Michelle Trachtenberg, ‘Buffy’ and ‘Gossip Girl’ Star, Dies at 39

michelle Trachtenberg, known for her roles in “Buffy teh Vampire slayer” and “Gossip girl,” has died at the age of 39. Emergency medical services were called to one Columbus Place in New York early Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025. Police have stated that a medical examiner will determine the cause of death, but it is indeed not being treated as suspicious.

Tributes Pour in From Co-Stars

News of TrachtenbergS death has prompted an outpouring of grief and tributes from fellow actors and industry professionals.

• Sarah Michelle Gellar: Gellar, who played Buffy Summers, Trachtenberg’s on-screen sister, shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, adapting a line from the show: “Michelle, listen to me. Listen. I love you. I will always love you. The hardest thing in this world, is to live in it. I will be brave. I will live… for you.” She also shared images of them together from the set.
• Blake Lively: Lively, a “Gossip Girl” co-star, wrote on Instagram that the world had lost a “deeply sensitive and good person in Michelle. May her work and her huge heart be remembered by those who were lucky enough to experience her fire”. She also noted, “She laughed the fullest at someone’s joke, she faced authority head on when she felt something was wrong, she cared deeply about her work, she was proud to be a part of this community and industry as painful as it might very well be sometimes, she was fiercely loyal to her friends and brave for those she loved, she was big and bold and distinctly herself”.
• Charisma carpenter: carpenter, another Buffy co-star, described the news as “devastating,” adding that seeing someone die “so young, bright, stunning, and full of promise pass away” is heartbreaking. Carpenter also said, “I extend my deepest condolences to those who knew her better than I did — those who had the pleasure of working with her, those who loved her with all their might, her family, and her partner, whom I never met. I’m so sorry for your loss.” She acknowledged Trachtenberg’s impact on her fans, stating, “I would be remiss not to acknowledge the undeniable impact she has had on the lives of her fans worldwide. She will live on through her performances and her love of storytelling forever.”
• Alyson Hannigan: Hannigan, known for her role as Willow on “Buffy,” said Trachtenberg “brought a loving energy to the set.”
• James Marsters: marsters, who played Spike, remembered Trachtenberg as “a beautiful soul”, who was “fiercely bright, howlingly funny, and a very talented person”.
• Melissa Joan Hart: The “Clarissa Explains It All” star called her co-star “talented and sweet”, and said she was “heartbroken”.
• Josh safran: Safran, a writer and producer on “Gossip Girl,” shared on X, formerly Twitter, it was an “an honor and joy to write for Michelle for so manny years”.

A Career From Child Star to Television icon

Born in 1985 in New York City, Trachtenberg began her career at the age of three, appearing in commercials.She quickly transitioned to television, securing a role in children’s sitcom, “The Adventures Of Pete & Pete,” and gaining wider recognition in 1996 as the star of “Harriet The Spy,” playing an 11-year-old who spies and concocts outrageous lies to embellish her journal.

Trachtenberg’s career spanned various genres and memorable roles, including:

• Penny in the 1999 film “Inspector Gadget.”
• Jenny in the 2004 comedy “EuroTrip.”
• A leading role in the 2005 sports comedy “Ice Princess.”
• A part in the 2009 teen comedy “17 Again” alongside Zac Efron.
• Georgina Sparks in “Gossip Girl,” a character she reprised in the sequel series. Trachtenberg herself said on the XOXO podcast with Jessica Szohr that “some were actually more scandalous than the show portrayed”, referencing people from the upper East Side she knew in her 20s.

Legacy and Remembrance

michelle Trachtenberg’s early achievements and diverse roles have cemented her place in the hearts of many. She will be remembered not only for her talent but also for the positive impact she had on those around her.

A representative for trachtenberg stated: “It is with grate sadness to confirm that Michelle has passed away. The family requests privacy for their loss. There are no further details at this time.”

The loss of Michelle Trachtenberg is profoundly felt by her family, friends, colleagues, and fans worldwide. Remember her by revisiting her work and sharing your favourite memories of her performances.