The entertainment world is mourning the loss of Michelle Trachtenberg, the talented actress known for her iconic roles in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Gossip Girl.” Trachtenberg passed away on Wednesday morning at the age of 39, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances.
According to the NYPD, police responded to an emergency call and found Trachtenberg “unconscious and unresponsive.” She was pronounced dead at the scene, and authorities have stated that her death is not being treated as suspicious. “Criminality is not suspected. The medical examiner will determine the cause of death. The investigation remains ongoing,” the NYPD said in a statement.
Trachtenberg’s family confirmed her passing, saying, “It is with great sadness to confirm that Michelle Trachtenberg has passed away. The family requests privacy for their loss.”
The actress rose to fame as a child star in the 1990s and 2000s, making her film debut in “Harriet the Spy” in 1996. She went on to appear in several Nickelodeon productions and landed iconic roles in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Gossip Girl.”
Tributes have poured in from former colleagues and friends, including US comedian Rosie O’Donnell, who starred alongside Trachtenberg in “Harriet the Spy.” O’Donnell described her death as “heart-breaking,” saying, “I loved her very much. She struggled the last few years. I wish I could have helped.”
English actor Ed Westwick, who played Chuck Bass in “Gossip Girl,” shared a tribute on Instagram, posting a picture of Trachtenberg as Georgina Sparks with the message, “So sad to hear of the passing of Michelle Trachtenberg. Sending prayers.”
David Boreanaz, her former “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” castmate, also expressed his sorrow, writing on Instagram, “So very sad. Horrible news.”
Trachtenberg’s final major acting role was in 2021 as the host of the true-crime docuseries “Meet, Marry, Murder” on Tubi. She had also reprised her role as Georgina Sparks in two episodes of the “Gossip Girl” reboot in 2023.
In 2021, Trachtenberg was among several actors who accused “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” creator Joss Whedon of inappropriate behavior on set, following similar allegations by her co-star Charisma Carpenter.
Throughout her career, Trachtenberg received multiple award nominations, including a Daytime Emmy, for her performance in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” She will be deeply missed by her fans and the entertainment industry.