Michelle Trachtenberg, 35, a former child star who gained fame in the 1990s and 2000s, has been found dead in a luxury apartment complex in Manhattan’s Central Park South area.
Manhattan police responded to an emergency call on Wednesday morning and discovered Trachtenberg “unconscious and unresponsive.” She was pronounced dead at the scene.
The actress was widely recognized for her role as Dawn Summers, Buffy’s younger sister in Buffy the Vampire Slayer. As an adult, she portrayed Georgina Sparks, a cunning socialite in Gossip Girl, which aired from 2007 to 2012.
Michelle Trachtenberg first gained attention in 1996 with her film debut in Harriet the Spy and appeared in several Nickelodeon shows. Her family confirmed her passing in a public statement.
“We are heartbroken to confirm Michelle Trachtenberg’s passing. We kindly ask for privacy during this difficult time,” the NY Post reported. Authorities stated that no foul play is suspected.
“There is no indication of criminal activity. The medical examiner will establish the cause of death. The investigation is ongoing,” said the NYPD.
Michelle Trachtenberg Remembered
Trachtenberg began acting on Nickelodeon’s The Adventures of Pete & Pete at age nine. In the early 2000s, she received several acting award nominations, including a Daytime Emmy for her work on Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Her film credits include EuroTrip, Ice Princess, Killing Kennedy, and Sister Cities.
Rosie O’Donnell, who worked with Trachtenberg on her breakout film Harriet the Spy, described the news as “heartbreaking.”
“I loved her dearly. She faced challenges over the past few years. I wish I could’ve done more for her,” O’Donnell said.
Tributes also poured in from her former co-stars. Ed Westwick, who played Chuck Bass on Gossip Girl, posted a picture of her as Georgina Sparks on Instagram, saying, “So sad to hear about Michelle Trachtenberg. Sending prayers.”
A fellow Buffy castmate, David Boreanaz expressed his sorrow on Instagram, writing, “Such devastating news. Heartbreaking.”
James Marsters, another co-star from Buffy, shared his thoughts in a tribute, calling her “brilliant, hilarious, and incredibly talented.”
“She left us far too soon and will be missed by so many who loved her,” said Marsters.
Trachtenberg first appeared on Gossip Girl in 2008 and reprised her role as Georgina Sparks in two episodes of the show’s second season reboot on HBO Max in 2023.
Her most recent major role came in 2021 when she hosted the true-crime docuseries Meet, Marry, Murder on Tubi.
In 2021, Trachtenberg publicly accused Buffy the Vampire Slayer creator Joss Whedon of inappropriate behaviour on set. Her allegations followed claims by co-star Charisma Carpenter, who described her negative experiences working with Whedon.
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