Lively, her Gossip Girl co-star, honored Trachtenberg on Instagram, calling her “a deeply sensitive and good person.” Lively added, “May her work and her huge heart be remembered by those who were lucky enough to experience her fire.”
Trachtenberg’s place in millennial culture was also marked by a cameo in Fall Out Boy’s music video for “This Ain’t a Scene, It’s an Arms Race,” alongside Seth Green.
The entertainment world expressed their sorrow on social media, mourning the loss of an actor who had successfully transitioned from a child star to a teen idol and adult actress. Buffy the Vampire Slayer co-star David Boreanaz shared his sadness on Instagram, calling the news “so very sad.. horrible news.” Melissa Gilbert, who worked with Trachtenberg in the 1996 film A Holiday for Love, posted on Instagram: “My heart aches for your family and all those who loved you so.”
Rosie O’Donnell, who starred alongside Michelle Trachtenberg in Harriet the Spy, expressed her grief over Trachtenberg’s passing, calling it “heartbreaking.” She added, “I loved her very much. She struggled the last few years. I wish I could have helped.” Glee star Chris Colfer also shared his memories, describing Trachtenberg as “the absolute sweetest and one of the most supportive people I knew.”
In her later career, Trachtenberg appeared in Ice Princess (2005), where she portrayed a math prodigy and aspiring figure skater. The film was noted for its “good, though feeble, heart” and praised Trachtenberg for capturing the same nervous energy she brought to her role on Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Trachtenberg, born in New York City, also appeared in the 2004 teen comedy EuroTrip, starred alongside Zac Efron and Leslie Mann in 17 Again (2009), and portrayed a murderous stalker and abductor in an episode of Criminal Minds.
In the 2013 film Killing Kennedy, Michelle Trachtenberg portrayed the wife of Lee Harvey Oswald, with around 80% of her dialogue in Russian. She had learned the language from her mother while growing up.
Trachtenberg’s career also included supporting roles in films such as Mysterious Skin (2004) and Black Christmas (2006). She starred alongside Taylor Schilling in the NBC medical series Mercy (2009–2010). More recently, she hosted the true-crime docuseries Meet, Marry, Murder on Tubi.