Lauren Myers February 26th, 2025 - 11:25 PM
According to an article via The Hollywood Reporter Michelle Trachtenberg, the beloved actress known for roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl, has passed away at the age of 39. Her family confirmed her death to The Hollywood Reporter on Wednesday, requesting privacy during this time of loss. Details surrounding her passing have not been released. Trachtenberg’s career, which spanned over two decades, was marked by her seamless transition between big and small screens, from her early role in Harriet the Spy to her latest stint in Gossip Girl.
Born in New York City and raised in Brooklyn, Trachtenberg was a natural performer from a young age. By the age of three, she had begun appearing in commercials and landed her first TV role in 1991 with Law & Order. Her big break came at 10 years old when she starred as the title character in Harriet the Spy alongside Rosie O’Donnell and Eartha Kitt. She moved to Los Angeles at age 12 to further her career, later landing significant roles on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and EuroTrip.
Transitioning from child star to adult actress, The Hollywood Reporter also mentioned that Trachtenberg continued to find success in both television and film. In addition to Buffy, she earned acclaim for roles in EuroTrip and Mysterious Skin, further expanding her range. She also appeared on Six Feet Under and voiced characters for Robot Chicken. Her portrayal of the cunning Georgina Sparks in Gossip Girl solidified her place in pop culture, and she even reprised the role for the series’ 2021 reboot.
Trachtenberg’s life was not without its challenges, including bullying in her youth and online criticism later in her career. She openly discussed the cruelty she faced in school and how it left lasting scars, using her platform to encourage others dealing with similar struggles.
“You are something. Do not put your value in someone else,” she wrote in an emotional Instagram post.
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In recent months, Trachtenberg had been active on Instagram, sharing throwback photos of her career. While she had been open about her health and faced online critics head-on, she remained a private individual, declining an interview with The Hollywood Reporter in the days leading up to her death. Trachtenberg’s passing leaves behind a legacy of unforgettable roles and a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.
Her contributions to television and film will undoubtedly be remembered by fans and peers alike, as her remarkable career spanned multiple genres, showcasing her versatility and talent.
