Michelle Trachtenberg, known for her roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl, has passed away at the age of 39. The actress was found unresponsive in her Manhattan apartment, according to the New York Police Department (NYPD).
Unconfirmed Cause of Death
As reported by HotNews.ro, police responded to a 911 call on Wednesday morning. Emergency medical personnel declared Trachtenberg deceased at the scene. Authorities stated that no foul play is suspected.
According to The New York Post, Trachtenberg had recently undergone a liver transplant, though the official cause of death has not been confirmed.
A Career Marked by Iconic Roles
Born in New York City on October 11, 1985, Trachtenberg began acting at the age of three, first appearing in commercials before securing a role in Nickelodeon's The Adventures of Pete & Pete in the mid-1990s. At ten, she starred in the 1996 film Harriet the Spy, launching her career in Hollywood.
Her most notable role came in 2000 when she joined Buffy the Vampire Slayer as Dawn Summers, the younger sister of the show’s title character, played by Sarah Michelle Gellar. She remained a central cast member until the series ended in 2003.
In 2007, Trachtenberg took on the role of Georgina Sparks in Gossip Girl, playing one of the show’s most memorable antagonists. She reprised the role in HBO Max’s reboot of the series in 2022.
Remembering Her Legacy
Beyond television, Trachtenberg appeared in several popular films, including Eurotrip (2004), Ice Princess (2005), and 17 Again (2009). She also had guest appearances in shows like Law & Order, Six Feet Under, and Weeds.
Her unexpected passing has left fans mourning the loss of an actress whose performances defined many childhoods and teen years.
