Michelle Trachtenberg’s Former Co-Stars React To Her Sudden Death: ‘You Were Loved’
PARK CITY, UT – JANUARY 28: Actress Michelle Trachtenberg of the film “Mysterious Skin” poses … [+] for portraits during the 2005 Sundance Film Festival January 28, 2005 in Park City, Utah. (Photo by Carlo Allegri/Getty Images)
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Michelle Trachtenberg’s sudden death at age 39 has left fans and former co-stars in shock. The Gossip Girl and Buffy the Vampire Slayer actress was found “unconscious and unresponsive” by police on the morning of Wednesday, Feb. 26.
While her cause of death has not been confirmed, a source told ABC News that the actress had recently undergone a liver transplant and may have experienced complications. “Trachtenberg is believed to have died of natural causes and no foul play is suspected,” ABC News reported at the time
The New York native began her career as a child star, appearing in beloved projects like the TV series The Adventures of Pete & Pete and the film Harriet the Spy. Her breakthrough role came when she was cast as Dawn, the younger sister of Sarah Michelle Gellar’s character on Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Trachtenberg went on to star in films like EuroTrip, Disney’s Ice Princess and 17 Again, and appeared in shows including Mercy, Criminal Minds, and NCIS: Los Angeles.
One of her most notable roles was portraying Georgina Sparks on Gossip Girl from 2008 to 2012. She later reprised the role in HBO’s Gossip Girl reboot in 2022. “Georgina is actually my favorite character that I’ve played because she’s such an evil B-*-*-C-H,” she told Entertainment Tonight in 2021. “That was fun.
Following the tragic news of her passing, Trachtenberg’s former co-stars are reacting to her death and sharing memories from their time together. From Buffy the Vampire Slayer to Gossip Girl, here’s what some of them had to say.
David Boreanaz
Michelle Trachtenberg and David Boreanaz during Chrysalis’s 5th Annual Butterfly Ball – Red Carpet … [+] at Italian Villa of Carla and Fred Sands in Bel Air, California, United States. ***Exclusive*** (Photo by E. Charbonneau/WireImage)
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David Boreanaz, who starred alongside the late star on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, shared a photo of Trachtenberg on his Instagram story, writing, “So very sad… horrible news. R.I.P. and prayers to her and her family.”
Ed Westwick
NEW YORK – MAY 13: Actors Michelle Trachtenberg, Ed Westwick, Jessica Szohr, and Connor Paolo at … [+] the Fifth Annual LUCKY CLUB on May 13, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/WireImage)
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Gossip Girl star Ed Westwick, who played Chuck Bass opposite of Trachtenberg’s Georgina, wrote on his Instagram story: “So sad to hear of the passing of Michelle Trachtenberg. Sending prayers.”
Emma Caulfield
Emma Caulfield and Michelle Trachtenberg (Photo by Albert L. Ortega/WireImage)
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Buffy star Emma Caulfield, who played Anya, shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram. “I’m so sorry your bright light died so young,” she posted on her story. “Our Buffy family lost a little sister today. Rest in peace, lovely Mish Mish. You were loved.”
Rosie O’Donnell
07/29/96 Rosie O”Donell and Michelle Trachtenberg star in the first Nickolodeon movie “Harriet the … [+] Spy”
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Rosie O’Donnell, who starred with the actress in 1996’s Harriet the Spy—released when Trachtenberg was just 10 years old—shared the statement: “I loved her very much. She struggled the last few years. I wish I could have helped.”
James Marsters
‘Buffy’ actors Michelle Trachtenberg and James Marsters at the UPN sessions of the Television … [+] Critics Association summer press tour at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Pasadena, Ca. 7/16/01. Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images.
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“My heart is heavy today,” James Marsters, who played Spike on Buffy, wrote on Instagram in an emotional tribute. “We have lost a beautiful soul. 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.”
Kim Cattrall
Michelle Trachtenberg and Kim Cattrall during Kim Cattrall Celebrates Screening of Her HBO … [+] Documentary and Upcoming Book “Sexual Intelligence” – October 18, 2005 at Museum of Television and Radio in New York City, New York, United States. (Photo by Duffy-Marie Arnoult/WireImage for HBO)
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Kim Cattrall shared a photo on Instagram of herself and Trachtenberg acting together in the 2005 Disney film Ice Princess. “Rest in peace sweet Michelle ,” she wrote.
Alyson Hannigan
‘Buffy’ cast members Emma Caulfield, Nicholas Brendon, Alyson Hannigan, James Marsters, Sarah … [+] Michelle Gellar and Michelle Trachtenberg at the UPN sessions of the Television Critics Association summer press tour at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Pasadena, Ca. 7/16/01. Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images.
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Alyson Hannigan, who played Willow Rosenberg, Buffy Summers’ best friend in Buffy, said she was “deeply saddened” by the news of her late co-star’s passing. “She brought a loving energy to the set of Buffy. My thoughts are with Michelle’s family and friends,” she wrote on Instagram, sharing a photo of them together.
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